Nokea
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.
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Drugs that may cause increased adverse effects in women include:
- A. Lipid-soluble drugs
- B. Water-soluble drugs
- C. Drugs that are highly protein bound
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because women's lower lean mass reduces the volume of distribution for water-soluble drugs, increasing concentrations and ADR risk. Choice A is incorrect as lipid-soluble drugs distribute more in fat, not necessarily causing more ADRs. Choice C is wrong because protein binding isn't sex-specific enough here. Choice D is incorrect since only water-soluble drugs align.
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.
Clinical judgment in prescribing includes:
- A. Factoring in the cost to the patient of the medication prescribed
- B. Always prescribing the newest medication available for the disease process
- C. Handing out drug samples to poor patients
- D. Prescribing all generic medications to cut costs
Correct Answer: S
Rationale: Choice A is correct because clinical judgment involves balancing efficacy, safety, and cost to ensure patients can afford and adhere to treatment, which is critical for successful outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as always choosing the newest medication ignores evidence-based practice; newer drugs may lack long-term data or be unnecessarily expensive. Choice C is wrong because distributing samples isn't a sustainable prescribing strategy and may not meet ongoing needs. Choice D is also incorrect since mandating generics could compromise efficacy if a brand-name drug is clinically necessary.
Upregulation or hypersensitization may lead to:
- A. Increased response to a drug
- B. Decreased response to a drug
- C. An exaggerated response if the drug is withdrawn
- D. Refractoriness or complete lack of response
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is correct because upregulation (more receptors) or hypersensitization from chronic antagonist use can cause an exaggerated rebound response if withdrawn, as seen with beta blockers. Choice A is incorrect as increased response occurs during use, not withdrawal. Choice B is wrong because decreased response isn't typical of upregulation. Choice D is incorrect since refractoriness relates to agonists, not this scenario.
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.