When a patient asks the nurse what hypersensitivity is, how should the nurse respond? Hypersensitivity is best defined as:
- A. A reduced immune response found in most pathologic states
- B. A normal immune response to an infectious agent
- C. An excessive or inappropriate response of the immune system to a sensitizing antigen
- D. Antigenic desensitization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypersensitivity is correctly defined as an excessive or inappropriate response of the immune system to a sensitizing antigen. This response leads to tissue damage or other clinical manifestations. Choice A is incorrect as hypersensitivity involves an exaggerated, not a reduced, immune response. Choice B is incorrect because hypersensitivity is not a normal immune response to an infectious agent but rather an exaggerated one. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to desensitization, which is the opposite of hypersensitivity.
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When teaching a patient starting on oral contraceptives, what should the nurse include regarding the medication's effectiveness?
- A. Oral contraceptives are 100% effective when taken correctly.
- B. Oral contraceptives are effective immediately after starting.
- C. Oral contraceptives are less effective if taken with certain antibiotics.
- D. Oral contraceptives are less effective if taken with food.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with certain antibiotics as they may interfere with the effectiveness of the contraceptive. It is important for patients to be aware of this interaction to consider additional contraceptive methods during antibiotic therapy. Choices A and B are incorrect as no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and oral contraceptives typically require a period of time to reach full effectiveness. Choice D is incorrect as taking oral contraceptives with food does not significantly impact their effectiveness.
Which patient is most likely to be diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome II (CRPS II)?
- A. A patient who has experienced a spinal cord injury and reports severe, burning pain in his legs.
- B. A patient who reports severe pain in her hand following a surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- C. A patient who develops pain in his foot following a fracture and immobilization with a cast.
- D. A patient who experiences chronic pain and swelling in his arm following a brachial plexus injury.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Complex regional pain syndrome II (CRPS II) typically occurs after an injury to a peripheral nerve. In this case, a brachial plexus injury involves damage to the nerves that control muscles in the arm and hand, leading to chronic pain and swelling. Choices A, B, and C describe pain related to other conditions such as spinal cord injury, carpal tunnel surgery, and fracture immobilization, which are not typically associated with CRPS II.
What aspect of hormonal contraceptives places a woman at the greatest risk for the development of blood clots?
- A. Hormonal contraceptives increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
- B. Hormonal contraceptives increase platelet levels.
- C. Hormonal contraceptives increase blood levels of clotting factors.
- D. Hormonal contraceptives cause injury to blood vessel linings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hormonal contraceptives increase blood levels of clotting factors, particularly factors II, VII, IX, and X. This elevation in clotting factors can predispose individuals to thromboembolic events, including blood clots. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because hormonal contraceptives do not have a significant effect on serum triglycerides and cholesterol, platelet levels, or causing direct injury to blood vessel linings as the primary mechanism for clot formation.
A nurse practitioner is assessing a 7-year-old boy who has been brought to the clinic by his mother, who is concerned about her son's increasingly frequent, severe headaches. Which of the nurse's questions is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his problem?
- A. Does your son have a family history of migraines?
- B. When your son has a headache, does he ever have nausea and vomiting as well?
- C. Does your son have any food allergies that have been identified?
- D. Is your son generally pain-free during the intervals between headaches?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. In assessing a child for migraines, asking about food allergies is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his headaches. Food allergies are unrelated to the typical symptoms and triggers of migraines, such as family history, associated symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and pain-free intervals between headaches. Therefore, in this scenario, focusing on food allergies is less relevant for identifying migraines as the cause of the boy's headaches.
A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What specific instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?
- A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption.
- B. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
- C. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
- D. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water, and patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. This positioning helps reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ensures adequate drug absorption. Choice B is incorrect because alendronate should be taken with water, not milk. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific advantage to taking alendronate at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect because taking alendronate with food may interfere with its absorption.