Nursing Elites

1. The early stages of atheroma development are characterized by:

• A. macrophages full of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL; i.e., foam cells) in the intima
• B. accumulation of lipids in the intima (i.e., fatty streak)
• C. accumulation of proteins such as collagen and elastin (i.e., fibrous cap)
• D. development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In the early stages of atheroma development, macrophages accumulate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and transform into foam cells, leading to the formation of fatty streaks in the intima of blood vessels. This process is a hallmark of the initial stages of atherosclerosis. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the accumulation of lipids in the intima, which is a later event following foam cell formation. Choice C is also incorrect as it refers to the accumulation of proteins forming the fibrous cap, which occurs at a later stage to stabilize the atheroma. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core, typically seen in advanced atherosclerosis rather than the early stages.

2. A patient is prescribed finasteride (Proscar) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What outcome should the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Decreased urinary frequency and urgency
• B. Increased prostate size
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Increased risk of kidney stones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased urinary frequency and urgency. Finasteride is expected to decrease urinary frequency and urgency in patients with BPH by reducing prostate size. It works by inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which helps shrink the prostate gland. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Finasteride does not increase prostate size, blood pressure, or the risk of kidney stones.

3. A nursing student is learning about the effects of bactericidal agents. How does rifampin (Rifadin) achieve a therapeutic action against both intracellular and extracellular tuberculosis organisms?

• A. It is metabolized in the liver.
• B. It binds to acetylcholine.
• C. It inhibits synthesis of RNA.
• D. It causes phagocytosis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rifampin (Rifadin) achieves a therapeutic action against both intracellular and extracellular tuberculosis organisms by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA. This action interferes with bacterial RNA synthesis, leading to the suppression of protein synthesis in the bacteria, ultimately causing their death. Option A is incorrect because rifampin is primarily metabolized in the liver, but this is not how it exerts its bactericidal effects. Option B is incorrect as rifampin does not bind to acetylcholine. Option D is also incorrect as rifampin does not cause phagocytosis.

4. A male patient is receiving testosterone therapy for hypogonadism. What adverse effect should the nurse be most concerned about?

• A. Increased risk of breast cancer
• B. Increased risk of liver dysfunction
• C. Increased risk of cardiovascular events
• D. Increased risk of prostate cancer

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased risk of cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction are the most concerning adverse effects of testosterone therapy, especially in older patients. Choice A, increased risk of breast cancer, is not a common adverse effect of testosterone therapy in males. Choice B, increased risk of liver dysfunction, is a potential adverse effect but is not the most concerning. Choice D, increased risk of prostate cancer, is a consideration in patients with a history of prostate cancer or those with prostate carcinoma, not typically in patients receiving testosterone therapy for hypogonadism.

5. What is the action of amphotericin B?

• A. It binds to ergosterol and forms holes in the membrane.
• B. It binds to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol.
• C. It disrupts the fungal cell walls rather than the cell membrane.
• D. It inhibits glucan synthetase required for glucan synthesis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication that acts by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, forming pores that disrupt the integrity of the membrane. This action leads to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death. Choice B is incorrect as amphotericin B does not bind to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol. Choice C is incorrect as the drug primarily affects the cell membrane rather than the cell wall. Choice D is also incorrect as amphotericin B does not inhibit glucan synthetase.

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