Which instruction should a nurse give to a client taking alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis?
Chew the tablet well and report any difficulty swallowing.
Take the medication with six to eight ounces of milk.
Lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Take this medication at least 30 minutes before ingesting any food or medication.
The Correct Answer is D
Take this medication at least 30 minutes before ingesting any food or medication.
This is because alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that works by inhibiting the breakdown and reabsorption of bone. However, it has a very low bioavailability, which means that only a small amount of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally. Therefore, taking it with food or other medications can interfere with its absorption and reduce its effectiveness.
The other choices are wrong because:
A. Chew the tablet well and report any difficulty swallowing. This is wrong because alendronate tablets should not be chewed or crushed, but swallowed whole with a full glass of plain water. Chewing or crushing the tablets can increase the risk of irritation or damage to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Difficulty swallowing is a possible side effect of alendronate and should be reported to the doctor, but it is not an instruction for taking the medication.
B. Take the medication with six to eight ounces of milk. This is wrong because milk contains calcium, which can bind to alendronate and prevent its absorption. Alendronate should not be taken with any beverages other than plain water.
C. Lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medication. This is wrong because lying down after taking alendronate can increase the risk of esophageal irritation or
ulceration. Alendronate should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything, and the person should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
Normal ranges for bone density are expressed as T-scores, which compare a person’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal, a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone density (osteopenia), and a T-score of -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
pc stands for post cibum, which means after meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered after the patient has eaten.
Choice A is wrong because hs stands for hora somni, which means at bedtime in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient goes to sleep.
Choice B is wrong because prn stands for pro re nata, which means as needed in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered only when the patient requires it.
Choice C is wrong because ac stands for ante cibum, which means before meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient eats.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The proper length of the needle to administer a subcutaneous injection depends on the amount of adipose tissue over the muscle.
The needle should be long enough to reach the subcutaneous layer but not so long that it penetrates the muscle. The needle gauge and length vary depending on the patient’s size and the injection site
Choice A is wrong because the age of the client does not determine the needle length.
However, age may affect the amount of adipose tissue and muscle mass, which are factors to consider when choosing a needle length.
Choice B is wrong because the viscosity of the solution does not determine the needle length. However, viscosity may affect the needle gauge, which is the diameter of the needle.
Thicker solutions may require larger gauge needles to allow easier flow.
Choice D is wrong because the quantity of the solution does not determine the needle length.
However, quantity may affect the syringe size, which is the volume of medication that can be held by the syringe.
The syringe size should match the prescribed dose as closely as possible to ensure accuracy and ease of measurement.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.