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

ATI RN

ATI Pathophysiology

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water, and patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Taking the medication with milk (choice B) is not recommended as it may interfere with alendronate absorption. Taking it at bedtime (choice C) is not necessary and may increase the risk of esophageal irritation. Taking the medication with food (choice D) can reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

2. What can multiple dark bands on the nails indicate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Multiple dark bands on the nails can be associated with malignant melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. While dark bands on the nails can sometimes be a normal variant, they should not be ignored as they could also be a sign of a serious condition like melanoma. Nail fungus typically presents with different symptoms such as thickened, discolored, or brittle nails. Dark bands on the nails are not directly associated with aging.

3. What is the characteristic of the condition of leukemia?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'A malignant growth of white blood cells.' Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. These cells are malignant and impair the normal function of healthy blood cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because leukemia does not involve skin cells or benign growths; instead, it specifically refers to the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells.

4. A patient is hospitalized due to nonadherence to an antitubercular drug treatment. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to do?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most crucial action for the nurse to take is to observe the patient taking the medications. This ensures that the patient is actually consuming the prescribed antitubercular drugs, addressing the issue of nonadherence directly. Administering the medications parenterally (intravenously or intramuscularly) is not necessary unless there are specific medical reasons requiring this route of administration. Instructing the family on the medication regimen is important for support but may not directly address the patient's nonadherence. Counting the number of tablets in the bottle daily is not as effective as directly observing the patient taking the medications to ensure compliance.

5. When does pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsen?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsens with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away from the affected area, leading to decreased perfusion and exacerbation of symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because resting, dependent position, and touch/massage do not typically worsen the pain associated with peripheral artery disease.

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