A nurse is teaching a client who has benign prostatic hypertrophy and has a new prescription for finasteride. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Expect to see a response from the medication within one week.
Women should avoid touching this medication.
PSA levels will increase while taking this medication.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking this medication.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the patient may not see a response from the medication for at least six months. The patient should continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up with the provider regularly.
Choice B reason: This is correct because finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested by pregnant women. The patient should wear gloves when handling the tablets and avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because PSA levels will decrease while taking this medication. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is a marker for prostate cancer. The patient should inform the provider that they are taking finasteride before having a PSA test, as it may affect the results.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because grapefruit juice does not interact with finasteride. However, the patient should avoid alcohol and other medications that may affect the liver while taking finasteride.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Venous thromboembolism is a contraindication for taking SERMs. SERMs are drugs that act like estrogen in some tissues and block estrogen in others. They can help prevent bone loss and fractures in postmenopausal women, but they can also increase the risk of blood clots in the veins, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Therefore, women who have a history of or are at high risk for venous thromboembolism should not take SERMs.
Choice B reason: Breast cancer is not a contraindication for taking SERMs. In fact, some SERMs, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, are used to treat or prevent breast cancer in women who have estrogen receptor-positive tumors. These SERMs block the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue and reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Choice C reason: Hypocalcemia is not a contraindication for taking SERMs. Hypocalcemia is a low level of calcium in the blood. SERMs do not affect calcium levels directly, but they can help prevent calcium loss from the bones by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the bone tissue. However, women who take SERMs should also take adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain bone health.
Choice D reason: Stress fractures are not a contraindication for taking SERMs. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that result from repeated stress or overuse. SERMs can help prevent stress fractures by strengthening the bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. However, women who take SERMs should also avoid excessive or inappropriate physical activity that can cause stress fractures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because alopecia is not a common or serious adverse effect of finasteride. However, the patient should be informed that finasteride may cause decreased hair growth or loss of hair in some cases.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because finasteride is not given by injection, but by oral route. The patient should take one tablet daily with or without food.
Choice C reason: This is correct because finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested by pregnant women. The patient should wear gloves when handling the tablets and avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because finasteride can be taken with or without food. However, the patient should take it at the same time each day and follow the provider's instructions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today