A patient is starting on atorvastatin (Lipitor) for hyperlipidemia. What critical instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects.
- B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
- C. Take the medication in the morning with breakfast to improve absorption.
- D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal to increase its effectiveness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects. Atorvastatin, like other statins, is more effective when taken in the evening as the body produces more cholesterol at night. Taking it with a high-fat meal (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the drug's absorption. Grapefruit juice (choice B) should be avoided with atorvastatin as it can increase the risk of side effects. Taking the medication in the morning with breakfast (choice C) is not as effective as taking it at night.
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A patient is receiving oral nystatin suspension for a fungal infection of the mouth. Which of the following adverse effects is most likely to be experienced with this form of nystatin?
- A. Local irritation
- B. Burning
- C. Nausea
- D. Urinary urgency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Local irritation. When using oral nystatin suspension for a fungal infection of the mouth, local irritation is the most likely adverse effect that a patient may experience. Nystatin is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may develop local irritation, such as mouth or throat irritation. Choices B, C, and D are less likely adverse effects of oral nystatin suspension. Burning, nausea, and urinary urgency are not commonly associated with nystatin use for a fungal infection of the mouth.
When teaching a young woman about the use of hormonal contraceptives, a nurse should emphasize that these drugs are most effective when taken:
- A. Immediately after sexual intercourse.
- B. At the same time each day.
- C. Before going to bed at night.
- D. On an empty stomach.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'At the same time each day.' Hormonal contraceptives should be taken consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels, which is crucial for their effectiveness. Taking them at random times can increase the risk of contraceptive failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking hormonal contraceptives immediately after sexual intercourse, before going to bed at night, or on an empty stomach does not align with the recommended usage instructions for these drugs.
A patient has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Which of the following agents will assist in raising the patient's hemoglobin levels?
- A. Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)
- B. Pentoxifylline (Pentoxil)
- C. Estazolam (ProSom)
- D. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit). Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production and is commonly used to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. By increasing red blood cell production, epoetin alfa helps raise hemoglobin levels in these patients. Pentoxifylline (Choice B) is not indicated for raising hemoglobin levels in chronic renal failure patients; it is a peripheral vasodilator used to improve blood flow. Estazolam (Choice C) is a benzodiazepine used for treating insomnia and has no role in raising hemoglobin levels. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (Choice D) is a cough suppressant and is not used to raise hemoglobin levels in patients with chronic renal failure.
A healthcare provider is explaining to a patient the difference between primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders and explains that secondary immunodeficiencies (select ONE that does not apply):
- A. May develop after viral infections
- B. Develop before birth
- C. May develop following immunosuppressive therapies
- D. Are caused by superimposed conditions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct statements about secondary immunodeficiencies are that they may develop after viral infections, following immunosuppressive therapies, and are caused by superimposed conditions. Choice B ('Develop before birth') is incorrect because secondary immunodeficiencies do not develop before birth. They are acquired later in life. Therefore, the correct answers are A, C, and D.
Which of the following accurately describes the pathophysiology of asthma?
- A. Chronic inflammation of the bronchial lining
- B. Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction
- C. Damage to alveoli reducing lung elasticity
- D. Overproduction of mucus by the goblet cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction." In asthma, there is an inflammatory response that leads to bronchoconstriction, causing the airways to narrow and making it difficult to breathe. Choice A is incorrect as chronic inflammation is a feature of asthma but not the primary pathophysiological mechanism. Choice C is incorrect as damage to alveoli is more characteristic of conditions like emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as overproduction of mucus is a feature of chronic bronchitis, not asthma.