NURS 498 Midterm 1 Questions and
Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
A patient with active HIV has been taking zidovudine (Retrovir®).
Which potential adverse effect may limit the length of time this
medication can be taken?
Ans: - Bone marrow suppression.
- The major dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine is bone
marrow suppression, and this is often the reason a patient with
an HIV infection must be switched to another anti -HIV
medication.
A patient has used buffered acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) for several
years as a treatment for osteoarthritis. However, the patient's
symptoms are worsening, and now something stronger is needed. The
physician prescribes an NSAID and misoprostol. The patient asks the
nurse why two pills now have to be taken for arthritis. Which is the
nurse's best response to the patient?
Ans: - Misoprostol may help to prevent gastric ulcers that may
occur when taking NSAIDs.
- Misoprostol inhibits gastric acid secretions and stimulates
mucous secretions and has proved successful in preventing
gastric ulcers that may occur in patients taking NSAIDs.
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A patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been
taking zidovudine (AZT) therapy for almost 1 year. The physician has
decided to change the medication to a new ART called didanosine
(Videx EC®). The patient is very concerned about this medication
change. What is the nurse's best explanation to the patient?
Ans: - The patient may have been experiencing bone marrow
suppression due to the zidovudine therapy. - Bone marrow
suppression is often the reason why a patient with a human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection needs to be switched to
another anti-HIV drug, such as didanosine. Zidovudine and
didanosine can be taken together by cutting back on the doses
of both, thus decreasing the likelihood of toxicity.
The nurse is teaching a client about immunosuppressant therapy after
a kidney transplant about the post-transplant drug regimen. Which of
the following statements by the client should alert the nurse that
additional teaching is required?
Ans: - After a couple of years, it is likely that I will be able to
stop taking the calcineurin inhibitor.
- The calcineurin inhibitor will need to be continued for life. The
other client statements are accurate and indicate that no
further teaching is necessary about those topics.
Which potential problem is of most concern for a patient receiving
immunosuppressant drugs?
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Ans: Increased susceptibility to infections
Neurotoxicity and confusion may be a problem with some
immunosuppressants but a heightened susceptibility to
opportunistic infections is a major risk factor for
immunosuppressed patients.
When providing patient education related to immunosuppressive
therapy, which items of information will the nurse include?
Ans: - It is important to have a 1-week supply of medication.
- Tell the patient about the complexity of dosing and about the
need to always have a 1-week supply of medication available so
that there is never a risk of running out. If a dose is missed, the
patient is to contact the health care provider. The medication
cannot be taken with grapefruit juice. Pills in blister packs
normally have a characteristic odour.
A female patient has started azathioprine (Imuran®) therapy in
preparation for her kidney transplant surgery. Which expected adverse
effect of azathioprine therapy should the nurse tell the patient about?
Ans: Leukopenia. Leukopenia is an expected adverse effect of
azathioprine therapy.
Before administering methotrexate to a patient, what is most
important for the nurse to assess?
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Ans: - Latent tuberculosis
- Before administering a DMARD, it is important for the nurse
to assess the patient for contraindications to the use of
DMARDs, such as active bacterial infections, active herpes,
active or latent tuberculosis, and acute or chronic hepatitis B or
C.
A 75-year-old female patient has been given naproxen sodium (Aleve®)
for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Which type of medication
will have a possible interaction with this NSAID?
Ans: Anticoagulants taken with NSAIDs may cause increased
bleeding tendencies because of platelet inhibition and
hypoprothrombinemia.
A 75-year-old female patient has been given naproxen sodium (Aleve®)
for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Which type of medication
will have a possible interaction with this NSAID?
Ans: Anticoagulants taken with NSAIDs may cause increased
bleeding tendencies because of platelet inhibition and
hypoprothrombinemia.
Corticosteroids have many actions. These include:
Ans: - Reduces the release of interleukin-1
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