A patient with Paget’s disease has been prescribed alendronate.
What information should the practical nurse (PN) emphasize to the patient?
Wear protective clothing when in direct sunlight.
Suck on hard candy to increase oral secretions.
Drink 8 ounces (240 mL) of mineral water with each dose.
Lay supine for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
Wearing protective clothing when in direct sunlight is not specifically related to taking alendronate. This advice is more relevant for medications that increase photosensitivity, which is not a known side effect of alendronate.
Choice B rationale:
Sucking on hard candy to increase oral secretions is not necessary for patients taking alendronate. This advice is typically given to patients experiencing dry mouth, which is not a common side effect of alendronate.
Choice C rationale:
Drinking 8 ounces (240 mL) of water with each dose of alendronate is crucial. This helps ensure the medication reaches the stomach quickly and reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or ulcers.
Choice D rationale:
Laying supine for 30 minutes after taking alendronate is incorrect. Patients should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure the medication reaches the stomach properly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While aged cheeses can interact with certain medications, they are not known to interact with tricyclic antidepressants or to have a significant impact on sleep patterns.
Choice B rationale
The timing of medication administration can significantly impact sleep patterns. If the patient is taking their medication upon rising, it could potentially be interfering with their sleep.
Choice C rationale
Dry mouth is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants. However, it is not typically associated with early morning awakening or difficulty returning to sleep.
Choice D rationale
Soaking in a warm bath at night can actually help promote sleep by raising the body’s core temperature and then allowing it to drop, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Famotidine is a type of medication known as an H2 blocker, which decreases the amount of
acid produced in the stomach. While it can indirectly lead to better sleep by reducing
discomfort, decreased nighttime awakenings is not a direct indicator of its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
A positive stool antigen test is used to detect the presence of certain bacteria in the
gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to the action of famotidine.
Choice C rationale
Weight loss is not a typical result of famotidine use. If a patient experiences significant weight
loss, other causes should be investigated.
Choice D rationale
Famotidine is used to treat conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and
conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Reduced epigastric pain indicates that the medication is effectively reducing stomach acid and
therefore, alleviating symptoms.
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