The five cardinal signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
Correct Answer
True
These classic signs were first described in ancient medical texts and remain the hallmark indicators used to identify inflammatory responses in clinical practice.
Question 2
NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
Correct Answer
True
NSAIDs block COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.
Question 3
COX-1 enzymes are found only at sites of inflammation.
Correct Answer
False
COX-1 enzymes are found throughout the body and help maintain normal physiological functions such as protecting the gastric mucosa and supporting platelet function.
Question 4
Long-term NSAID use can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Correct Answer
True
Because NSAIDs inhibit COX-1, they reduce the protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining, increasing the risk of peptic ulcers and GI bleeding.
Question 5
Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects but do not suppress the immune system.
Correct Answer
False
Corticosteroids have both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Their immunosuppressive action increases the risk of infection with long-term use.
Question 6
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function.
Correct Answer
True
Unlike other NSAIDs, aspirin irreversibly acetylates COX enzymes in platelets, inhibiting thromboxane A2 production and platelet aggregation for the life of the platelet.
Question 7
Immunosuppressant medications are used to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Correct Answer
True
Immunosuppressants suppress the immune response to prevent the body from attacking transplanted organs. They are also used for autoimmune conditions.
Question 8
Biologic drugs are derived from chemical synthesis in a laboratory.
Correct Answer
False
Biologics are derived from living organisms or their products, unlike traditional drugs that are chemically synthesized. They include monoclonal antibodies and other protein-based therapies.
Question 9
Biosimilar drugs are identical copies of biologic drugs.
Correct Answer
False
Biosimilars are highly similar to an approved biologic but are not identical because biologics are made from living organisms, making exact replication impossible.
Question 10
Monoclonal antibodies are a type of biologic drug used in the treatment of various diseases.
Correct Answer
True
Monoclonal antibodies are engineered to target specific molecules in the body and are used to treat autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other conditions.
Question 11
Inflammation is always a harmful process that should be immediately suppressed.
Correct Answer
False
Inflammation is actually a normal protective response to injury or infection. It becomes harmful when it is chronic or excessive, at which point anti-inflammatory treatment may be needed.
Question 12
Acetaminophen has significant anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs.
Correct Answer
False
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic but has minimal anti-inflammatory effects. It does not inhibit peripheral COX enzymes the way NSAIDs do.
Question 13
Corticosteroids can cause hyperglycemia as an adverse effect.
Correct Answer
True
Corticosteroids increase gluconeogenesis and reduce insulin sensitivity, which can raise blood glucose levels and complicate diabetes management.
Question 14
Abrupt discontinuation of long-term corticosteroids is safe.
Correct Answer
False
Long-term corticosteroid use suppresses the adrenal glands. Abrupt discontinuation can cause adrenal crisis. The dose must be gradually tapered.
Question 15
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Correct Answer
True
DMARDs modify the underlying disease process rather than just treating symptoms, helping to slow joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Question 16
Selective COX-2 inhibitors were developed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.
Correct Answer
True
COX-2 inhibitors target only the COX-2 enzyme at inflammation sites, sparing COX-1 and its protective effects on the gastric mucosa.
Question 17
The nurse should monitor for signs of infection in clients taking immunosuppressant medications.
Correct Answer
True
Immunosuppressants reduce the body's ability to fight infections. The nurse must monitor for fever, chills, sore throat, and other signs of infection.
Question 18
Corticosteroids should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption.
Correct Answer
False
Corticosteroids should generally be taken with food to reduce GI irritation and upset.
Question 19
Chronic corticosteroid use can lead to osteoporosis.
Correct Answer
True
Long-term corticosteroid use decreases calcium absorption and bone formation while increasing bone resorption, leading to decreased bone density.
Question 20
NSAIDs are safe to use in clients with chronic kidney disease without dose adjustment.
Correct Answer
False
NSAIDs reduce renal blood flow by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys. They should be used cautiously or avoided in clients with renal impairment.
Question 21
Aspirin should not be given to children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
Correct Answer
True
Aspirin use in children with viral infections (especially influenza and chickenpox) is associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal condition affecting the liver and brain.
Question 22
TNF inhibitors work by blocking tumor necrosis factor, an inflammatory cytokine.
Correct Answer
True
TNF inhibitors like infliximab and adalimumab block the action of TNF, reducing the inflammatory cascade in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Question 23
Clients taking biologic medications do not require monitoring for tuberculosis.
Correct Answer
False
Clients should be screened for latent tuberculosis before starting biologic therapy because these drugs suppress immune function and can reactivate latent TB.
Question 24
Prostaglandins play a role in pain, inflammation, and fever.
Correct Answer
True
Prostaglandins are produced by COX enzymes and are key mediators of the inflammatory response, contributing to pain sensitization, vasodilation, and fever.
Question 25
Methotrexate is a DMARD that can cause liver toxicity and requires monitoring of liver function.
Correct Answer
True
Methotrexate is hepatotoxic, and liver function tests should be monitored regularly during therapy. It is also teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy.