NURS 617- Exam 3 Pharmacotherapeutics |
Questions and Correct Answers
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus is prescribed
prednisone. It is most important for the nurse to monitor the patient for what?
A. Hypotension
B. Elevated potassium levels
C. Neck and back pain
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Neck and back pain from a vertebral compression fracture may occur
because of the development of osteoporosis as a result of glucocorticoid therapy.
Other possible adverse effects of prednisone include hypertension, hypokalemia,
and hyperglycemia.
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
A patient has been prescribed pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids. It is most
important for the nurse to teach the patient to do what?
A. Increase intake of dietary sodium.
B. Take antibiotics to prevent infection.
C. Never abruptly withdraw therapy.
D. Have an eye examination every year.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of glucocorticoids may cause adrenal insufficiency
or an adrenal crisis. Infection should be prevented, but the use of antibiotics
without a known infection is inappropriate. Sodium intake should be restricted
while the patient is taking glucocorticoids. Eye examinations are recommended
every 6 months for patients on glucocorticoid therapy.
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
A patient has been receiving long-term prednisone therapy for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis. The chart indicates that the patient has developed Cushing's
syndrome. When performing a physical assessment, the nurse anticipates finding
all but which manifestation of Cushing's syndrome?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Muscle weakness
C. Glucosuria
D. "Buffalo hump"
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is manifested by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, fluid
and electrolyte disturbances, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cutaneous striations,
and lowered resistance to infection. Redistribution of fat produces a "potbelly,"
"moon face," and "buffalo hump."
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
, A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has been taking high-dose aspirin and
complains of gastric upset and pain. What does the nurse anticipate will be
prescribed for this patient?
A. Taking a lower dose of aspirin
B. Biweekly injections of methotrexate [Rheumatrex]
C. Obtaining a prescription for celecoxib [Celebrex]
D. Daily drug therapy with prednisone
Answer: C
Rationale: If aspirin causes gastrointestinal upset or pain, a cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib) should be considered. Methotrexate is administered
once a week. Daily prednisone therapy is not indicated; prednisone is usually
administered for exacerbations and as short-term therapy.
Reference Ch. 73 - Rheumatoid Arthritis
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate [Rheumatrex]. The
nurse will expect to observe therapeutic effects with this drug in which time
period?
A. 3 to 7 days
B. 3 to 6 weeks
C. 3 to 4 months
D. 1 to 2 years
Answer: B
Rationale: Methotrexate acts faster than all other disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs. Therapeutic effects may develop in 3 to 6 weeks.
Questions and Correct Answers
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus is prescribed
prednisone. It is most important for the nurse to monitor the patient for what?
A. Hypotension
B. Elevated potassium levels
C. Neck and back pain
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Neck and back pain from a vertebral compression fracture may occur
because of the development of osteoporosis as a result of glucocorticoid therapy.
Other possible adverse effects of prednisone include hypertension, hypokalemia,
and hyperglycemia.
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
A patient has been prescribed pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids. It is most
important for the nurse to teach the patient to do what?
A. Increase intake of dietary sodium.
B. Take antibiotics to prevent infection.
C. Never abruptly withdraw therapy.
D. Have an eye examination every year.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of glucocorticoids may cause adrenal insufficiency
or an adrenal crisis. Infection should be prevented, but the use of antibiotics
without a known infection is inappropriate. Sodium intake should be restricted
while the patient is taking glucocorticoids. Eye examinations are recommended
every 6 months for patients on glucocorticoid therapy.
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
A patient has been receiving long-term prednisone therapy for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis. The chart indicates that the patient has developed Cushing's
syndrome. When performing a physical assessment, the nurse anticipates finding
all but which manifestation of Cushing's syndrome?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Muscle weakness
C. Glucosuria
D. "Buffalo hump"
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is manifested by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, fluid
and electrolyte disturbances, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cutaneous striations,
and lowered resistance to infection. Redistribution of fat produces a "potbelly,"
"moon face," and "buffalo hump."
Reference Ch. 72 - Glucocorticoids
, A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has been taking high-dose aspirin and
complains of gastric upset and pain. What does the nurse anticipate will be
prescribed for this patient?
A. Taking a lower dose of aspirin
B. Biweekly injections of methotrexate [Rheumatrex]
C. Obtaining a prescription for celecoxib [Celebrex]
D. Daily drug therapy with prednisone
Answer: C
Rationale: If aspirin causes gastrointestinal upset or pain, a cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib) should be considered. Methotrexate is administered
once a week. Daily prednisone therapy is not indicated; prednisone is usually
administered for exacerbations and as short-term therapy.
Reference Ch. 73 - Rheumatoid Arthritis
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate [Rheumatrex]. The
nurse will expect to observe therapeutic effects with this drug in which time
period?
A. 3 to 7 days
B. 3 to 6 weeks
C. 3 to 4 months
D. 1 to 2 years
Answer: B
Rationale: Methotrexate acts faster than all other disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs. Therapeutic effects may develop in 3 to 6 weeks.
