Chapter 1: Introduction to Drugs - ML6 (PHARM)

A nurse who provides care in a long-term care facility is documenting a new resident's medication regimen on the resident's intake admission. Why would the nurse document the generic, rather than proprietary or trade, names of the resident's current drugs?

There is a potential for confusion and miscommunication if proprietary names are used

The nurse received an order for furosemide (Lasix). Why should the nurse write the generic name on the order sent to the pharmacy?

There is less chance of the wrong drug being given, because trade names can be similar.

One of the phases of drug development is the post-marketing surveillance phase. Which activity is carried out during this phase?

Health care providers report adverse effects to FDA

Which statement made by the nurse best explains how pharmacotherapy relates to client care?

It uses drugs to prevent, diagnose, or treat symptoms and disease processes

The birth defects associated with thalidomide (Thalomid) resulted in legislation known as the:

Kefauver-Harris Act of 1962

While reviewing a package insert for a drug, what would the nurse identify as the drug's generic name?

Levothyroxine sodium

A client is being treated with phenytoin for treatment of seizures. What should the nurse monitor to prevent toxic reactions to drugs in a client?

Monitor client's blood level of the drug

The nurse is caring for a client that states, "This is so stressful. I have to smoke marijuana to bring myself some peace." What behavior does the nurse identify this client is experiencing?

A psychological dependence

Since 1962, newly developed medications have been extensively tested before being marketed for general use. Which step must the pharmaceutical companies prioritize when beginning the testing?

Test the drugs with animals

The nurse is reviewing a prescription for a medication with a client. On the prescription, the nurse read "DAW (Dispense As Written)." What should the nurse teach the client?

The brand name of the drug must be dispensed.

A client has asked the nurse to research a drug that the client read about online. The nurse's research reveals that it is an orphan drug. What should the nurse teach the client about this drug?

"It could be very difficult to access this drug because it's not readily available on the market."

Discharge planning for clients leaving the hospital should include instructions on the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Which comment by a client would demonstrate a good understanding of OTC drugs?

"OTC drugs are thought to be safe when taken as directed."

A nurse is teaching the client about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Which statement best informs the client about their safe use?

"OTC drugs need to be taken with caution; they can mask the signs and symptoms of an underlying disease and interfere with prescription drug therapy."

A nurse is preparing to administer digitalis to a client with congestive heart failure. The client asks the nurse, "Tell me something about this drug. Where does it come from?" What is the best response by the nurse?

"This drug comes from a plant called the purple foxglove."

The nurse understands that medications are not just manufactured and dispensed. After which phase will the FDA consider approving a new drug for distribution to the general population?

3

Which statement best defines how a chemical becomes a drug?

A chemical must have a proven therapeutic value or efficacy without severe toxicity or damaging properties to become a drug

Which statement correctly defines a drug?

A drug is any chemical that can affect living processes

A physician has ordered subcutaneous injections of morphine every 4 hours as needed for pain for a motor vehicle accident victim. Morphine has a high abuse potential and is categorized in which class of drugs?

C-II

What drug category indicates fetal risk where the potential benefit might be acceptable despite the risk?

Category D

Which is an example of a black box warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Difficulty breathing and maintaining an airway

Which agency is responsible for the enforcement of controlled substances?

Drug Enforcement Agency

An instructor is preparing for a class focusing on drug evaluation. The instructor plans to explain why male volunteers are usually selected for drug testing during a phase I study. What would the instructor include as the major reason?

Drugs may harm a woman's ova, which cannot be replaced after birth

Federal legislation dictates a lengthy and rigorous process of testing for new drugs. What is the primary purpose of this testing process?

Ensure the safety of the public.

Genetic engineering allows scientists to produce human insulin by altering which type of bacteria?

Escherichia coli

As part of a class discussion, a nursing instructor describes which agency as being responsible for the approval of new drugs in the United States?

Food and Drug Administration

The administration of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is regulated by which U.S. government agency?

Food and Drug Administration

The nurse is currently participating in phase IV of a clinical study of a chemotherapeutic drug. What action would the nurse be expected to perform during this phase of testing?

Gathering data from clients taking the drug after it has been released to market

What statement describes a required characteristic of all generic drugs

Generic drugs must be therapeutically equivalent to brand name drugs.

The nurse is transcribing physician orders for a client with pneumonia who has been admitted to the hospital. Why should the physician order the medications using the generic name instead of a brand name?

Numerous brand names may exist for the same drug, so the generic drug should be ordered

The nurse is working in a community outreach clinic. What should the nurse teach a client about over-the-counter medications?

OTC medications are not risk free.

A nurse needs to know the difference between trade (brand) and generic names of medication. Which statements best point out the difference?

Trade name is usually capitalized. Generic name is located under the trade name. Generic versions can be dispensed to reduce the cost to the client.

After reviewing class material about the natural sources of drugs, the students demonstrate understanding of the material when they identify which as an example of a drug that is derived from inorganic compounds?

aluminum hydroxide

The nurse is administering a medication to a client who reports pain in the knees from arthritis. The nurse observes the name of the drug as p-isobutylhydratropic and recognizes that this refers to a:

chemical name.

What information does a drug label contain?

brand name of the drug generic name of the drug expiration date of the medication special drug warnings

Which Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category indicates that animal studies on the drug have shown adverse fetal effects, but there are no adequate studies in humans?

category C

What drug category indicates fetal risk where the risk outweighs any potential benefit?

category X

What is included in FDA approval of a drug for OTC (over the counter) availability?

evaluation of evidence that the consumer can use the drug safely, using information on the product label

The nurse instructs the client that some drugs are no longer covered under patent and may be less expensive. What type of drug is the nurse describing?

generic

A new drug has been created by altering DNA. What process has been utilized to create this drug?

genetic engineering

It is crucial for the client to understand what about any prescribed medication?

medication administration dosage expected effect adverse reactions

A client with a rare genetic disorder is prescribed a medication specific to this disorder. What is the name given to drugs manufactured by companies that receive tax benefits to invest in these drugs?

orphan drugs

A drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. What study phase would occur next?

phase IV study

A nurse is teaching a client about the pharmacotherapeutics of the hormone replacement therapy that the client has been prescribed. What topic should the nurse address?

the effect of the drug on the client's body

Drugs are classified according to what features?

therapeutic uses