A 21-year-old male presents to the clinic with 6 weeks of painful, bloody stools. Flexible sigmoidoscopy reveals erythema and friability with pseudopolyps. Which of the following drugs used for ulcerative colitis has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents with bloody stools and mucosal inflammation, as seen on sigmoidoscopy. Sulfasalazine is correct-it combines 5-ASA (anti-inflammatory) and sulfapyridine (antibacterial), reducing inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in UC. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, lacking antibacterial action. Cyclosporine is immunosuppressive, not antibacterial. Mesalamine is anti-inflammatory only. Olsalazine (E) is similar to mesalamine. Sulfasalazine's dual action targets UC's inflammatory and microbial components, making it uniquely suited among the options for this chronic condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a rare but life-threatening drop in white blood cells, necessitating regular blood monitoring . This statement reflects understanding of a critical safety measure, indicating effective education. Nightmares aren't a primary concern with risperidone. Weight loss contrasts with its common side effect of weight gain, making it less relevant. Metallic taste isn't associated with this drug. The nurse evaluates learning based on recognition of monitoring for severe adverse effects like agranulocytosis, ensuring patient safety, making choice B the best indicator of comprehension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rotating the application sites of transdermal nitroglycerin patches is important to prevent skin irritation and tolerance development. By changing the site with each dose, the nurse ensures proper absorption of the medication and reduces the risk of skin reactions. It is not recommended to always apply the patch to the same site, as this can lead to localized skin irritation. It is also important to avoid using areas with a lot of hair or bony prominences, as well as to avoid areas with scars or skin folds. Rotation of application sites helps maintain the effectiveness of the nitroglycerin patch therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct definition for absorption of a drug is the movement of a drug from the site of administration (e.g., mouth, skin, injection site) into the bloodstream and then to various tissues of the body. This process is a critical step in the pharmacokinetics of a drug, as it determines the rate and extent to which the drug reaches its target site of action. Absorption can be affected by various factors such as the route of administration, drug formulation, and physiological factors of the individual.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: UTI in pregnancy needs safe, effective antibiotics. Amoxicillin, a penicillin, is safe (category B), effective against common pathogens (e.g., E. coli), and suitable in early pregnancy. Trimethoprim risks folate antagonism, avoided in first trimester. Tetracycline causes fetal bone/teeth damage, contraindicated. Erythromycin and flucloxacillin are less targeted for UTI. Amoxicillin's safety and efficacy make it ideal, protecting mother and fetus.