a patient is starting on alendronate fosamax for osteoporosis what instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication

ATI RN

Pathophysiology Practice Exam

1. A patient is starting on alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. What instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?

A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
B. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
C. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
D. Take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to take alendronate with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. This is essential to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking alendronate at bedtime can increase the risk of esophageal irritation due to lying down. Choice C is incorrect as taking alendronate with milk can reduce its absorption. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance its effectiveness.

2. The nurse is planning care for a client with damage to the vestibular area of the vestibulocochlear nerve. What should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

A. Assistance with ambulation
B. Regular hearing tests
C. Monitoring for nausea
D. Vision assessments

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Damage to the vestibular area affects balance and may cause nausea. Therefore, the nurse should include assistance with ambulation in the care plan to help the client maintain stability while walking. Regular hearing tests (choice B) are not directly related to damage in the vestibular area of the vestibulocochlear nerve. While nausea (choice C) may occur due to vestibular damage, monitoring for it alone is not as essential as providing assistance with ambulation. Vision assessments (choice D) are important for assessing visual function but are not the priority when dealing with vestibular issues.

3. Which of the following accurately describes the pathophysiology of asthma?

A. Chronic inflammation of the bronchial lining
B. Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction
C. Damage to alveoli reducing lung elasticity
D. Overproduction of mucus by the goblet cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction." In asthma, there is an inflammatory response that leads to bronchoconstriction, causing the airways to narrow and making it difficult to breathe. Choice A is incorrect as chronic inflammation is a feature of asthma but not the primary pathophysiological mechanism. Choice C is incorrect as damage to alveoli is more characteristic of conditions like emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as overproduction of mucus is a feature of chronic bronchitis, not asthma.

4. Which of the following tests is recommended for lung cancer screening?

A. Chest X-ray
B. Pulmonary function test
C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
D. Magnetic resonance imaging

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Computed tomography (CT) scan. When screening for lung cancer, CT scans are recommended over chest X-rays due to their higher sensitivity in detecting lung nodules and early-stage cancers. Pulmonary function tests are not used for screening lung cancer but rather to assess lung function. Magnetic resonance imaging is not the preferred imaging modality for routine lung cancer screening, as CT scans are more commonly used.

5. A 60-year-old male patient is receiving androgen therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for?

A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Nephrotoxicity
C. Cardiotoxicity
D. Pulmonary toxicity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hepatotoxicity. Androgen therapy, such as testosterone, can lead to hepatotoxicity, which is toxic to the liver. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient's liver function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because androgen therapy is not typically associated with nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or pulmonary toxicity.