Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is teaching a parent of a school-age child who is to begin a daily dose of methylphenidate. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "You should administer the medication at bedtime."
This statement is incorrect option. Administering methylphenidate at bedtime is not appropriate because it is a stimulant medication, and taking it in the evening could interfere with the child's ability to fall asleep and disrupt their sleep pattern.
B. "Your child should avoid foods containing tyramine."
This statement is incorrect option. Tyramine is not a concern with methylphenidate. Tyramine is associated with certain antidepressant medications, such as MAO inhibitors. Methylphenidate is not a MAO inhibitor, so there is no need for the child to avoid tyramine-containing foods.
C. "You should administer the medication after breakfast"
You should administer the medication after breakfast." This is the correct option. Administering methylphenidate after breakfast is a common practice because it allows the child to benefit from the medication during school hours when improved attention and focus are needed the most.
D. "Your child should avoid excess sodium intake."
This statement is an incorrect option. Excess sodium intake is not directly related to methylphenidate use. However, it is generally a good idea for anyone, including children, to have a balanced and healthy diet, which may include monitoring sodium intake. But it is not specifically tied to the administration of methylphenidate.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
"You should administer the medication at bedtime." This statement is incorrect option. Administering methylphenidate at bedtime is not appropriate because it is a stimulant medication, and taking it in the evening could interfere with the child's ability to fall asleep and disrupt their sleep pattern.
"Your child should avoid foods containing tyramine. “This statement is incorrect option. Tyramine is not a concern with methylphenidate. Tyramine is associated with certain antidepressant medications, such as MAO inhibitors. Methylphenidate is not a MAO inhibitor, so there is no need for the child to avoid tyramine-containing foods.
Option C: "You should administer the medication after breakfast." This is the correct option. Administering methylphenidate after breakfast is a common practice because it allows the child to benefit from the medication during school hours when improved attention and focus are needed the most.
"Your child should avoid excess sodium intake." This statement is an incorrect option. Excess sodium intake is not directly related to methylphenidate use. However, it is generally a good idea for anyone, including children, to have a balanced and healthy diet, which may include monitoring sodium intake. But it is not specifically tied to the administration of methylphenidate.
Similar Questions
A nurse is building a therapeutic relationship with a newly admitted client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take during the orientation phase of the relationship?
A. Determine previous coping skills used by the client.
Determine previous coping skills used by the client is not appropriate. Assessing the client's previous coping skills is an essential step in the assessment phase of the therapeutic relationship, not specifically during the orientation phase. This information helps the nurse to understand the client's coping mechanisms and identify potential areas for improvement or support.
B. Facilitate the client's problem-solving skillls
Facilitate the client's problem-solving skills is not appropriate the nurse may work on facilitating the client's problem-solving skills throughout the therapeutic relationship, including during the working phase. During this phase, the nurse and client collaborate to explore and address the client's concerns and challenges.
C. Assist the client in expressing alternative behaviours.
Assisting the client in expressing alternative behaviours is not appropriate. This action may also be part of the working phase, where the nurse helps the client explore alternative behaviours and coping strategies to address their issues and challenges.
D. Establish the responsibilities of the nurse and client
The orientation phase is the initial stage of the therapeutic relationship where the nurse and the client get to know each other and establish the groundwork for their working relationship. During this phase, it is essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the nurse and the client to ensure a clear understanding of each other's expectations.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Determine previous coping skills used by the client is not appropriate. Assessing the client's previous coping skills is an essential step in the assessment phase of the therapeutic relationship, not specifically during the orientation phase. This information helps the nurse to understand the client's coping mechanisms and identify potential areas for improvement or support.
Choice B reason:
Facilitate the client's problem-solving skills is not appropriate the nurse may work on facilitating the client's problem-solving skills throughout the therapeutic relationship, including during the working phase. During this phase, the nurse and client collaborate to explore and address the client's concerns and challenges.
Choice C reason:
Assisting the client in expressing alternative behaviours is not appropriate. This action may also be part of the working phase, where the nurse helps the client explore alternative behaviours and coping strategies to address their issues and challenges.
Choice D reason:
The orientation phase is the initial stage of the therapeutic relationship where the nurse and the client get to know each other and establish the groundwork for their working relationship. During this phase, it is essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the nurse and the client to ensure a clear understanding of each other's expectations.
A school nurse is performing scoliosis screenings. The nurse should recognize which of the following clinical manifestations as an indication of scoliosis?
A. Mild pain at the hip region
Mild pain in the hip region can be caused by various musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strains, bursitis, or even referred pain from other areas. It is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis.
B. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights
Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which can cause uneven shoulders and pelvic heights. As the spine curves abnormally, it can lead to asymmetry in the shoulders and hips, which are noticeable during physical examination. This asymmetry is a key clinical sign that suggests the presence of scoliosis.
C. Limited range of motion of hips
Limited range of motion (ROM) of the hips is more likely related to hip joint issues or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hips, not specifically scoliosis.
D. Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum
Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum may indicate other spinal abnormalities or conditions affecting the lower back, but it is not typically associated with scoliosis, which primarily affects the curvature of the spine higher up in the thoracic or lumbar regions.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Mild pain in the hip region can be caused by various musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strains, bursitis, or even referred pain from other areas. It is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis.
Choice B reason
Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which can cause uneven shoulders and pelvic heights. As the spine curves abnormally, it can lead to asymmetry in the shoulders and hips, which are noticeable during physical examination. This asymmetry is a key clinical sign that suggests the presence of scoliosis.
Choice C reason:
Limited range of motion (ROM) of the hips is more likely related to hip joint issues or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hips, not specifically scoliosis.
Choice D reason:
Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum may indicate other spinal abnormalities or conditions affecting the lower back, but it is not typically associated with scoliosis, which primarily affects the curvature of the spine higher up in the thoracic or lumbar regions.

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for an MAOI. Which of the following foods is contraindicated with this medication?
A. Cheese
Among the options listed, cheese is the food that is contraindicated with MAOI use. Cheese is high in tyramine, and consuming it while taking MAOIs can lead to a potentially life-threatening hypertensive crisis. An MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) is a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. When taking MAOIs, it is important to avoid certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, as it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis.
B. Potatoes
Potatoes: Potatoes are not contraindicated with MAOI use. They do not contain significant levels of tyramine.
C. Grapefruit
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is not contraindicated with MAOI use. However, it can interact with certain medications, so it's always a good idea to check with the healthcare provider or pharmacist about specific medication interactions.
D. Eggs
Eggs: Eggs are not contraindicated with MAOI use. Like potatoes, they do not contain significant levels of tyramine.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Among the options listed, cheese is the food that is contraindicated with MAOI use. Cheese is high in tyramine, and consuming it while taking MAOIs can lead to a potentially life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
An MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) is a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. When taking MAOIs, it is important to avoid certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, as it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis.
Choice B reason:
Potatoes: Potatoes are not contraindicated with MAOI use. They do not contain significant levels of tyramine.
Choice C reason:
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is not contraindicated with MAOI use. However, it can interact with certain medications, so it's always a good idea to check with the healthcare provider or pharmacist about specific medication interactions.
Choice D reason:
Eggs: Eggs are not contraindicated with MAOI use. Like potatoes, they do not contain significant levels of tyramine.
