Nursing Elites

1. A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What critical information should the nurse provide during patient education?

• A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
• B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so adequate calcium intake is important.
• C. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
• D. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of breast cancer, so regular mammograms are essential.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed tamoxifen, a critical piece of information that the nurse should provide during patient education is that tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Therefore, patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Choice B is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Choice C is incorrect as weight gain is a possible side effect of tamoxifen, but it is not a critical piece of information compared to the risk of venous thromboembolism. Choice D is incorrect because tamoxifen is actually used to treat breast cancer, not increase its risk.

2. Two people experience the same stressor yet only one is able to cope and adapt adequately. An example of the person with an increased capacity to adapt is the one with:

• A. A sense of purpose in life
• B. Circadian rhythm disruption
• C. Age-related renal dysfunction
• D. Excessive weight gain or loss

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A strong sense of purpose in life is associated with better stress coping mechanisms, which can enhance a person's capacity to adapt. Having a clear sense of purpose provides individuals with motivation, direction, and resilience to face challenges. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to an increased capacity to adapt to stress. Circadian rhythm disruption, age-related renal dysfunction, and excessive weight gain or loss may have negative impacts on overall well-being and stress management.

3. Which immunoglobulin is the first to appear in response to a new antigen?

• A. IgA
• B. IgG
• C. IgE
• D. IgM

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is IgM. IgM is the first immunoglobulin to appear in response to a new antigen. It is produced initially during the primary immune response. IgA is mainly found in mucosal areas and secretions. IgG is produced in a secondary immune response and is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the bloodstream. IgE is involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, not the initial response to a new antigen.

4. When educating a patient starting on oral contraceptives, what should the nurse include regarding the medication's effectiveness?

• A. Oral contraceptives are 100% effective when taken correctly.
• B. Oral contraceptives are effective immediately after starting.
• C. Oral contraceptives are less effective if taken with certain antibiotics.
• D. Oral contraceptives are less effective if taken with food.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with certain antibiotics due to potential drug interactions. It is crucial for patients to be informed about this to consider additional contraceptive methods during antibiotic therapy. Choice A is incorrect because while oral contraceptives are highly effective, they are not 100% foolproof. Choice B is incorrect as it may give the impression that immediate protection is conferred, which is not the case. Choice D is incorrect as taking oral contraceptives with food does not significantly impact their effectiveness.

5. Seizures are diagnosed by which of the following?

• A. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and ECG
• B. Seizure symptoms and complete blood count (CBC)
• C. Seizure symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG)
• D. Seizure symptoms and EEG

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seizures are most accurately diagnosed by EEG, which measures brain activity. Choice A is incorrect as ECG (electrocardiogram) measures heart activity, not brain activity. Choice B is incorrect as CBC (complete blood count) is a blood test and not used to diagnose seizures. Choice C is incorrect as an ECG (electrocardiogram) also measures heart activity, not brain activity, and is not the primary diagnostic tool for seizures.

Similar Questions