A patient is concerned about the body changes that have resulted from long-term prednisone therapy for the treatment of asthma. Which expected effect of this drug therapy would cause a change in the patient’s appearance?

Moon face

Weight loss

Pale skin color

Hair loss

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Moon face, a hallmark of long-term prednisone use, results from fat redistribution due to corticosteroid-induced metabolic changes. Prednisone promotes lipogenesis in facial and neck areas, causing a rounded, puffy appearance. This Cushingoid feature is a common, visible side effect of prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Choice B reason: Weight loss is not typical with long-term prednisone therapy. Prednisone increases appetite and promotes fat deposition, leading to weight gain, not loss. Catabolic effects on muscle may occur, but overall weight gain, including fluid retention, is more characteristic, making this incorrect.

Choice C reason: Pale skin color is not a common effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids can cause skin thinning or bruising due to reduced collagen synthesis, but pallor is not typical. Hyperpigmentation may occur in some cases, but moon face is the primary appearance-related side effect of long-term use.

Choice D reason: Hair loss is not a primary side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids may cause hirsutism or thinning skin, but hair loss is more associated with chemotherapy or other drugs. Prednisone’s metabolic effects lead to fat redistribution, like moon face, rather than alopecia, making this incorrect.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for malaria starts 1-2 weeks before travel to build therapeutic blood levels, inhibiting Plasmodium heme polymerization. Continuing for 4 weeks post-travel ensures eradication of liver-stage parasites, preventing delayed malaria onset, aligning with standard guidelines for effective prophylaxis.

Choice B reason: Starting hydroxychloroquine 3 weeks before travel is excessive, as 1-2 weeks is sufficient for therapeutic levels. Discontinuing immediately after leaving risks malaria from liver-stage parasites, which can emerge weeks later. The standard 4-week post-travel continuation is critical for complete protection.

Choice C reason: Hydroxychloroquine absorption is not significantly improved on an empty stomach, and food reduces gastrointestinal irritation. Its adverse effects, like retinal toxicity, are unrelated to food intake. Taking it with food is recommended to minimize side effects, making this statement incorrect for patient education.

Choice D reason: Taking hydroxychloroquine only after mosquito bites is incorrect, as prophylaxis requires steady-state levels before exposure. Its antimalarial action prevents parasite development, not just symptomatic infection. Ad-hoc use risks inefficacy and toxicity, as consistent dosing is needed for malaria prevention.

A. Temporary swelling and rash at the site B. Numbness and tingling surrounding the application site C. Insomnia the evening of application D. Burning sensation when applied

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Temporary swelling and rash are not common adverse effects of topical acyclovir. This antiviral inhibits viral DNA replication with minimal local irritation. Allergic reactions are rare, and swelling or rash would suggest hypersensitivity, not a typical response to topical application for genital herpes.

Choice B reason: Numbness and tingling are not associated with topical acyclovir. These symptoms may occur with systemic antivirals or nerve-related conditions, but topical acyclovir acts locally on herpes lesions with minimal systemic absorption, causing primarily mild irritation rather than neurological symptoms like paresthesia.

Choice C reason: Insomnia is not a side effect of topical acyclovir, which has negligible systemic absorption. Systemic antivirals like oral acyclovir may rarely cause CNS effects, but topical application is confined to the skin, primarily causing local irritation, not systemic effects like sleep disturbances.

Choice D reason: A burning sensation is a common adverse effect of topical acyclovir when applied to genital herpes lesions. The drug’s vehicle or local tissue irritation during application can cause transient burning or stinging, which is expected and typically resolves, requiring patient education to ensure adherence.

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A patient is concerned about the body changes that have resulted from long-term prednisone therapy for the treatment of asthma. Which expected effect of this drug therapy would cause a change in the patient’s appearance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A woman is traveling to a country where she will be at high risk for malarial infection. What will the nurse teach her regarding prophylactic therapy with hydroxychloroquine?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is using topical acyclovir, and the nurse is providing instructions about adverse effects. What topic will the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is using topical acyclovir. The nurse will provide which teaching for this patient? (Select all that apply)

A patient who has been hospitalized for 2 weeks has developed a pressure ulcer that contains multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which drug would the nurse expect to be chosen for therapy?

Which effect would a nurse anticipate might occur in a patient receiving inhaled fluticasone who is also prescribed hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension?

Which antifungal drug is used topically to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot?

A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin to a patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. The nurse is using a prefilled syringe with enoxaparin. Which action by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

During a routine checkup, a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine because of one of its most common adverse effects. The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient?

A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

The nurse is administering an amphotericin B infusion. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? (Select all that apply)