Michael calls the clinic to ask about taking fish oil supplements with his simvastatin prescription. The NP's response is:
- A. Avoid fish oil as it will increase your risk of bleeding.
- B. There are no known interactions; it is safe to take fish oil with simvastatin.
- C. Avoid fish oil as it will decrease the effectiveness of the simvastatin.
- D. Fish oil should only be taken with simvastatin if prescribed by your cardiologist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because fish oil (omega-3s) and simvastatin both lower triglycerides with no significant interactions; studies show they're safe together, enhancing lipid benefits. Choice A is incorrect as fish oil's bleeding risk is minimal and not amplified by simvastatin. Choice C is wrong because fish oil doesn't reduce simvastatin's efficacy—they're complementary. Choice D is incorrect since no prescription is needed for this safe combination.
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An NP is prescribing a medication for a 6-month-old infant. The medication comes in the following formulations. Which one should the NP select to improve absorption and distribution of the medication?
- A. Oral elixir
- B. Rectal suppository
- C. Lipid soluble compound
- D. Sustained-release capsule
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because oral elixirs ensure even drug distribution and good GI absorption in infants. Choice B is incorrect (rectal absorption is unreliable). Choice C is wrong (lipid solubility doesn’t ensure distribution). Choice D is inaccurate (sustained-release is poorly absorbed in infants).
Patient education for the elderly should include:
- A. Explanation of drug purpose
- B. Instructions for safe administration
- C. Potential side effects
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because explaining purpose (improves adherence), safe administration (prevents errors), and side effects (enhances safety) are all key for elderly education, per geriatric care. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one aspect. Choice B is wrong by itself because administration is just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since side effects are only one element.
A client diagnosed with hypertension is prescribed atenolol (Tenormin). The nurse should monitor the client for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Hypotension
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by lowering blood pressure. A common side effect of atenolol is hypotension, where blood pressure drops too low. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of hypotension to prevent any complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tachycardia (fast heart rate), dry mouth, and increased appetite are not common side effects of atenolol. Hypotension is the expected side effect due to the medication's mechanism of action.
The client has atrial fibrillation and is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which laboratory test should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the warfarin therapy?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
- B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- C. Complete blood count (CBC)
- D. Fibrinogen levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring the Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. These tests help determine the clotting ability of the blood and ensure that the client is within the desired therapeutic range to prevent clotting events or bleeding complications. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (Choice B) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin. Complete blood count (CBC) (Choice C) and fibrinogen levels (Choice D) do not directly assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy in the same way that PT and INR do.
Drugs that should be avoided in the elderly include:
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Amitriptyline
- C. Amoxicillin
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is avoided in the elderly (per Beers Criteria) due to anticholinergic effects causing confusion, constipation, and falls. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen is safe. Choice C is wrong because amoxicillin is appropriate with dose adjustment. Choice D is incorrect since only amitriptyline fits.