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.
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Passive monitoring of drug effectiveness includes:
- A. Therapeutic drug levels
- B. Adding or subtracting medications from the treatment regimen
- C. Ongoing provider visits
- D. Instructing the patient to report if the drug is not effective
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because passive monitoring relies on patient feedback, like reporting ineffectiveness, rather than active measures like lab tests. Choice A is incorrect as therapeutic levels are active monitoring. Choice B is wrong because adjusting medications is an intervention, not monitoring. Choice C is incorrect since provider visits are active engagement, not passive.
Over-the-counter drugs that should be avoided in patients with hypertension include:
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Pseudoephedrine
- C. Ibuprofen
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, raises blood pressure via vasoconstriction, risky in hypertension, per guidelines. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen doesn't affect BP. Choice C is wrong because ibuprofen's BP effect is milder and not absolute avoidance. Choice D is incorrect since only pseudoephedrine is key.
The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the primary care NP that their child is a very picky eater and they are worried about the child's nutrition. The NP should recommend:
- A. giving the child a daily multivitamin containing iron.
- B. providing small portions of a variety of foods at each meal.
- C. disciplining the child at mealtimes to ensure proper nutrition.
- D. making sure the child's cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering variety in small portions balances nutrition over time for picky eaters. Choice A is incorrect (multivitamin if variety fails). Choice C is wrong (discipline ineffective). Choice D is inaccurate (fortified cereal not enough).
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.
A patient who has HIV has been receiving a two-drug combination therapy for 6 months. At an annual physical examination, the primary care NP notes that the patient has a viral load of 60 copies/mL and a CD4 cell count of 350 cells/mm. The NP should contact the patient's infectious disease specialist to discuss:
- A. changing one of the medications.
- B. increasing the dose of both medications.
- C. discontinuing the medications for a short period.
- D. adding a third medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a high viral load and low CD4 suggest poor control, often needing dose adjustment. Choice A is incorrect (both should change if switching). Choice C is wrong (discontinuing risky). Choice D is inaccurate (text-based, not an option).