Pharmacology- Medical surgical EAQ
A healthcare provider prescribes 2 liters of intravenous (IV) fluid to be administered over 12 hours to a client who sustained a burn injury. The drop factor of the tubing is 10 gtts/mL. The nurse should set the flow rate at how many drops per minute? Record your answer using a whole number. ___ gtts/min
28 **The total volume to be infused is 2 liters (2000 mL). The drop factor is 10 gtts/mL. Use the following formula to determine the flow rate in drops per minute. Test-Taking Tip: When taking the NCLEX exam, an on-screen calculator will be available for you to determine your response, which you will then type in the provided space.**
Atenolol 150 mg by mouth is prescribed for a client with hypertension. Each tablet contains 50 mg. How many tablets should the nurse administer? Record your answer using a whole number. ____________tablet(s)
3
Which prescribed medication should the nurse expect to administer to a female client who exhibits the genital lesions presented in the illustration? (herpes)
Acyclovir sodium **This is an illustration of herpes simplex type 2 in a female client. There is no medication that cures this disease; however, an antiviral, such as acyclovir sodium, generally is prescribed to reduce healing time and the severity of clinical findings. Zidovudine is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor often prescribed to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent generally prescribed to treat trichomoniasis, a protozoal vaginal infection. Ceftriaxone is an antimicrobial agent generally prescribed for gonorrhea.**
A client admitted for uncontrolled hypertension and chest pain was prescribed a low-sodium diet and started on furosemide. The nurse should instruct the client to include which foods in the diet?
Bananas **Furosemide is a loop diuretic that eliminates potassium by preventing renal absorption. Bananas have a significant amount of potassium. Bananas: 450 mg; cabbage: 243 mg; liver: 73.6 mg; apples: 100-120 mg**
A nurse teaches a client about Coumadin and concludes that the teaching is effective when the client agrees not to drink which juice?
Cranberry juice **Antioxidants in cranberry juice may inhibit the mechanism that metabolizes warfarin, causing elevations in the international normalized ratio, resulting in hemorrhage. Apple juice, grape juice, and orange juice are fine to drink.**
Which instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client with hyperlipidemia who is being discharged with a prescription for cholestyramine?
Increase your intake of fiber and fluid. ** Fiber and fluids help prevent the most common adverse effect of constipation and its complication: fecal impaction. The medication should be taken with meals. The pulse is not affected. Cholestyramine binds bile in the intestine; therefore, it reduces the incidence of jaundice**
A client with phosphate-based urinary calculi asks why aluminum hydroxide gel has been prescribed. The nurse explains that the medication decreases serum phosphorus by which action?
Binding with phosphorus in the intestine **Aluminum hydroxide binds phosphorus in the intestine, preventing its absorption; this decreases serum phosphorus. Preventing absorption of phosphorus in the stomach, promoting excretion of excessive urinary phosphorus, and dissolving stones as they pass through the urinary tract are not actions of this drug. Test-Taking Tip: Do not select answers that contain exceptions to the general rule, controversial material, or degrading responses.**
The healthcare provider prescribes 7500 units erythropoietin to be administered subcutaneously weekly. The vial reads 10,000 units per milliliter. How much erythropoietin will the nurse give for each weekly dose? Include a leading zero if applicable. Record your answer using two decimal places. _____ mL
0.75 mL
A healthcare provider prescribes 250 mg of an antibiotic intravenous piggyback (IVPB). A vial containing 1 gram of the powdered form of the medication must be reconstituted with 2.8 mL of diluent to form a volume of 3 mL. How many mL of the solution should the nurse administer? Record your answer using one decimal place and leading zero if applicable. Do not include units in your answer. __mL
0.8
A client is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which nursing assessment finding would indicate that the client has hyperglycemia?
A fruity odor to the breath **Hyperglycemia is indicated by a fruity odor to the breath. Paralytic ileus is not associated with hyperglycemia. With hyperglycemia there is hyperventilation (respiration rate greater than 20). Serum glucose of 105 mg/dL is within the expected range. Test-Taking Tip: Avoid spending excessive time on any one question. Most questions can be answered in 1 to 2 minutes.**
A client who has an adenocarcinoma of the descending colon with a partial obstruction is receiving doxorubicin intravenously (IV) to reduce the tumor mass. The nurse monitors the client for signs and symptoms of doxorubicin toxicity. What clinical finding indicates that toxicity has occurred?
Alteration in cardiac rhythm Doxorubicin is cardiotoxic and causes dysrhythmias. Doxorubicin toxicity causes severe, not minor, dermatitis. Blue-tinged urine is a side effect of doxorubicin, not a toxic effect. Feelings of nervousness are a side effect of doxorubicin, not a toxic effect. Test-Taking Tip: A psychological technique used to boost your test-taking confidence is to look into a mirror whenever you pass one and say out loud, "I know the material, and I'll do well on the test." Try it; many students have found that it works because it reduces "test anxiety."
A client is considered to be in septic shock when what changes are assessed in the client's labwork?
An increased serum lactate level ** The hallmark of sepsis is an increasing serum lactate level, a normal or low total WBC count > 12,000 cells/µL or < 4,000 cells/µL and a decreasing segmented neutrophil level with a rising band neutrophil level. Blood glucose levels with sepsis are between 110 and >150 mg/dL. Blood glucose levels of 70-100 mg/dL are considered normal. STUDY TIP: Focus your study time on the common health problems that nurses most frequently encounter.**
A client with malabsorption syndrome is admitted to the hospital for medical intervention. A subclavian catheter is inserted, and the client is started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). What should the nurse teach the client in order to prevent the most common complication of TPN?
Avoid disturbing the dressing or getting it wet. **Disturbing the dressing may expose the area to pathogens. Infection is the most common complication; sterile technique at the catheter insertion site must be maintained. Keeping the head still is not necessary; the catheter is sutured in place, and reasonable movement is permitted. The client should be taught to leave the infusion pump set at the rate prescribed by the healthcare provider and to call the nurse if the alarm rings. Excessive weight gain or loss is not a complication of total parenteral nutrition.**
When taking the blood pressure of a client who had a thyroidectomy, the nurse identifies that the client is pale and has spasms of the hand. The nurse notifies the health care provider. Which should the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe?
Calcium **These signs may indicate calcium depletion as a result of accidental removal of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Symptoms associated with hypomagnesemia include tremor, neuromuscular irritability, and confusion. Symptoms associated with metabolic acidosis include deep, rapid breathing, weakness, and disorientation. Symptoms associated with hypokalemia include muscle weakness and dysrhythmias. Test-Taking Tip: Read carefully and answer the question asked; pay attention to specific details in the question.**
A client is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after surgery. What does the nurse identify as the primary benefit with this type of therapy?
Client is able to self-administer pain-relieving drugs as necessary **The ability of the client to self-administer pain-relieving medications as necessary is the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia; usually smaller amounts of analgesics are used with self-administration. The amount and dosage of the medication are programmed to prevent accidents or abuse. Drug levels are kept in a maintenance range, and pain relief is achieved without extreme fluctuations. Requests for pain relief by any route would be anticipated to match sleep-wake cycles. The nurse is not absolved of responsibility when PCA is used; monitoring the client for effectiveness, refilling the apparatus with the prescribed narcotic, and charting the amount administered and the client's response are required.**
A client who is receiving multiple medications for a myocardial infarction complains of severe nausea, and the client's heartbeat is irregular and slow. The nurse determines that these signs and symptoms are toxic effects of what drug?
DIGOXIN **Signs of digoxin toxicity include cardiac dysrhythmias, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. Although nausea and heart block may occur with captopril, these symptoms rarely are seen; drowsiness and central nervous system disturbances are more common. Toxic effects of morphine are slow, deep respirations, stupor, and constricted pupils; nausea is a side effect, not a toxic effect. Toxic effects of furosemide are renal failure, blood dyscrasias, and loss of hearing.**
Which statement regarding treatment with interferon indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching?
I will drink 2 to 3 quarts (2 to 3 liters) of fluid a day **Adequate fluid intake helps to flush the kidneys and prevent nephrotoxicity, especially during the early phase of treatment. Reconstituted solution may be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month. Confusion, dizziness, and hallucinations are side effects of this drug; the client should avoid hazardous tasks, such as driving or using machinery. Activity may have to be altered because fatigue and other flulike symptoms are common with this drug.**
A client is receiving oxycodone postoperatively for pain. The healthcare provider's prescription indicates that the dose should be administered every 3 hours for eight doses. What should the nurse assess before administering each dose of oxycodone?
Respiratory rate and level of consciousness **Oxycodone is an opioid that depresses the central nervous system, resulting in a decreased level of consciousness and depressed respirations. The medication should be administered, delayed, or held, depending on the client's status. Although urinary output of postoperative clients should be assessed, urinary output is not related directly to the administration of opioid medications. Oxycodone is administered via tablets, not intravenously. Wound drainage is unrelated to the administration of oxycodone.**
A client takes isosorbide dinitrate daily. The client states, "I would like to start taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction." The nurse explains that taking both of these medications concurrently may result in which complication?
Severe hypotension **Concurrent use of sildenafil and a nitrate, which causes vasodilation, may result in severe, potentially fatal hypotension. Protracted vomiting and respiratory distress are not adverse effects associated with concurrent use of sildenafil and a nitrate. Sildenafil may cause diarrhea; adding a nitrate will not constipation. STUDY TIP: Becoming a nursing student automatically increases stress levels because of the complexity of the information to be learned and applied and because of new constraints on time. One way to decrease stress associated with school is to become very organized so that assignment deadlines or tests do not come as sudden surprises. By following a consistent plan for studying and completing assignments, you can stay on top of requirements and thereby prevent added stress.**
A nurse attempts to give a client with chronic arterial insufficiency of the legs the prescribed dose of aspirin (ASA). The client refuses it, stating, "My legs are not painful." Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Explain the reason for the medication and encourage the client to take it **Aspirin is given to the client to prevent platelet aggregation and possible deep vein thrombosis. The client needs information to make an educated decision. Aspirin is not prescribed to relieve pain. The client should receive information and support before making the decision to refuse the medication. Clients should never be pressured to take medication, especially when they do not have an understanding of the risks and benefits of the medication.**
A client with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has a protozoal infection and is receiving pentamidine. The nurse should monitor the client for which common side effects? Select all that apply
Hypoglycemia Decreased blood pressure ** Hypoglycemia is a side effect of pentamidine. Hypotension and dysrhythmias are common side effects of this medication. Neutropenia, not leukocytosis, is associated with this drug. Hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, may occur. Hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia, may occur.**
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which responses indicate that the client is experiencing hyperglycemia? Select all that apply Polyuria Polydipsia Paralytic ileus Respiratory rate of 24 Serum glucose of 105 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L)
Polyuria Polydipsia Respiratory rate of 24 **Glucose that is being filtered in the kidney acts as an osmotic diuretic; glycosuria promotes polyuria. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and fluid intake are the responses to excess fluid loss related to osmotic diuresis. With hyperglycemia, there may be hyperventilation in an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide if ketones are produced; 24 breaths/min is characteristic of hyperventilation. Paralytic ileus is not associated with hyperglycemia. Serum glucose of 105 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L), by most standards, is within the expected range of 60 to 110 mg/dL (3.3 to 6.1 mmol/L).**
A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary tuberculosis who is to receive several antitubercular medications. Which of the first-line antitubercular medications is associated with damage to the eighth cranial nerve?
Streptomycin **Streptomycin is ototoxic and can cause damage to the eighth cranial nerve, resulting in deafness. Assessment for ringing or roaring in the ears, vertigo, and hearing acuity should be made before, during, and after treatment. Isoniazid does not affect the ear; however, blurred vision and optic neuritis, as well as peripheral neuropathy, may occur. Rifampin does not affect hearing; however, visual disturbances may occur. Ethambutol does not affect hearing; however, visual disturbances may occur.**
A nurse is providing discharge instructions about digoxin. Which response should a nurse include as a reason for a client to withhold the digoxin?
Blurred vision **Visual disturbances, such as blurred or yellow vision, may be evidence of digoxin toxicity. Chest pain is not a toxic effect of digoxin. Persistent hiccups are not related to digoxin toxicity. An increased urinary output is not a sign of digoxin toxicity; it may be a sign of a therapeutic response to the drug and an improved cardiac output.**
A client with diabetic ketoacidosis who is receiving intravenous fluids and insulin complains of tingling and numbness of the fingers and toes and shortness of breath. The cardiac monitor shows the appearance of a U wave. What complication does the nurse suspect?
Hypokalemia **These are classic signs of hypokalemia that occur when potassium levels are reduced as potassium reenters cells with glucose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are weakness, nervousness, tachycardia, diaphoresis, irritability, and pallor. Symptoms of hypernatremia are thirst, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth and mucous membranes, concentrated urine, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, irritability, fatigue, lethargy, labored breathing, and muscle twitching or seizures. Symptoms of hypercalcemia are lethargy, nausea, vomiting, paresthesias, and personality changes**
Neomycin 1 gram is prescribed preoperatively for a client with cancer of the colon. The client asks why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?
"It will kill the bacteria in your bowel and decrease the risk for infection after surgery." **Neomycin provides preoperative intestinal antisepsis. It is not administered to prevent bladder infection. Nephrotoxicity is an adverse, not a therapeutic, effect. Neomycin will not prevent metastasis of the tumor to other areas. STUDY TIP: Establish your study priorities and the goals by which to achieve these priorities. Write them out and review the goals during each of your study periods to ensure focused preparation efforts.**
A client with a seizure disorder is receiving phenytoin and phenobarbital. What client statement indicates that the instructions regarding the medications are understood?
"Stopping the drugs can cause continuous seizures and I may die." **Combination therapy suggests that this client has seizures that are difficult to control. Sudden withdrawal of any antiepileptic medication can cause onset of frequent seizures or even status epilepticus. Death can occur if seizures are continuous due to lack of adequate oxygenation and cardiac irregularities. It is important to take medication as prescribed to lessen the frequency of seizures; there is no guarantee that seizures will stop. Medication may or may not eliminate the seizures; stress may precipitate a seizure. Antiepileptic medications are not prescribed to prevent falls and injury. Although seizures may occur while the client is taking the medications, the medications do not stop post seizure confusion.**
A client is admitted with 50% of the body surface area burned after an industrial explosion and fire. The client's serum albumin is 1.5 g/dL (150 mg/dL), the hematocrit is 30%, the urine specific gravity is 1.025, and the serum globulin is 3 g/dL (300 mg/dL). When evaluating the client's response to fluid replacement, what determines when the nurse should prepare to administer a colloid?
Albumin is below 2 g/dL (200 mg/dL) Administration of a colloid is indicated when the serum albumin decreases below 2 g/dL (200 mg/dL); then, albumin must be administered to increase the level to the expected range of 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL (350 to 550 mg/dL). This increases the oncotic pressure and prevents the shift of fluid out of the intravascular compartment. A globulin of 3 g/dL (300 mg/dL) is within the expected parameters of 2.3 to 3.4 g/dL (230 to 430 mg/dL). A hematocrit level of 32% is low and indicates overhydration; administration of a colloid will increase this problem. The urine specific gravity is within the expected limits of 1.010 to 1.030. Test-Taking Tip: Come to your test prep with a positive attitude about yourself, your nursing knowledge, and your test-taking abilities. A positive attitude is achieved through self-confidence gained by effective study. This means (a) answering questions (assessment), (b) organizing study time (planning), (c) reading and further study (implementation), and (d) answering questions (evaluation).
A client with cancer is receiving a multiple chemotherapy protocol. Included in the protocol is leucovorin. The nurse concludes that this drug is administered for what purpose?
Because it diminishes toxicity of folic acid antagonists **Leucovorin limits toxicity of folic acid antagonists, such as methotrexate sodium, by competing for transport into cells. Leucovorin does not potentiate the effect of alkylating agents; however, leucovorin promotes binding of fluorouracil (5-FU) to target tumor cells. Antiemetics such as prochlorperazine maleate and ondansetron minimize nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapeutic agents. Leucovorin does not interfere with cell division; this is the purpose of a multiple-drug protocol. Test-Taking Tip: Do not read too much into the question or worry that it is a "trick." If you have nursing experience, ask yourself how a classmate who is inexperienced would answer this question from only the information provided in the textbooks or given in the lectures.**
What should the nurse assess to determine if a client is experiencing the therapeutic effect of valsartan?
Blood pressure **Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) lower the blood pressure; they block the receptor sites in smooth muscles and adrenal glands so vasoconstriction is prevented. ARBs do not directly affect lipid profile, apical pulse, or urinary output. Test-Taking Tip: You have at least a 25% chance of selecting the correct response in multiple-choice items. If you are uncertain about a question, eliminate the choices that you believe are wrong and then call on your knowledge, skills, and abilities to choose from the remaining responses.**
A transfusion of packed red blood cells is prescribed for a client with anemia. List the following actions in the order in which they should be performed by the nurse.
Correct 1. Ensure that the client signed a consent for the transfusion. Correct 2. Determine the client's vital signs. Correct 3. Compare the number on the blood product and laboratory record. Correct 4. Don a pair of clean gloves. Correct 5. Run the transfusion slowly. ** A client must sign a consent for the transfusion before the procedure; clients have the right to refuse. Vital signs should be obtained immediately before the transfusion to serve as a baseline for comparison if a reaction is suspected. Two nurses must verify that the numbers, ABO type, and Rh type on the blood label and laboratory record match before hanging the transfusion to minimize risk of transfusion reactions. Clean gloves must be worn before inserting the spike of the blood administration set. The transfusion is run slowly for the first 15 to 20 minutes, but only after other steps have been completed. Test-Taking Tip: Answer the question that is asked. Read the situation and the question carefully, looking for key words or phrases. Do not read anything into the question or apply what you did in a similar situation during one of your clinical experiences. Think of each question as being an ideal, yet realistic, situation.**
After receiving streptomycin sulfate for 2 weeks as part of the medical regimen for tuberculosis, the client reports feeling dizzy and having some hearing loss. The nurse withholds the drug and promptly reports the problem to the healthcare provider. Which part of the body does the nurse determine is being affected as indicated by the symptom reported by the client?
Eighth cranial nerve's vestibular branch **Streptomycin sulfate is ototoxic and may cause damage to auditory and vestibular portions of the eighth cranial nerve. Pyramidal tracts, cerebellar tissue, and peripheral motor end-plates are not affected by streptomycin. Test-Taking Tip: Bring to your test prep a positive attitude about yourself, your nursing knowledge, and your test-taking abilities. A positive attitude is achieved through self-confidence gained by effective study. This means (a) answering questions (assessment), (b) organizing study time (planning), (c) reading and further study (implementation), and (d) answering questions (evaluation).**
A nurse prepares to administer extended-release metformin to an older adult who has asked that it be crushed because it is difficult to swallow. What will prompt the nurse to ask the provider for a different form of metformin?
Extended-release formulations are designed to be released slowly, and crushing the tablet will prevent this from occurring. ** The slow-release formulary will be compromised and the client will not receive the entire dose if it is chewed or crushed. The capsules are not difficult to crush. Irritation of the mucosal tissue is not the reason the medication should not be crushed; however, this drug should be given with meals to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. Although taste could be a factor, it is not the priority issue.**
A client is receiving combination chemotherapy for treatment of metastatic carcinoma. For which systemic side effect should the nurse monitor the client?
Leukopenia **Leukopenia, a reduction in white blood cells, is a systemic effect of chemotherapy as a result of myelosuppression. Ascites is not a side effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy does not affect the eyes; nystagmus is an involuntary, rapid rhythmic movement of the eyeballs. Also, nystagmus is a local, not a systemic, response. The red blood cells will be decreased, not increased. ** STUDY TIP: Develop a realistic plan of study. Do not set rigid, unrealistic goals
A healthcare provider prescribes famotidine and magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide antacid for a client with a peptic ulcer. The nurse should teach the client to take the antacid at what time?
One hour before or 2 hours after famotidine **Antacids interfere with complete absorption of famotidine; therefore antacids should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after famotidine. Magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide usually is taken 1 hour after meals and at bedtime. Famotidine usually is prescribed once a day at bedtime. The client has received a prescription for both medications; the client should not be instructed to omit one of the medications without checking with the healthcare provider first.**
A client with type 1 diabetes comes to the clinic because of concerns regarding erratic control of blood glucose with the prescribed insulin therapy. The client has been experiencing a sudden fall in the blood glucose level, followed by a sudden episode of hyperglycemia. Which complication of insulin therapy should the nurse conclude that the client is experiencing?
Somogyi effect **The Somogyi effect is a response to hypoglycemia induced by too much insulin; the body responds to the hypoglycemia by counterregulatory hormones stimulating lipolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis, resulting in rebound hyperglycemia. The Dawn phenomenon is hyperglycemia that is present on awakening in the morning because of the release of counterregulatory hormones in the predawn hours; it is thought that growth hormone or cortisol is related to this phenomenon. Diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is a profound deficiency of insulin and is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, and dehydration. Hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome occurs in clients with type 2 diabetes. It is a condition in which the client produces enough insulin to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycemia, osmotic diuresis, and extracellular fluid depletion. Test-Taking Tip: Avoid spending excessive time on any one question. Most questions can be answered in 1 to 2 minutes.**
