A female client is taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The client tells the nurse that she is experiencing jaw pain. How should the nurse respond?

Determine how the client is administering the medication.

Advise the client to gargle with warm salt water twice daily.

Report the client's jaw pain to the healthcare provider.

Confirm that this is a common symptom of osteoporosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Jaw pain in a client taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis may be a sign of a rare but serious side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Therefore, the nurse should respond by: Report the client's jaw pain to the healthcare provider.

Jaw pain can be an indication of ONJ, a condition characterized by the death of jawbone tissue. It is important to notify the healthcare provider so that further evaluation and appropriate management can be initiated. The healthcare provider will determine the best course of action, which may include referral to a specialist for further assessment and treatment.

Determining how the client is administering the medication is not the immediate concern in this situation. While it is important to ensure that the client is following proper administration instructions for alendronate, addressing the jaw pain takes precedence.

Advising the client to gargle with warm salt water twice daily may not be sufficient or appropriate for managing jaw pain related to alendronate use. The client needs a comprehensive assessment by the healthcare provider to determine the cause of the jaw pain and provide appropriate interventions.

Confirming that jaw pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis is not accurate. While osteoporosis can lead to bone pain, jaw pain specifically associated with bisphosphonate use is more likely to be related to ONJ and requires further evaluation and management

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Allen's test is a procedure used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery and the collateral circulation of the hand. It is performed to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation before obtaining arterial blood gases from the radial artery. The test helps ensure that the ulnar artery is functioning properly and can supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is used for blood sampling or other invasive procedures.

The test involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries while the patient clenches their fist. The nurse then releases pressure on the ulnar artery while maintaining occlusion of the radial artery. The hand should quickly regain normal coloration, indicating adequate collateral circulation.
It's important to note that the Allen's test is specific to the assessment of collateral circulation in the hand and is not used for other purposes such as assessing deep vein thrombosis, cardiac output calculation, or obtaining pulmonary artery pressures.

A. Inspect skin for redness. B. Use a residual limb shrinker. C. Avoid range of motion exercises. D. Apply alcohol to the residual limb after bathing.

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

The correct answer is a. Inspect skin for redness and b. Use a residual limb shrinker.

Choice A rationale:

Inspecting the skin for redness is crucial to identify any signs of infection or pressure sores early. Redness can indicate irritation or the beginning of a pressure ulcer, which needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Using a residual limb shrinker helps to reduce swelling and shape the residual limb for prosthetic fitting. It also helps in managing pain and promoting healing by providing consistent compression.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding range of motion exercises is incorrect. Range of motion exercises are essential to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures, which can hinder the use of a prosthetic limb.

Choice D rationale:

Applying alcohol to the residual limb after bathing is not recommended. Alcohol can dry out the skin and cause irritation, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Instead, the residual limb should be kept clean and moisturized with appropriate skin care products.

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A female client is taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The client tells the nurse that she is experiencing jaw pain. How should the nurse respond?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendation(s) should the nurse provide this client? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

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