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

ATI RN

Final Exam Pathophysiology

1. A patient is taking 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 nausea.

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 at bedtime (choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to esophageal irritation when lying down. Taking the medication with milk (choice C) is incorrect as it may interfere with the absorption of alendronate. Taking the medication with food (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

2. What is the action of amphotericin B?

A. It binds to ergosterol and forms holes in the membrane.
B. It binds to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol.
C. It disrupts the fungal cell walls rather than the cell membrane.
D. It inhibits glucan synthetase required for glucan synthesis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication that acts by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, forming pores that disrupt the integrity of the membrane. This action leads to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death. Choice B is incorrect as amphotericin B does not bind to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol. Choice C is incorrect as the drug primarily affects the cell membrane rather than the cell wall. Choice D is also incorrect as amphotericin B does not inhibit glucan synthetase.

3. A patient is prescribed medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) for endometriosis. What should the nurse teach the patient about the proper use of this medication?

A. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
B. Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking this medication.
C. Discontinue the medication if side effects occur.
D. Apply the medication once a week.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels and effectiveness. Consistency in timing helps regulate the hormone levels in the body, ensuring the medication's optimal benefit. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific need to avoid sun exposure with this medication. Choice C is incorrect because discontinuing the medication without consulting the healthcare provider may not be safe. Choice D is incorrect as medroxyprogesterone acetate is typically taken orally and not applied topically once a week.

4. How are antibodies produced?

A. B cells
B. T cells
C. Helper cells
D. Memory cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Antibodies are produced by B cells. B cells are specialized white blood cells that generate antibodies as part of the immune response. B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies. T cells play a role in cell-mediated immunity, not antibody production. Helper cells, or helper T cells, assist in activating B cells but do not directly produce antibodies. Memory cells store information about previous infections but do not actively produce antibodies.

5. A 35-year-old female is diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia). How should the nurse respond when the patient asks what causes pernicious anemia? A decrease in ______ is the most likely cause.

A. Ferritin
B. Gastric enzymes
C. Intrinsic factor
D. Erythropoietin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by a decrease in intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed properly, leading to anemia. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and is not directly related to pernicious anemia. Gastric enzymes play a role in digestion but are not the primary cause of pernicious anemia. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production and is not linked to pernicious anemia.