A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a new prescription for riluzole. The nurse understands that this medication works in which of the following ways?

It suppresses the virus which is responsible for causing the inflammation of the nerve.

It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine to increase the amount available at the neuromuscular junction.

It reduces inflammation in the CNS to prevent further demyelination of nerves in the central nervous system.

It slows the progression of the disease by decreasing the release of glutamate in the brain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   ALS is not caused by a virus or inflammation of the nerves. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
B.   While acetylcholine breakdown is involved in other neurological conditions (such as myasthenia gravis), ALS primarily affects motor neurons and does not directly involve acetylcholine metabolism at the neuromuscular junction.
C.   ALS does not typically involve significant inflammation or demyelination (which is more characteristic of conditions like multiple sclerosis). Therefore, reducing CNS inflammation is not a therapeutic target in ALS.
D.   Riluzole, the medication prescribed for ALS, works by decreasing the release of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that can be toxic to nerve cells in high amounts. In ALS, excessive glutamate release is believed to contribute to motor neuron degeneration. By reducing glutamate release, riluzole may help protect motor neurons and slow the progression of the disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This function is typically managed by medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, which help reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Rosuvastatin does not directly affect heart rate or myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Medications like aspirin or other antiplatelet agents are used to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombus formation. Rosuvastatin is not primarily indicated for this purpose.
C. This is the correct rationale for prescribing rosuvastatin in a client with chronic stable angina. High LDL cholesterol levels contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which narrows coronary arteries and leads to angina. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, rosuvastatin helps slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including angina.
D. Acute episodes of angina are typically managed with short-acting nitrates or other medications that dilate coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Rosuvastatin does not provide immediate relief of angina symptoms.

A. Provide the client with an electric shaver for grooming. B. Move the client to a negative pressure isolation room. C. Encourage the client to select cooked vegetables rather than a salad for their lunch tray. D. Educate the client to dab their nose, rather than forcefully blow their nose.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This option is appropriate because the client's low white blood cell count (3,100/mm³) suggests they are at risk for infection due to chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that could potentially lead to infections.

B. This option is not necessary based on the client's current lab results. Negative pressure isolation rooms are typically reserved for clients with severely compromised immune systems, such as those with very low neutrophil counts (neutropenia). A white blood cell count of 3,100/mm³ is within a range where standard precautions are usually sufficient.
C. This option addresses food safety precautions for clients with neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Raw vegetables, including salads, have a higher risk of harboring bacteria that could cause infections. Therefore, cooked vegetables are safer for clients with compromised immune systems.
D. This option is appropriate because chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 280,000/mm³) increases the risk of bleeding. Forceful blowing of the nose can traumatize the nasal mucosa and increase the risk of nosebleeds. Dabbing the nose gently is a safer method to avoid nosebleeds.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a new prescription for riluzole. The nurse understands that this medication works in which of the following ways?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has been diagnosed with chronic stable angina is placed on multiple medications to manage the condition. The nurse understands that the client is receiving rosuvastatin for which reason?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. The client's most recent lab results show a white blood cell count of 3,100/mm3, and a platelet count of 280,000/mm3. Based on these lab results, which nursing action is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as the most concerning for a client with this condition?

A client has been diagnosed with chronic stable angina and has a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets. Which statement about this medication should the nurse include in the patient education?

A nurse is discussing treatments and interventions with a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following would assist in preventing exacerbations?

A nurse is assessing a client who has Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and notes that the client's breathing is shallow and the client is short of breath. The nurse understands that that the client's respiratory distress is caused by which of the following?

A client has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Which statement should the nurse include in the client education?