Detailed Answers 2024-2025. Graded A
A 23-year-old woman is admitted to the infusion clinic after a Multiple
Sclerosis Exacerbation. The physician orders methylprednisolone
infusions (Solu-Medrol). The nurse would expect which of the following
outcomes after administration of this medication?
1. A decrease in muscle spasticity and involuntary movements
2. A slowed progression of Multiple Sclerosis related plaques
3. A decrease in the length of the exacerbation
4. A stabilization of mood and sleep – ANS 1. A decrease in muscle
spasticity and involuntary movements Incorrect –
While muscle spasticity and involuntary movements can be symptoms of
MS, a corticosteroid infusion is not meant to directly treat these
symptoms.
2. A slowed progression of Multiple Sclerosis related plaques Incorrect -
Special drugs like Interferon Beta, Natalizumab, or Glatiramir acetate are
used as first-line treatments to slow the progression of MS. While
PG 1
,corticosteroids can be used in conjunction with these drugs on a long-
term basis, they would not be infused. They would be taken orally.
3. A decrease in the length of the exacerbation Correct - A
methylprednisolone infusion is the first line of treatment during an acute
exacerbation and is used to decrease the length and severity of a
relapse. 4. A stabilization of mood and sleep Incorrect - Some of the
frequent side effects of a Methylprednisolone infusion are anxiety,
insomnia, and mood swings.
A 30-year old Caucasian woman who works the night shift has been
found to have early bone loss and has a high risk for osteomalacia and
bone degradation. She asks the nurse exactly why she should take
Vitamin D supplements. What is the nurse's best response?
1. "It's a standard part of the overall nutritional treatment for the
prevention of osteomalacia"
2. "It helps your intestines absorb calcium, which is important for bone
formation."
3. "It stimulates skin cells to produce calcium, which is then released into
the bloodstream to be used for bone formation."
PG 2
,4. "Vitamin D supplements should not be taken by someone of your
age." – ANS 1. "It's a standard part of the overall nutritional treatment
for the prevention of osteomalacia" Incorrect - While this is true, it
doesn't answer the woman's question.
2. "It helps your intestines absorb calcium, which is important for bone
formation." Correct - This is the correct mechanism of action for Vitamin
D
3. "It stimulates skin cells to produce calcium, which is then released into
the bloodstream to be used for bone formation." Incorrect- This is not
the correct mechanism of action for Vitamin D
4. "Vitamin D supplements should not be taken by someone of your
age." Incorrect - Vitamin D supplements should be taken for patients
who are homebound, institutionalized, or by some other limitations,
unable to meet daily requirements. This woman works the night shift,
which may limit her ability to absorb Vitamin D naturally.
A 45-year old woman is prescribed ropinirole (Requip) for Parkinson's
Disease. The patient is living at home with her daughter. The nurse is
most concerned about which side effect of ropinirole?
1. Slurred speech
PG 3
, 2. Sudden dizziness
3. Masklike facial expression
4. Stooped Posture
– ANS
1. Slurred speech Incorrect - Slurred speech is a common symptom of
PD, not a side effect of this drug.
2. Sudden dizziness Correct - Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension are
serious adverse effects of this drug that can lead to an increased risk of
falls. Ropinirole's drug class is a dopamine agonist, which mimic
dopamine in the brain (PD is characterized by a lack of dopamine).
3. Masklike facial expression Incorrect - Masklike facial expression is a
common symptom of PD, not a side effect of this drug.
a4. Stooped Posture Incorrect - Stooped Posture is a common symptom
of PD, not a side effect of this drug. A 65 year old man is prescribed
Flomax (Tamsulosin) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The patient lives
in an upstairs apartment. The nurse is most concerned about which side
effect of Flomax? 1. Hypotension 2. Tachycardia 3. Back Pain 4. Difficulty
Urinating - ANS1. Hypotension Correct - Hypotension can lead to
dizziness and a risk for injury to the patient. 2. Tachycardia Tachycardia
can be a side effect of Flomax, but is not an immediate safety risk, nor is
PG 4