Nursing Elites

1. An adult patient has begun treatment with fluconazole. The nurse should recognize the need to likely discontinue the drug if the patient develops which of the following signs or symptoms?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Weight gain
• C. Iron deficiency anemia
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jaundice. Fluconazole, an antifungal medication, can rarely cause hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as jaundice. Monitoring for signs of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice, is crucial during fluconazole therapy. Weight gain, iron deficiency anemia, and hematuria are not commonly associated with fluconazole use and are not indications for discontinuing the drug.

2. A 9-year-old girl has a diffuse collection of symptoms that are indicative of deficits in endocrine and autonomic nervous system control. She also suffers from persistent fluid and electrolyte imbalances. On which aspect of the nervous system listed below would her health care providers focus their diagnostic efforts?

• A. The thalamus
• B. The pituitary
• C. The hypothalamus
• D. The midbrain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating endocrine and autonomic functions, including fluid and electrolyte balance. In this case, the girl's symptoms of deficits in endocrine and autonomic nervous system control, along with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, point towards dysfunction in the hypothalamus. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thalamus is mainly involved in sensory relay, the pituitary gland regulates various hormones but is controlled by the hypothalamus, and the midbrain is responsible for motor control and arousal, not endocrine or autonomic functions.

3. A nurse practitioner is assessing a 7-year-old boy who has been brought to the clinic by his mother, who is concerned about her son's increasingly frequent, severe headaches. Which of the nurse's questions is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his problem?

• A. Does your son have a family history of migraines?
• B. When your son has a headache, does he ever have nausea and vomiting as well?
• C. Does your son have any food allergies that have been identified?
• D. Is your son generally pain-free during the intervals between headaches?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In assessing a child for migraines, asking about food allergies is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his headaches. Food allergies are unrelated to the typical symptoms and triggers of migraines, such as family history, associated symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and pain-free intervals between headaches. Therefore, in this scenario, focusing on food allergies is less relevant for identifying migraines as the cause of the boy's headaches.

4. What are the signs of thyroid crisis resulting from Graves' disease?

• A. Constipation with gastric distension.
• B. Bradycardia and bradypnea.
• C. Hyperthermia and tachycardia.
• D. Constipation and lethargy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a thyroid crisis resulting from Graves' disease, the patient typically experiences symptoms such as hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These symptoms are indicative of the hypermetabolic state seen in thyroid storm. Choices A and D are incorrect as constipation and lethargy are not typical signs of a thyroid crisis; instead, patients with hyperthyroidism often experience diarrhea and agitation. Choice B is incorrect because bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow breathing rate) are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism rather than a thyroid crisis in Graves' disease.

5. What aspect of this woman's current health status would contraindicate the use of oral contraceptives?

• A. The woman has a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
• B. The woman has asthma and uses inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
• C. The woman has a family history of breast cancer.
• D. The woman takes an antiplatelet medication for coronary artery disease.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Women with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Oral contraceptives further increase this risk due to their potential effects on blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and clotting factors. Choice B is incorrect as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators do not contraindicate the use of oral contraceptives. Choice C is incorrect as a family history of breast cancer does not directly contraindicate the use of oral contraceptives. Choice D is also incorrect as taking an antiplatelet medication for coronary artery disease does not necessarily contraindicate the use of oral contraceptives.

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