Nursing Elites

1. What is a critical point the nurse should include in patient education for a patient prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex)?

• A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
• B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
• C. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• D. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain and fluid retention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The critical point the nurse should include in patient education for a patient prescribed tamoxifen is that it may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. This is crucial information because tamoxifen is known to promote blood clot formation, and patients need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots to seek prompt medical attention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as tamoxifen is not associated with decreasing the risk of osteoporosis, causing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, or directly causing weight gain and fluid retention.

2. A client with a diagnosis of depression has been prescribed a medication that ultimately increases the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin between neurons. Which process will accompany the actions of the neurotransmitter in a chemical synapse?

• A. Two-way communication between neurons is permitted, in contrast to the one-way communication in electrical synapses.
• B. Communication between a neuron and the single neuron it is connected with will be facilitated.
• C. The neurotransmitter will cross gap junctions more readily.
• D. More neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bond with postsynaptic receptors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When serotonin levels increase, more neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bind with postsynaptic receptors, facilitating enhanced communication. Option A is incorrect because chemical synapses, unlike electrical synapses, are unidirectional. Option B is incorrect because neurotransmitters impact communication with multiple neurons, not just a single connected neuron. Option C is incorrect because neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft, not gap junctions.

3. What causes osteoporosis?

• A. Poor nutrition in infancy
• B. Regularly weight-bearing exercise
• C. Bone loss, frequently during aging
• D. Cerebral palsy and associated disorders

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Osteoporosis is commonly caused by bone loss that occurs with aging, leading to brittle bones. Choice A, poor nutrition in infancy, is not a direct cause of osteoporosis. Choice B, regularly weight-bearing exercise, actually helps in maintaining bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Choice D, cerebral palsy and associated disorders, is not a common cause of osteoporosis.

4. What should the nurse emphasize regarding the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease?

• A. HRT is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
• B. HRT may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
• C. HRT may improve mood and energy levels.
• D. HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Choice B is incorrect because HRT does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; instead, it may have adverse effects on bone health. Choice C is incorrect as the improvement in mood and energy levels is not a significant risk associated with HRT. Choice D is incorrect because while HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, the question specifically focuses on patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, where the emphasis should be on cardiovascular risks.

5. In which of the following patients may the administration of a live vaccine be contraindicated?

• A. Patient with renal insufficiency
• B. Patient with hepatic failure
• C. Patient taking steroid therapy
• D. Patient over the age of 65 years

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The administration of live vaccines may be contraindicated in patients taking steroid therapy. Steroids can suppress the immune system, reducing the effectiveness of live vaccines. Patients with renal insufficiency or hepatic failure can typically receive live vaccines as these conditions are not direct contraindications. Age alone, such as being over 65 years old, is not a contraindication for live vaccines unless there are other specific health considerations. Therefore, the patient taking steroid therapy is the most likely candidate for whom the administration of a live vaccine would be contraindicated.

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