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).
You may also like to solve these questions
The current trend toward transitioning NP programs to the doctoral level will mean that:
- A. NPs licensed in one state may practice in other states.
- B. full prescriptive authority will be granted to all NPs with doctoral degrees.
- C. NPs will be better prepared to meet emerging health care needs of patients.
- D. requirements for physician supervision of NPs will be removed in all states.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because doctoral programs aim to better prepare NPs for evolving healthcare needs, per the AACN. Choice A is incorrect as licensure remains state-specific. Choice B is wrong since prescriptive authority depends on state laws. Choice D is inaccurate as supervision rules vary by state.
Signs of controlled substance misuse include:
- A. Requesting early refills
- B. Reporting lost prescriptions
- C. Using multiple prescribers
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because early refills, lost prescription claims, and multiple prescribers are classic misuse signs, per DEA and clinical red flags. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one sign. Choice B is wrong by itself because lost reports are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since multiple prescribers is only one indicator.
Pharmacokinetic changes in the elderly that affect drug dosing include:
- A. Decreased renal function
- B. Increased liver metabolism
- C. Decreased body fat
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because decreased renal function in the elderly slows drug excretion, requiring dose adjustments to prevent accumulation, per geriatric pharmacology. Choice B is incorrect as liver metabolism decreases, not increases. Choice C is wrong because body fat increases, not decreases. Choice D is incorrect since only A is accurate.
Drugs that should be avoided in children include:
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Aspirin
- C. Amoxicillin
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because aspirin is avoided in children under 16 due to its association with Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious liver and brain condition, per AAP recommendations. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen is safe and commonly used. Choice C is wrong because amoxicillin is a standard pediatric antibiotic with a good safety profile. Choice D is incorrect since only aspirin fits the avoidance criterion.
Risks associated with polypharmacy include:
- A. Increased adverse drug reactions
- B. Drug-drug interactions
- C. Nonadherence
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because polypharmacy raises ADR risk (more drugs, more side effects), interactions (competing metabolism), and nonadherence (complex regimens), per geriatric studies. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one risk. Choice B is wrong by itself because interactions are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since nonadherence is only one issue.