Nokea
A patient who has HIV has been receiving a two-drug combination therapy for 6 months. At an annual physical examination, the primary care NP notes that the patient has a viral load of 60 copies/mL and a CD4 cell count of 350 cells/mm. The NP should contact the patient's infectious disease specialist to discuss:
- A. changing one of the medications.
- B. increasing the dose of both medications.
- C. discontinuing the medications for a short period.
- D. adding a third medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a high viral load and low CD4 suggest poor control, often needing dose adjustment. Choice A is incorrect (both should change if switching). Choice C is wrong (discontinuing risky). Choice D is inaccurate (text-based, not an option).
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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.
The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the primary care NP that their child is a very picky eater and they are worried about the child's nutrition. The NP should recommend:
- A. giving the child a daily multivitamin containing iron.
- B. providing small portions of a variety of foods at each meal.
- C. disciplining the child at mealtimes to ensure proper nutrition.
- D. making sure the child's cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering variety in small portions balances nutrition over time for picky eaters. Choice A is incorrect (multivitamin if variety fails). Choice C is wrong (discipline ineffective). Choice D is inaccurate (fortified cereal not enough).
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.
Which of the following statements about the major distribution barriers (blood-brain or fetal-placental) is true?
- A. Water soluble and ionized drugs cross these barriers rapidly.
- B. The blood-brain barrier slows the entry of many drugs into and from brain cells.
- C. The fetal-placental barrier protects the fetus from drugs taken by the mother.
- D. Lipid-soluble drugs do not pass these barriers and are safe for pregnant women.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because the blood-brain barrier, with its tight junctions, slows entry of many drugs, especially water-soluble ones, protecting the brain. Choice A is incorrect as water-soluble, ionized drugs cross poorly due to barrier selectivity. Choice C is wrong because the fetal-placental barrier doesn't fully block drugs—many cross and affect the fetus. Choice D is incorrect since lipid-soluble drugs readily pass these barriers, posing risks in pregnancy.
Drugs that may increase risk of erectile dysfunction include:
- A. Testosterone
- B. Beta blockers
- C. Alpha blockers
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because beta blockers (e.g., propranolol) can cause erectile dysfunction by reducing blood flow, a known side effect. Choice A is incorrect as testosterone improves erectile function. Choice C is wrong because alpha blockers often treat ED causes. Choice D is incorrect since only beta blockers fit.