Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A patient with a peptic ulcer disease has had metronidazole (Flagyl) added to his current medication regimen. What health education related to this medication should the nurse provide?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
Taking metronidazole with food can help reduce stomach upset. It is not typically recommended to take on an entirely empty stomach.
B. Take at bedtime to mitigate the effects of drowsiness.
Metronidazole can cause drowsiness, but taking it at bedtime specifically for this reason is not a standard recommendation. It's more important to focus on avoiding alcohol.
C. Take up to one extra dose per day if stomach pain persists.
Taking an extra dose without specific medical advice is not recommended. It's important to follow the prescribed dosing regimen.
D. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug.
Avoiding alcohol while taking metronidazole is crucial. The combination of metronidazole and alcohol can cause severe reactions, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing. This interaction can occur for several days after discontinuing metronidazole, so it's essential to abstain from alcohol throughout the course of treatment.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 6. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Taking metronidazole with food can help reduce stomach upset. It is not typically recommended to take on an entirely empty stomach.
Choice B reason:
Metronidazole can cause drowsiness, but taking it at bedtime specifically for this reason is not a standard recommendation. It's more important to focus on avoiding alcohol.
Choice C reason:
Taking an extra dose without specific medical advice is not recommended. It's important to follow the prescribed dosing regimen.
Choice D reason:
Avoiding alcohol while taking metronidazole is crucial. The combination of metronidazole and alcohol can cause severe reactions, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing. This interaction can occur for several days after discontinuing metronidazole, so it's essential to abstain from alcohol throughout the course of treatment.
Similar Questions
A patient's new onset of dysphagia has required insertion of an NG tube for feeding; the nurse has modified the patient's care plan accordingly. What intervention should the nurse
include in the patient's plan of care?
A. Keep the patient in a low Fowler's position when at rest.
Keeping the patient in a low Fowler's position may be helpful for some patients with dysphagia, but it is not a specific intervention related to NG tube care.
B. Connect the tube to continuous wall suction when not in use.
Connecting the tube to continuous wall suction when not in use is not a standard practice for NG tube care. Continuous suction can cause mucosal damage and discomfort for the patient.
C. Confirm placement of the tube prior to each medication administration.
Confirming the placement of the NG tube prior to each medication administration is a crucial safety measure. Incorrect placement can lead to serious complications.
D. Have the patient sip cool water to stimulate saliva production.
Sipping cool water to stimulate saliva production may be beneficial for some patients with dysphagia, but it is not a specific intervention related to NG tube care. The focus should be on confirming the placement of the tube.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Keeping the patient in a low Fowler's position may be helpful for some patients with dysphagia, but it is not a specific intervention related to NG tube care.
Choice B reason:
Connecting the tube to continuous wall suction when not in use is not a standard practice for NG tube care. Continuous suction can cause mucosal damage and discomfort for the patient.
Choice C reason:
Confirming the placement of the NG tube prior to each medication administration is a crucial safety measure. Incorrect placement can lead to serious complications.
Choice D reason:
Sipping cool water to stimulate saliva production may be beneficial for some patients with dysphagia, but it is not a specific intervention related to NG tube care. The focus should be on confirming the placement of the tube.
The nurse's comprehensive assessment of a patient includes inspection for signs of oral cancer. What assessment finding is most characteristic of oral cancer in its early stages?
A. Presence of a painless sore with raised edges
A painless sore with raised edges is a characteristic early sign of oral cancer. It may appear as a small, painless lump or sore in the mouth, often with raised edges. This finding should raise suspicion and prompt further evaluation.
B. Diffuse inflammation of the buccal mucosa
Diffuse inflammation of the buccal mucosa is a non-specific finding and can be caused by various factors, including infection or irritation. While it's important to assess the oral mucosa for any abnormalities, it is not specific to oral cancer.
C. Dull pain radiating to the ears and teeth
Dull pain radiating to the ears and teeth is not a characteristic early sign of oral cancer. Pain associated with oral cancer may occur in later stages or if there is local invasion of nerves.
D. Areas of tenderness that make chewing difficult
Areas of tenderness that make chewing difficult may occur for various reasons, including dental issues or other oral health problems. While this can be distressing for the patient, it is not specific to oral cancer.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
A painless sore with raised edges is a characteristic early sign of oral cancer. It may appear as a small, painless lump or sore in the mouth, often with raised edges. This finding should raise suspicion and prompt further evaluation.
Choice B reason:
Diffuse inflammation of the buccal mucosa is a non-specific finding and can be caused by various factors, including infection or irritation. While it's important to assess the oral mucosa for any abnormalities, it is not specific to oral cancer.
Choice C reason:
Dull pain radiating to the ears and teeth is not a characteristic early sign of oral cancer. Pain associated with oral cancer may occur in later stages or if there is local invasion of nerves.
Choice D reason:
Areas of tenderness that make chewing difficult may occur for various reasons, including dental issues or other oral health problems. While this can be distressing for the patient, it is not specific to oral cancer.
A nurse is teaching a client who has a history of ulcerative colitis and a new diagnosis of anemia. Which of the following manifestations of colitis should the nurse identify as a
contributing factor to the development of the anemia?
A. Chronic blood loss
Chronic blood loss is a common complication of ulcerative colitis. Inflammation and ulcers in the colon can lead to ongoing bleeding, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
B. Intestinal malabsorption syndrome
While intestinal malabsorption can occur in some gastrointestinal disorders, it is not a primary mechanism in ulcerative colitis. In ulcerative colitis, the main factor leading to anemia is chronic blood loss.
C. Dietary iron restrictions
Dietary iron restrictions may exacerbate anemia in individuals with ulcerative colitis, but the primary cause of anemia in this condition is chronic blood loss.
D. Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites are not a common factor in ulcerative colitis and are not a primary cause of anemia in this condition. Chronic blood loss is the main contributing factor.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Chronic blood loss is a common complication of ulcerative colitis. Inflammation and ulcers in the colon can lead to ongoing bleeding, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
Choice B reason:
While intestinal malabsorption can occur in some gastrointestinal disorders, it is not a primary mechanism in ulcerative colitis. In ulcerative colitis, the main factor leading to anemia is chronic blood loss.
Choice C reason:
Dietary iron restrictions may exacerbate anemia in individuals with ulcerative colitis, but the primary cause of anemia in this condition is chronic blood loss.
Choice D reason:
Intestinal parasites are not a common factor in ulcerative colitis and are not a primary cause of anemia in this condition. Chronic blood loss is the main contributing factor.