An 80-year-old patient who has COPD takes TMP/SMX for acute exacerbations, which occur three or four times each year. To monitor this patient for adverse drug reactions, the primary care NP should order:
- A. liver function tests.
- B. blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.
- C. serum bilirubin levels.
- D. a complete blood count (CBC) with differential.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because elderly patients on TMP/SMX risk bone marrow suppression, monitored via CBC. Choice A is incorrect (liver tests pre-treatment). Choice B is wrong (renal pre-treatment). Choice C is inaccurate (bilirubin not primary).
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A 4-month-old infant has a viral illness with high fever and cough. The infant's parent asks the NP about what to give the infant to help with symptoms. The NP should prescribe which of the following?
- A. Aspirin to treat the fever
- B. Acetaminophen as needed
- C. Dextromethorphan for coughing
- D. An antibiotic to prevent increased infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because acetaminophen is safe for infants to reduce fever. Choice A is incorrect (aspirin risks Reye’s syndrome). Choice C is wrong (dextromethorphan risks respiratory depression). Choice D is inaccurate (antibiotics don’t treat viral illness).
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.
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.
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).
Strategies to improve adherence to medication regimes include:
- A. Assuming that the patient understands the directions on the prescription bottle
- B. Using pictograms or illustrations to explain how to take the medication
- C. Assuming that the patient's health literacy level is the same as their general literacy
- D. Using the patient's preferred language when there is a language barrier
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because pictograms clarify instructions visually, aiding comprehension and adherence, especially for low-literacy patients. Choice A is incorrect as assuming understanding can lead to errors. Choice C is wrong because health literacy varies from general literacy, needing specific attention. Choice D is incorrect here as it's a good strategy but not listed in this question's options correctly—B fits best.