Nursing Elites

1. A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed raloxifene (Evista). What is the primary therapeutic action of this medication?

• A. It stimulates the formation of new bone.
• B. It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.
• C. It increases calcium absorption in the intestines.
• D. It increases the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.' Raloxifene, as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), works by reducing bone resorption (breakdown) and maintaining or increasing bone density. This mechanism helps in preventing further bone loss and can even increase bone mass. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Raloxifene does not stimulate the formation of new bone (choice A), increase calcium absorption in the intestines (choice C), or increase the excretion of calcium through the kidneys (choice D).

2. A man with gout has developed large, hard nodules around his toes and elbows. The phase of gout he is in is:

• A. asymptomatic
• B. acute flare
• C. the intercritical period
• D. chronic gout

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'chronic gout.' Chronic gout is characterized by the presence of tophi, which are large, hard nodules that can develop around joints like toes and elbows. These tophi are a sign of longstanding, untreated gout. Choice A, 'asymptomatic,' is incorrect as the presence of tophi indicates a symptomatic phase. Choice B, 'acute flare,' is incorrect as acute flares are characterized by sudden and severe pain, inflammation, and redness in the joints, not the development of tophi. Choice C, 'the intercritical period,' is also incorrect as this phase occurs between acute attacks and is typically asymptomatic, without the presence of tophi.

3. Interpret the following arterial blood gas results: PH = 7.30; PaCO2 = 55 mmHg; HCO3 = 24 mEq/L

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, there is an accumulation of CO2 in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. The elevated PaCO2 of 55 mmHg in the given results indicates hypoventilation, causing respiratory acidosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the provided data does not show metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, or metabolic alkalosis.

4. In a patient with HIV infected with Mycobacterium avium complex from an indoor pool, which of the following medications is the recommended treatment for MAC?

• A. Clarithromycin
• B. Isoniazid (INH)
• C. Rifabutin
• D. Azithromycin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is one of the recommended medications for treating Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in patients with HIV. It is a macrolide antibiotic that is effective against MAC. Isoniazid (INH) is used to treat tuberculosis, not MAC. Rifabutin is another medication used in the treatment of MAC infections, but clarithromycin is preferred as a first-line agent. Azithromycin is also used in the treatment of MAC infections; however, clarithromycin is more commonly recommended due to its efficacy and safety profile.

5. A patient has been prescribed raloxifene (Evista) for the prevention of osteoporosis. What effect should the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding the action of this medication?

• A. Decreases calcium excretion by the kidneys.
• B. Increases intestinal absorption of calcium.
• C. Stimulates bone formation by increasing osteoblast activity.
• D. Selectively binds to estrogen receptors, decreasing bone resorption.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Selectively binds to estrogen receptors, decreasing bone resorption. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that works by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby decreasing bone resorption. This action helps in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by preserving bone density. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because raloxifene does not directly affect calcium excretion by the kidneys, intestinal absorption of calcium, or stimulate bone formation by increasing osteoblast activity.

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