Deck 50: Miscellaneous Agents

Question 1

A patient recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is placed on memantine (Namenda). The family asks why this medication is given. Which explanations by the nurse are accurate? (Select all that apply.)

A) Memantine prevents the neurodegeneration of the disease.
B) Memantine improves word recall.
C) Memantine increases the ability to do tasks.
D) Memantine improves sleep.
E) Memantine increases appetite.

Answer 1

Memantine improves word recall.
Memantine increases the ability to do tasks.

Question 2

A patient with early Alzheimer's disease is started on tacrine (Cognex), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. How will the nurse evaluate that the drug has been effective?

A) Decrease in the patient's agitation
B) Improvement in the patient's cognitive skills
C) Slowing of disease progression by using a standardized tool
D) Less frequent repetitive behaviors

Answer 2

Improvement in the patient's cognitive skills

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with gout who has elevated uric acid levels. Which medication will likely be administered?

A) Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
B) Disulfiram (Antabuse)
C) Lactulose (Cephulac)
D) Memantine (Namenda)

Answer 3

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Question 4

What is the rationale for administering acamprosate (Campral)?

A) Withdrawal from alcohol addiction
B) Maintenance of sobriety
C) Improvement of renal function
D) Correction of electrolyte imbalances

Question 5

A patient is admitted to the Alzheimer's unit with moderate dementia. Before beginning tacrine (Cognex) therapy, which baseline nursing assessments should be completed? (Select all that apply.)

A) CBC and differential, uric acid level
B) GI assessment
C) Liver function tests
D) Blood pressure, pulse, respirations
E) Presenting symptoms

Question 6

A patient is admitted for hepatic encephalopathy and is being treated with lactulose. Which assessment by the nurse indicates that the medication is effective?

A) Normal electrolyte level
B) Improved mental status
C) Increased urinary output
D) Decreased pain level

Question 7

Which laboratory test result would the nurse observe when a patient has hepatotoxicity?

A) Decreased bilirubin
B) Increased albumin
C) Decreased alkaline phosphatase
D) Increased alanine aminotransferase

Question 8

Which common adverse effect will the nurse expect to assess in a patient recently prescribed tacrine (Cognex)?

A) Dyspepsia
B) Bradycardia
C) Jaundice
D) Rash

Question 9

Which patient assessment will the nurse expect to observe when a patient has ingested alcohol while on disulfiram (Antabuse)?

A) Unconsciousness
B) Hypertension
C) Gastrointestinal bleeding
D) Severe vomiting

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action of memantine (Namenda)?

A) Increases production of dopamine
B) Decreases production of serotonin
C) Blocks NDMA receptors in the CNS
D) Enhances reuptake of central neurotransmitters

Question 11

Why is lactulose administered to a patient with end-stage liver disease and encephalopathy?

A) To increase daily urine output
B) To relieve constipation
C) To reduce formation of ammonia in the gut
D) To maintain electrolyte values within normal limits

Question 12

What important points of patient education should be included about disulfiram (Antabuse) therapy? (Select all that apply.)

A) The patient should return for liver function tests in 10 to 14 days following initiation of therapy.
B) Headache, fatigue, and a metallic taste are common adverse effects that usually resolve.
C) Avoid alcohol ingestion to prevent a reaction.
D) Carefully read all labels for possible alcohol content, including perfumes, and over-the-counter medications such as cough syrups.
E) Report to the health care provider any allergic symptoms, such as hives or pruritus.

Question 13

Which conditions and/or circumstances warrant caution when colchicine is used for a patient with gout? (Select all that apply.)

A) Older adult
B) Compromised immunity
C) Psychosis
D) Renal failure
E) Cardiac compromise

Question 14

The nurse is providing information to a patient with chronic gout arthritis who is prescribed probenecid. Which information by the nurse is accurate regarding the action of this drug?

A) It prevents uric acid crystal formation.
B) It promotes uric acid excretion.
C) It provides analgesia.
D) It treats acute gout attacks.

Question 15

What condition is allopurinol (Zyloprim) used to treat?

A) Gout secondary to antineoplastic therapy
B) Acute attacks of gouty arthritis
C) Cholelithiasis
D) First-time gout attacks

Question 16

Which nursing action is accurate when administering colchicine?

A) Administer the medication subcutaneously.
B) Maintain fluid intake of at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily.
C) Increase fiber in the diet to prevent constipation.
D) Inform the patient that pain will be alleviated in 2 weeks.

Question 17

The nurse receives an order to administer colchicine 0.6 mg every 1 to 2 hours until the patient exhibits adverse effects. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effect?

A) Diminished fever
B) Diarrhea or nausea
C) Increased urination
D) Decrease in erythema