Question 1: A patient presents with a painful, unilateral blistering skin eruption along the left thoracic
dermatome. The nurse anticipates a prescription for which antiviral medication?
A) Famciclovir
B) Prednisone
C) Topical Retinoid
D) Methotrexate
Correct Answer: A — Famciclovir
Rationale: Herpes Zoster (shingles) presents unilaterally along a nerve route (such as chest, shoulders,
trunk, face, neck, scalp). Treatment includes antivirals like Famciclovir. Methotrexate is indicated for
psoriasis, topical retinoids are for acne, and oral prednisone is an oral corticosteroid used for severe
inflammatory skin reactions like contact dermatitis.
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Question 2: A nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate to a patient with severe psoriasis. What is
the priority teaching point the nurse must emphasize to this patient?
A) Do not pick or scrub the silver skin plaques.
B) Monitor for and report signs of infection immediately.
C) Apply the medication sparingly to clean skin.
D) Avoid douching and synthetic undergarments.
Correct Answer: B — Monitor for and report signs of infection immediately.
Rationale: Methotrexate is an immunosuppressive medication used for psoriasis. It is essential to teach the
patient to monitor for signs of infection because it can weaken the immune system. Not picking or
scrubbing plaques is also general psoriasis advice, but preventing/monitoring infection with methotrexate is
the priority medication-safety instruction.
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Question 3: A patient with severe acne vulgaris is prescribed a topical retinoid. Which educational
statement should the nurse include in the medication teaching?
A) Apply a thick layer over the entire face to maximize absorption.
B) Wash your face first, then apply the topical retinoid.
C) Squeeze and pop any pustules before applying.
D) Scrub your face aggressively twice daily.
Correct Answer: B — Wash your face first, then apply the topical retinoid.
Rationale: Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. The correct topical retinoid instruction is to wash
the face first, then apply the topical retinoid. Aggressive scrubbing must be avoided as it can cause
secondary infection, and the patient should leave the outbreaks alone and never pop them. Topical steroids
are applied sparingly, but retinoids should be applied as directed to washed skin.
, NSG 3250 Adult Health I — Exam 2
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Question 4: A patient is admitted to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath and
wheezing due to an asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
A) Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist
B) Corticosteroid Inhaler
C) High-Flow Oxygen
D) IV Antibiotics
Correct Answer: A — Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist
Rationale: For an acute asthma attack or severe shortness of breath, a Beta 2 adrenergic agonist (such as
albuterol) must be administered first because it is a quick-relief, short-acting rescue inhaler that causes
rapid bronchodilation. It must be given before administering oxygen to open the airways. Corticosteroids
are maintenance meds used on a daily basis and have a long-acting onset.
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Question 5: The nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed a daily corticosteroid inhaler
for asthma maintenance. Which side effect or warning should the nurse emphasize?
A) This medication will cause immediate bronchodilation within seconds of inhalation.
B) Stop taking this medication immediately once your asthma symptoms go into remission.
C) Use this inhaler only as a quick-relief rescue medicine during an acute attack.
D) Too much medication can weaken the immune system, increase blood sugar, and increase infection
risk.
Correct Answer: D — Too much medication can weaken the immune system, increase blood sugar,
and increase infection risk.
Rationale: Corticosteroid inhalers are maintenance medications taken on a daily basis. They have a long-
acting onset and do not provide quick relief. Overuse or too much of a corticosteroid can weaken the
immune system, increase infection risk (such as thrush), and elevate blood sugar levels.
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Question 6: A nurse is screening patients at a local health clinic for the attenuated nasal influenza
vaccine. For which of the following individuals would this specific vaccine be most appropriate?
A) A patient reporting a history of recurrent severe epistaxis.
B) A healthy 32-year-old with no chronic medical conditions.
C) A 68-year-old resident of a long-term care facility.
D) An immunocompromised 45-year-old on chemotherapy.
Correct Answer: B — A healthy 32-year-old with no chronic medical conditions.
Rationale: The attenuated nasal influenza vaccine is best for someone in good health with no chronic
conditions (typically ages 2 to 49). It is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals. A thorough
health history is always required before administration.
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, NSG 3250 Adult Health I — Exam 2
Question 7: A patient who was recently started on oral penicillin for a bacterial infection complains of
generalized itching, a burning sensation, and the appearance of papules on their skin. What is the
priority nursing action?
A) Instruct the patient to discontinue the medication immediately.
B) Instruct the patient to finish the full treatment course of the antibiotic.
C) Obtain a specimen for a skin culture and coordinate a Sitz bath.
D) Apply a thick layer of topical corticosteroid to the rash.
Correct Answer: A — Instruct the patient to discontinue the medication immediately.
Rationale: If a patient on medications/antibiotics complains of things associated with an allergic reaction
(drug allergy/eruptions), the priority nursing intervention is to discontinue the medication immediately,
notify the primary care provider, and arrange for another antibiotic. Finishing the course is required only if
there are no signs of allergic reaction.
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Question 8: A nurse is comparing atopic and nonatopic allergic responses. Which statement correctly
distinguishes between the two types of hypersensitivities?
A) Nonatopic allergies are characterized by elevated IgE, while atopic allergies are not.
B) Atopic allergies require contact precautions, whereas nonatopic allergies require airborne isolation.
C) Atopic allergies have a genetic predisposition, while nonatopic allergies have no genetic
component.
D) Atopic allergies include latex allergy, while nonatopic allergies include asthma and eczema.
Correct Answer: C — Atopic allergies have a genetic predisposition, while nonatopic allergies have
no genetic component.
Rationale: Atopy refers to a genetic predisposition/component to mount an IgE response to proteins.
Atopic disorders include asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema), which are associated with
genetic predisposition and elevated IgE. Nonatopic allergies, such as latex allergy, have no genetic
component or predisposition.
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Question 9: A patient is diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2). Which nursing intervention
should the nurse include in the patient's plan of care?
A) Place the patient in a negative pressure airborne isolation room with the door closed.
B) Scrub the genital lesions aggressively twice daily with antibacterial soap.
C) Reassure the patient that HSV2 is completely curable after a 10-day antiviral course.
D) Provide sitz baths, cool compresses, analgesics, and instruct the patient to wear loose clothing.
Correct Answer: D — Provide sitz baths, cool compresses, analgesics, and instruct the patient to
wear loose clothing.
Rationale: HSV2 genital lesions are located below the waist. Nursing interventions include giving analgesics
and antivirals, using sitz baths, cool compresses, and wearing loose clothing. HSV2 may go into remission
but is not curable. It does not require airborne isolation (which is for TB, varicella, measles).
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