Nokea
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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An agonist activates a receptor and stimulates a response. When given frequently over time, the body may:
- A. Upregulate the total number of receptors
- B. Block the receptor with a partial agonist
- C. Alter the drug's metabolism
- D. Downregulate the numbers of that specific receptor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because frequent agonist use can cause the body to downregulate receptors, reducing sensitivity to overstimulation as a compensatory mechanism. Choice A is incorrect as upregulation occurs with antagonists, not agonists. Choice B is wrong because partial agonists compete, not result from frequent use. Choice C is incorrect since metabolism changes aren't the primary receptor response.
Resources for patients with drug abuse issues include:
- A. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- B. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- C. Local support groups
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because SAMHSA (helpline), NIDA (research/support), and local groups (e.g., AA) provide comprehensive resources for drug abuse, per national frameworks. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one resource. Choice B is wrong by itself because NIDA is just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since groups are only one option.
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.
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.
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.