The physician orders Salagen 10 mg PO twice a day for dry eyes.

The medication is supplied in 5-mg tablets.

How many tablets will the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale

While documenting medications is important for the physician's review, this is not the primary nutritional assessment reason for asking about medications. The focus here is on how medications interact with nutritional status.

Choice B rationale

Assessing for allergic reactions to medications is crucial for patient safety, but it is a separate aspect of medication history and not directly related to the metabolism of nutrients during a nutritional assessment.

Choice C rationale

Certain medications can significantly interfere with the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of various nutrients. For example, some drugs can increase nutrient excretion, decrease appetite, or alter the body's ability to utilize vitamins and minerals, directly impacting nutritional status.

Choice D rationale

While some medications can affect memory and thus the accuracy of a 24-hour food recall, the more direct and critical reason for asking about medications during a nutritional assessment is to identify potential drug-nutrient interactions that affect metabolism.

Choice A rationale

While mammography is a crucial tool for detecting breast cancer, particularly in women over 40, it is not a replacement for breast self-examination (BSE). Mammograms are radiographic images that can detect abnormalities, but BSE helps women become familiar with their own breasts and identify changes that may occur between mammograms.

Choice B rationale

Although annual clinical breast exams by a physician are important, they are not a substitute for monthly BSE. BSE allows women to regularly assess their breasts for any new lumps, changes in size or shape, skin thickening, or nipple discharge. These changes might occur between annual physician visits.

Choice C rationale

Mammograms are indeed effective in detecting breast cancer, often before a lump can be felt. However, BSE plays a vital role in increasing a woman's awareness of her breasts' normal texture and appearance. This familiarity enables her to notice subtle changes that may warrant further medical evaluation, complementing the benefits of mammography.

Choice D rationale

Mammograms are a highly reliable method for detecting breast cancer, especially in early stages. However, BSE is not unnecessary. It empowers women to take an active role in their breast health by promoting early detection of changes that might be indicative of cancer and can occur between scheduled mammograms.