Nursing Elites

1. A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What specific 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 to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption.
• B. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
• C. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
• 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. This positioning helps reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ensures adequate drug absorption. Choice B is incorrect because alendronate should be taken with water, not milk. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific advantage to taking alendronate at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect because taking alendronate with food may interfere with its absorption.

2. A nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who presents with symptoms that are characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What assessment finding would be expected in this client?

• A. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs
• B. Decreased cognitive function
• C. Involuntary muscle contractions
• D. Hyperreflexia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperreflexia. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hyperreflexia is a common assessment finding due to the degeneration of upper motor neurons. This results in an overactive reflex response to stimuli. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs (choice A) are not typically seen in ALS; instead, hyperreflexia is more common. Decreased cognitive function (choice B) is not a primary characteristic of ALS. Involuntary muscle contractions (choice C) are more indicative of conditions such as dystonia or myoclonus, not ALS.

3. A woman is complaining that she feels like the room is spinning even though she is not moving. Which of the following is characteristic of benign positional vertigo?

• A. It usually occurs with a headache.
• B. Pupillary changes are common.
• C. It is usually triggered when the patient bends forward.
• D. Nystagmus continues even when the eyes fixate on an object.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It is usually triggered when the patient bends forward.' Benign positional vertigo is often triggered by changes in head position, such as bending forward. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A is incorrect because benign positional vertigo is not typically associated with headaches. B is incorrect because pupillary changes are not a common feature of benign positional vertigo. D is incorrect because nystagmus in benign positional vertigo usually stops when the eyes fixate on an object.

4. What signs and symptoms most likely prompted this patient to initially seek care?

• A. Malaise and fatigue
• B. Severe diarrhea
• C. Intermittent fever
• D. Dizziness and confusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe diarrhea. A patient who has recently returned from a trip to Nepal with a nongovernmental organization and is seeking care for amebiasis would most likely have been prompted by the symptom of severe diarrhea. Amebiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water sources in developing countries like Nepal. The hallmark symptom of amebiasis is dysentery, which is characterized by severe diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool. Malaise and fatigue (choice A) are nonspecific symptoms that may accompany many illnesses and are not specific to amebiasis. Intermittent fever (choice C) is not a typical presenting symptom of amebiasis, which primarily manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dizziness and confusion (choice D) are also not typical symptoms associated with amebiasis.

5. Which of the following statements indicates more teaching is needed regarding secondary lymph organs? ________is/are a secondary lymph organ.

• A. The spleen
• B. Peyer's patches
• C. Adenoids
• D. The liver

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'The liver.' The liver is not a secondary lymph organ. Secondary lymph organs are primarily involved in the immune response, such as the spleen, Peyer's patches, and adenoids. The spleen filters blood and is essential for immune function. Peyer's patches are located in the small intestine and help protect against pathogens. Adenoids are located in the throat and play a role in immune defense. Therefore, the liver is the incorrect choice as it is not part of the secondary lymph organ system.

Similar Questions