Your patient has just received a new diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. They are confused about their prescriptions, however. They ask you "Why am I receiving so many medications? I thought this 'MTX' drug was the one that would treat my arthritis?". What is your BEST response?

The MTX will stop the pain but not the progression of your disease, so we also give you NSAIDS and steroids

You have good insurance so we like to prescribe you a whole bunch of medications just in case

The MTX helps treat the nausea associated with the other meds that actually treat your disease

The MTX takes several weeks or months to reach full effect, so the other meds are started now to help your symptoms

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Methotrexate (MTX) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that helps slow disease progression but does not provide immediate pain relief. NSAIDs and steroids may be used for symptomatic relief, but MTX alone can manage both pain and disease progression over time.
B.   This response is unprofessional and dismissive. It implies that the medication regimen is based solely on the patient's insurance coverage rather than their medical needs. It does not address the patient’s question and could undermine trust in the healthcare team.
C.   Methotrexate does not primarily treat nausea; rather, it is used to manage rheumatoid arthritis. While some patients may experience nausea as a side effect of MTX or other medications, this is not its primary purpose.
D.   Methotrexate is indeed a DMARD that can take weeks to months to show its full benefits in controlling inflammation and slowing disease progression. Meanwhile, NSAIDs or corticosteroids may be prescribed to provide quicker relief from symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Neutropenia refers to an abnormally low level of neutrophils in the blood. This condition can result from various factors, including severe infections, bone marrow issues, or certain medications. However, in the context of a severe bacterial infection, you would expect an increase in neutrophils, not a decrease.
B. Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. While infections can lead to anemia, it is not a direct indicator of white blood cell production or response to a bacterial infection.
C. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the overall white blood cell count. Like neutropenia, it indicates a reduced ability to fight infection, which is not consistent with a severe bacterial infection where the body is actively trying to produce more white blood cells.
D. A "left shift" indicates the presence of increased immature neutrophils (such as band cells) in the blood, which occurs when the bone marrow releases these cells into circulation in response to a severe infection. This reflects the body’s effort to combat an infection, typically seen in bacterial infections.

A. "I will rinse raw fruits with water before eating them" B. “I will wear gloves while changing the kitty litter box" C. "I will wear a N95 mask when around sick family members" D. “I will cook vegetables before eating them"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While rinsing fruits is good practice, it may not fully eliminate the risk of pathogens, especially for someone with a compromised immune system.
B. This statement is the best indication of understanding how to prevent infections. Changing kitty litter can expose the client to Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly risky for immunocompromised individuals. Wearing gloves is a direct and effective precaution.
C. Although wearing an N95 mask can be appropriate in certain situations, it may not be necessary for all interactions with sick family members. A standard surgical mask is often sufficient.
D. Cooking vegetables is a good practice for food safety, especially for immunocompromised individuals, but this statement is more general than specifically addressing a particular risk.

View Question and Answer

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

Your patient has just received a new diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. They are confused about their prescriptions, however. They ask you "Why am I receiving so many medications? I thought this 'MTX' drug was the one that would treat my arthritis?". What is your BEST response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has stage 3 HIV disease (AIDS). Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

An RN is caring for a patient with Tuberculosis who is to receive a new prescription for Isoniazid (INH). The nurse knows that INH can cause peripheral neuropathy. To help prevent this from happening, the nurse can ask the provider for:

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

The nurse admits a patient who is in a sickle cell crisis. The nurse should prepare for which intervention as the top priority in the management of the patient?

The medical team believes that your patient has been suffering from a severe Viral infection, and has ordered blood to be drawn for laboratory analysis. You know that which of the following types of white blood cells is MOST associated with a Viral illness?

Your patient had an open colon resection a week ago and developed a subsequent infection of their surgical incision. Now the patient's blood pressure has been dropping for the past 2 hours and is currently 89/65. What type of shock is the patient experiencing?

The nurse preceptor is teaching the newly graduated nurse about the care and treatment of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who are on dialysis treatment. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

You are planning on transfusing a unit of blood. Which of the following are appropriate measures to take? (Select all that apply)

Your patient with Iron deficiency anemia is receiving Iron Dextran when their blood pressure suddenly starts to drop, their respiratory rate increases, and their breath becomes wheezy- sounding. Your PRIORITY intervention will be: