An NP is caring for a 70-year-old patient who reports having seasonal allergies with severe rhinorrhea. Using the Beers criteria, which of the following medications should the NP recommend for this patient?
- A. Loratadine (Claritin)
- B. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- C. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- D. Chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlorphen 12)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because loratadine is a nonsedating antihistamine, safer for elderly per Beers criteria, unlike the sedating options B, C, and D, which increase fall risk and cognitive impairment in older adults.
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Passive monitoring of drug effectiveness includes:
- A. Therapeutic drug levels
- B. Adding or subtracting medications from the treatment regimen
- C. Ongoing provider visits
- D. Instructing the patient to report if the drug is not effective
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because passive monitoring relies on patient feedback, like reporting ineffectiveness, rather than active measures like lab tests. Choice A is incorrect as therapeutic levels are active monitoring. Choice B is wrong because adjusting medications is an intervention, not monitoring. Choice C is incorrect since provider visits are active engagement, not passive.
Drugs that may interact with vaccines include:
- A. Immunosuppressants
- B. Antibiotics
- C. Antihistamines
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because immunosuppressants (e.g., prednisone) reduce vaccine efficacy by weakening immune response, per CDC guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as antibiotics don't typically affect vaccines. Choice C is wrong because antihistamines lack vaccine interactions. Choice D is incorrect since only immunosuppressants apply.
A woman who is pregnant tells an NP that she has been taking sertraline for depression for several years but is worried about the effects of this drug on her fetus. The NP will consult with this patient's psychiatrist and will recommend that she:
- A. stop taking the sertraline now.
- B. continue taking the antidepressant.
- C. change to a different antidepressant.
- D. taper off the sertraline gradually.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because continuing sertraline is often safer than untreated depression, with psychiatric consultation. Choice A is incorrect (abrupt stopping risky). Choice C is wrong (changing not first step). Choice D is inaccurate (tapering not indicated without specialist input).
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration:
- A. Registers manufacturers and prescribers of controlled substances
- B. Regulates NP prescribing at the state level
- C. Sanctions providers who prescribe drugs off-label
- D. Provides prescribers with a number they can use for insurance billing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because the DEA registers those handling controlled substances, issuing numbers for tracking and prescribing, its primary role. Choice B is incorrect as state boards, not the DEA, regulate NP prescribing. Choice C is wrong because off-label prescribing isn't DEA-regulated. Choice D is incorrect since the DEA number is for controlled substances, not insurance billing.
The primary care NP sees a 4-year-old child who has received four doses of PCV 7 in the first 15 months of life. The NP should administer:
- A. PCV 7.
- B. PCV 13.
- C. PPV 23.
- D. no PCV.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because children under 5 with PCV 7 series should get one PCV 13 dose. Choice A is incorrect (PCV 7 outdated). Choice C is wrong (PPV 23 not for this age). Choice D is inaccurate (vaccine needed).