Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who is starting to take aspirin 81 mg daily. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for the client's development of an aspirin-induced ulcer?
A. The client has a history of alcohol use disorder but is currently sober
B. The client recently had a norovirus infection
C. The client smokes one pack of cigarette per day
Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of aspirin-induced ulcers. It can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and compromise the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Smoking can also impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications associated with ulcers.
D. The client has a history of rheumatoid arthritis
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN VATI Pharmacology S 2019 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of aspirin-induced ulcers. It can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and compromise the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Smoking can also impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications associated with ulcers.
While the other factors mentioned in the options may have their own health implications, smoking is specifically associated with an increased risk of aspirin-induced ulcers. Therefore, the nurse should identify the client's smoking habit as a risk factor for the development of an aspirin-induced ulcer.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a neonate who was exposed to heroin in utero. Which of me following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the neonate is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome?
A. Hyporeflexia
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of withdrawal symptoms that occur in newborns who were exposed to drugs, including heroin, in utero. Hyporeflexia, which refers to reduced or diminished reflexes, is one of the key findings in neonates experiencing NAS. During pregnancy, when the mother uses opioids like heroin, the baby becomes dependent on the drug. After birth, when the drug is no longer available, the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to the absence of the drug. Hyporeflexia is a common manifestation of NAS and is observed due to the central nervous system's response to the withdrawal.
B. Frequent yawning
Frequent yawning: While yawning can be seen in neonates with NAS, it is not as specific to the condition as hyporeflexia. Yawning can occur for various reasons and may not always be indicative of NAS.
C. Respiratory depression
Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression can be a severe complication of opioid exposure in utero and can result in life-threatening situations for the neonate. However, it is not specific to NAS. Respiratory depression is more closely associated with opioid overdose in the newborn, which can be a separate concern from NAS.
D. Constipation
Constipation: Constipation is a possible symptom in neonates experiencing NAS, but it is not as specific as hyporeflexia. Constipation can occur due to various factors and is not unique to NAS.
Full Explanation
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of withdrawal symptoms that occur in newborns who were exposed to drugs, including heroin, in utero. Hyporeflexia, which refers to reduced or diminished reflexes, is one of the key findings in neonates experiencing NAS.
During pregnancy, when the mother uses opioids like heroin, the baby becomes dependent on the drug. After birth, when the drug is no longer available, the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug. Hyporeflexia is a common manifestation of NAS and is observed due to the central nervous system's response to the withdrawal.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Frequent yawning: While yawning can be seen in neonates with NAS, it is not as specific to the condition as hyporeflexia. Yawning can occur for various reasons and may not always be indicative of NAS.
C. Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression can be a severe complication of opioid exposure in utero and can result in life-threatening situations for the neonate. However, it is not specific to NAS. Respiratory depression is more closely associated with opioid overdose in the newborn, which can be a separate concern from NAS.
D. Constipation: Constipation is a possible symptom in neonates experiencing NAS, but it is not as specific as hyporeflexia. Constipation can occur due to various factors and is not unique to NAS.

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Insert the needle at a 45 angle
Insert the needle at a 45 angle: Enoxaparin is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, where the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle (straight into the skin). A 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections, but it is not appropriate for enoxaparin administration.
B. Inject the medication into a muscle
Inject the medication into a muscle: Enoxaparin is not intended to be injected into a muscle. It is a low-molecular-weight heparin designed for subcutaneous administration, meaning it is injected just below the skin into the fatty tissue.
C. Rub the injection site following administration
Rub the injection site following administration: Rubbing the injection site after administering enoxaparin or any other subcutaneous medication is not recommended. Rubbing the site can cause irritation and bruising. Instead, the nurse should apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze pad for a few seconds after the injection to help minimize bleeding.
D. Expel the air bubble prior to injecting the medication
When providing discharge teaching to a client with a prescription for enoxaparin, the nurse should include the instruction to expel the air bubble prior to injecting the medication. Enoxaparin is a type of anticoagulant medication that is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Full Explanation
When providing discharge teaching to a client with a prescription for enoxaparin, the nurse should include the instruction to expel the air bubble prior to injecting the medication. Enoxaparin is a type of anticoagulant medication that is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
A. Insert the needle at a 45 angle: Enoxaparin is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, where the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle (straight into the skin). A 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections, but it is not appropriate for enoxaparin administration.
B. Inject the medication into a muscle: Enoxaparin is not intended to be injected into a muscle. It is a low-molecular-weight heparin designed for subcutaneous administration, meaning it is injected just below the skin into the fatty tissue.
C. Rub the injection site following administration: Rubbing the injection site after administering enoxaparin or any other subcutaneous medication is not recommended. Rubbing the site can cause irritation and bruising. Instead, the nurse should apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze pad for a few seconds after the injection to help minimize bleeding.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to an antibiotic. Which of the following manifestations of anaphylaxis should the nurse expect?
A. Hypertonic reflexes
Hypertonic reflexes: This is not a manifestation of anaphylaxis. "Hypertonic reflexes" are not typically associated with allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Hypertonic reflexes refer to increased muscle tone, but they are not part of the usual presentation of anaphylaxis.
B. increase in systolic blood pressure
Increase in systolic blood pressure: Anaphylaxis usually leads to a decrease in blood pressure rather than an increase. The decrease in blood pressure can be severe and result in shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
C. Angioedema
The nurse should expect angioedema as one of the manifestations of anaphylaxis in a client experiencing an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Angioedema is a severe swelling that occurs beneath the skin, typically affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts. It is a result of the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in response to the allergen. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and affect multiple body systems. In addition to angioedema, other common manifestations of anaphylaxis include: Difficulty breathing or wheezing due to bronchospasm Hives or urticaria, which are itchy raised skin rashes Severe itching or tingling sensation Rapid and weak pulse Low blood pressure leading to hypotension Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Feeling of impending doom or anxiety
D. Urinary retention
Urinary retention: Urinary retention is not a common manifestation of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis primarily affects the respiratory and circulatory systems, leading to airway constriction, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular collapse. Urinary retention is not directly related to the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis.
Full Explanation
The nurse should expect angioedema as one of the manifestations of anaphylaxis in a client experiencing an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Angioedema is a severe swelling that occurs beneath the skin, typically affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts. It is a result of the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in response to the allergen.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and affect multiple body systems. In addition to angioedema, other common manifestations of anaphylaxis include:
-
Difficulty breathing or wheezing due to bronchospasm
-
Hives or urticaria, which are itchy raised skin rashes
-
Severe itching or tingling sensation
-
Rapid and weak pulse
-
Low blood pressure leading to hypotension
-
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-
Feeling of impending doom or anxiety
Let's go through the other options:
A. Hypertonic reflexes: This is not a manifestation of anaphylaxis. "Hypertonic reflexes" are not typically associated with allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Hypertonic reflexes refer to increased muscle tone, but they are not part of the usual presentation of anaphylaxis.
B. Increase in systolic blood pressure: Anaphylaxis usually leads to a decrease in blood pressure rather than an increase. The decrease in blood pressure can be severe and result in shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
D. Urinary retention: Urinary retention is not a common manifestation of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis primarily affects the respiratory and circulatory systems, leading to airway constriction, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular collapse. Urinary retention is not directly related to the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis.
