A 51-year-old woman will be taking selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) as part of treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The nurse reviews potential contraindications, including which condition?
Venous thromboembolism
Breast cancer
Hypocalcemia
Stress fractures
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer or thromboembolic events. However, the nurse should advise the client to perform regular breast self-examinations and report any changes.
Choice B reason: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Migraine headaches that are related to the menstrual cycle may actually improve with oral contraceptives, as they can regulate the hormonal fluctuations. However, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of stroke or hypertension, as these are rare but serious complications of oral contraceptives.
Choice C reason: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility, chronic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by creating a thick cervical mucus that prevents the entry of bacteria. However, the nurse should remind the client that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and that barrier methods should be used in addition.
Choice D reason: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day has a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Oral contraceptives also increase the risk of these diseases, especially in women older than 35 years. Therefore, the combination of smoking and oral contraceptives can have a synergistic effect and cause serious harm. The nurse should recommend other methods of contraception for this client, such as intrauterine devices, implants, or injections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Benzonatate is not the correct answer. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is the correct answer. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening the mucus in the airways. It helps in the removal of mucus by making it easier to cough up.

Choice C reason: Diphenhydramine is not the correct answer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is not the correct answer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
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