A 38-year-old male patient stopped smoking 6 months ago. He tells the nurse that he still feels strong cigarette cravings and wonders if he is ever going to feel “normal” again. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: “These cravings may persist for several months.” This is correct because nicotine withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, can last for several months after quitting smoking. The patient's experience is common and does not indicate a permanent state. A: Incorrect. It is not accurate to say that cravings will never stop, as they typically decrease over time. C: Incorrect. Cravings do not necessarily mean the patient is still using nicotine but rather experiencing withdrawal symptoms. D: Incorrect. Cravings do not indicate that the patient is about to experience withdrawal but rather that they are still in the process of withdrawal.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased ease of breathing. Aminophylline is a bronchodilator used to improve breathing in COPD exacerbations. A therapeutic response would be improved ease of breathing due to bronchodilation. Increased sputum production (A) is not a desired effect. Increased heart rate (B) is a potential side effect of aminophylline, not a therapeutic response. Increased respiratory rate (C) may occur due to improved breathing but is not the primary therapeutic goal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because inhalation actually provides rapid access to the general circulation due to the large surface area and rich blood supply in the lungs. A is correct as intravenous administration is the fastest route. B is correct as intramuscular administration necessitates a sterile technique to prevent infection. D is correct as subcutaneous administration can cause local irritation due to the injection site. Thus, C is the incorrect statement as inhalation does not provide slow access to the general circulation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tolerance develops due to the body adapting to a drug's presence, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Diminished absorption means less drug enters the body, leading to tolerance. Rapid excretion removes the drug quickly, causing the body to adjust, also leading to tolerance. Therefore, both factors contribute to tolerance development. Choice C is correct. Choices A and B alone do not fully explain tolerance development as they are only partial explanations, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiovascular collapse. Universal anesthetic refers to a local anesthetic that can potentially affect all systems, including the cardiovascular system, leading to cardiovascular collapse. This answer is correct as it aligns with the term "universal anesthetic." Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the concept of a universal anesthetic. Seizures and respiratory failure are not exclusive to a universal anesthetic, and D, "All of the above," is incorrect as it includes options that are not directly related to the term "universal anesthetic."