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A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication. The patient asks the nurse how long the medication will be necessary. How will the nurse respond?
- A. You will take the medication as needed for seizure activity.
- B. The medication will be given until you are seizure free.
- C. You will take the medication for 3 to 5 years.
- D. The medication is usually taken for a lifetime.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The medication is usually taken for a lifetime. The rationale for this is that epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Anticonvulsant medications are typically prescribed long-term to help control and prevent seizures. Discontinuing the medication can lead to breakthrough seizures and potential risks to the patient's safety and well-being. Choices A and B are incorrect because anticonvulsants are not typically taken on an as-needed basis and the goal is not just to be seizure-free temporarily. Choice C is incorrect as the duration of anticonvulsant therapy may vary depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment, but it is often longer than 3 to 5 years.
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A patient is diagnosed with borderline hypertension and states a desire to make lifestyle changes to avoid needing to take medication. The nurse advises:
- A. Changing from weight-bearing exercise to yoga.
- B. Decreased fluid intake and increased potassium intake.
- C. Stress reduction and increased protein intake.
- D. Weight reduction and decreased sodium intake.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Weight reduction and decreased sodium intake. Weight reduction helps lower blood pressure by reducing strain on the heart and blood vessels. Decreasing sodium intake is crucial as high sodium levels can lead to increased blood pressure. Changing from weight-bearing exercise to yoga (choice A) may not be as effective in lowering blood pressure. Decreased fluid intake and increased potassium intake (choice B) might not directly address the root cause of hypertension. Stress reduction and increased protein intake (choice C) may not have a direct impact on blood pressure compared to weight reduction and sodium intake.
How do antiplatelet medications work?
- A. Stimulate the plasmin system.
- B. Alter the formation of the platelet plug.
- C. Initiate the clotting cascade.
- D. Interfere with the clotting cascade.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alter the formation of the platelet plug. Antiplatelet medications work by inhibiting platelet aggregation, preventing the formation of blood clots. They do not stimulate the plasmin system (A), initiate the clotting cascade (C), or interfere with the clotting cascade (D). By blocking platelet aggregation, these medications help reduce the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events.
The nursing instructor asks the student nurse to explain the action of sumatriptan. What is the student's best response?
- A. Vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels.
- B. Depresses pain response in the central nervous system.
- C. Vasoconstrictive on cranial blood vessels.
- D. Binds to acetylcholine receptors to prevent nerve transmission.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vasoconstrictive on cranial blood vessels. Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines by constricting blood vessels in the brain, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain associated with migraines. This action helps to alleviate migraine symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sumatriptan does not cause vasodilation, depress pain response in the central nervous system, or bind to acetylcholine receptors. Sumatriptan specifically targets cranial blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms.
What class of antiarrhythmic drugs blocks potassium channels prolonging phase 3 of the action potential and slowing the rate and conduction of the heart?
- A. I.
- B. IV.
- C. III.
- D. II.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Class III. Class III antiarrhythmic drugs block potassium channels, which prolongs phase 3 of the action potential by delaying repolarization. This action results in a longer refractory period, slowing the heart rate and conduction. Option A (Class I) blocks sodium channels, option B (Class IV) blocks calcium channels, and option D (Class II) are beta-blockers that work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. These classes do not have a direct effect on potassium channels and do not produce the same effect as Class III drugs.
The nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a patient. When collecting data relating to the medications, the nurse asks “What medications are you taking?†After collecting that information, what other queries should the nurse ask? Select all that apply.
- A. Do you take any medication?
- B. Do you take this medication?
- C. Do you take medications safely when you take them?
- D. Do you take any herbs, vitamins or supplements?
- E. What OTC medications do you take?
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: The correct answers are D and E. Asking about herbs, vitamins, and supplements (D) is crucial as these can interact with prescribed medications. Inquiring about over-the-counter (OTC) medications (E) is important as they can also have interactions. Choices A, B, and C are vague and redundant, as they do not provide specific information about medications. Asking about medication safety (C) is assumed in the context of a healthcare setting. Choice F and G are not provided in the question.