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.
You may also like to solve these questions
The primary care NP sees a 5-year-old child for a prekindergarten physical examination. The child's parents do not have immunization records, and a local record search does not provide proof of vaccinations, although the parent thinks the child may have had some vaccines several years ago. The NP's initial action will be to:
- A. assume the child is unvaccinated and start the full series.
- B. check titers for all vaccine-preventable diseases.
- C. administer a single dose of each vaccine today.
- D. consult state immunization registry again.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because without records, assuming unvaccinated and starting the series ensures protection. Choice B is incorrect (titers not practical initially). Choice C is wrong (single doses insufficient). Choice D is inaccurate (registry already checked).
Women who are prescribed drugs that are known teratogens should:
- A. Use effective contraception
- B. Avoid breastfeeding
- C. Increase their vitamin intake
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because teratogenic drugs can harm a fetus, so effective contraception is essential to prevent pregnancy during treatment, per safety guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as breastfeeding avoidance applies post-delivery, not during prescribing. Choice C is wrong because increasing vitamins doesn't mitigate teratogenic risk. Choice D is incorrect since only contraception directly addresses the primary risk.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration:
- A. Registers manufacturers and prescribers of controlled substances
- B. Regulates NP prescribing at the state level
- C. Sanctions providers who prescribe drugs off-label
- D. Provides prescribers with a number they can use for insurance billing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because the DEA registers those handling controlled substances, issuing numbers for tracking and prescribing, its primary role. Choice B is incorrect as state boards, not the DEA, regulate NP prescribing. Choice C is wrong because off-label prescribing isn't DEA-regulated. Choice D is incorrect since the DEA number is for controlled substances, not insurance billing.
A patient is taking drug A and drug B. The primary care NP notes increased effects of drug B. The NP should suspect that in this case drug A is a cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme:
- A. inhibitor.
- B. substrate.
- C. inducer.
- D. metabolizer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a CYP450 inhibitor (drug A) reduces metabolism of drug B, increasing its effects. Choice B is incorrect as a substrate is acted upon, not inhibiting. Choice C is wrong since an inducer increases metabolism, reducing effects. Choice D is inaccurate as 'metabolizer' isn’t a CYP450 role.
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.