A nurse is educating a patient with osteoporosis who has been prescribed alendronate 70 mg PO weekly (Fosamax). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?
“I take my other medications at least 30 minutes after my alendronate.”.
“I take my alendronate on the same day every week with an 8-ounce glass of milk.”.
“I sit up and read the morning paper after taking my alendronate.”.
“I will need to have a bone density test occasionally while taking this medication.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Alendronate should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only. This is because other beverages (including mineral water), food, and some medications are likely to reduce the absorption of alendronate.
Choice B rationale
Alendronate should not be taken with milk. This is because the calcium in the milk can bind to the alendronate, preventing it from being absorbed into the body and therefore making it less effective. This is why the patient’s statement indicates a need for further instruction.
Choice C rationale
After taking alendronate, the patient should not lie down and should remain fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes. This is to help alendronate reach the stomach more quickly and also to reduce the risk of irritation to the esophagus. Therefore, sitting up and reading the morning paper after taking alendronate is a correct practice.
Choice D rationale
Regular bone density tests are necessary while taking alendronate. This is to monitor the drug’s effectiveness in increasing bone mass and to adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Therefore, the patient’s statement is correct.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 33-year-old with burns to the back and shoulders. While this patient’s injuries are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The back and shoulders are not vital areas, and while pain management and wound care will be necessary, this patient’s situation is not as urgent as others.
Choice B rationale
A 32-year-old with burns on the hands and face. This patient should be attended to first. Burns on the hands and face are more serious due to the high risk of infection and the potential for complications such as impaired breathing if the airway swells or becomes blocked due to the burns. Immediate treatment can help to prevent these complications.
Choice C rationale
A 42-year-old with burns on both legs. While these burns are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The patient will need pain management and wound care, and may have mobility issues, but their vital organs are not directly impacted by the burns.
Choice D rationale
A 25-year-old with a burn on the left arm. This patient, while in need of treatment, is not the highest priority. A burn on the arm, while painful and requiring treatment, is not as potentially serious or life-threatening as burns to the face, hands, or major portions of the body.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining the client on bed rest is not a recommended intervention for a client with urolithiasis. Bed rest does not facilitate the passage of stones and can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to drink 3 L of fluids per day is the correct intervention. Increased fluid intake can help flush out the urinary system and facilitate the passage of stones. It also helps prevent new stone formation by diluting the substances that lead to stones.
Choice C rationale
Providing the client a high protein diet is not a recommended intervention for a client with urolithiasis. High protein diets can increase the amount of calcium and uric acid in urine, which can contribute to stone formation.
Choice D rationale
Telling the client to expect a decrease in urine output is not a recommended intervention for a client with urolithiasis. Decreased urine output can lead to urinary stasis and contribute to stone formation.
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