Sherpath Quizzes
Why are specific meds classified as "high-alert" meds?
Potential for patient harm is higher with these meds
A patient is given a prescription for azithromycin [Zithromax] and asks the nurse why the dose on the first day is twice the amount of the dose on the next 4 days. Which reply by the nurse is correct?
"A large initial dose helps get the drug to optimal levels in the body faster" (loading dose)
The nurse is providing education to a group of patients interested in complementary medicine. What is the most important information to include?
"Confirm with your health care provider that any herbs you take will not interact w/prescribed meds"
The patient admitted with cardiac problems informs the nurse that to lose weight quickly, she tends to do the grapefruit diet once a month. What information is the priority for the nurse to teach the patient in relation to this dietary intervention?
"Grapefruit juice interferes with many drugs. This is not a safe intervention" (grapefruit interferes with the metabolism of many drugs)
The nurse is assessing a patient's understanding of discharge instructions regarding cholestyramine. Which response assures the nurse that the patient has learned the instructions?
"I will increase fiber in my diet" (cholestyramine can cause constipation)
A patient receiving atorvastatin therapy to reduce high cholesterol levels calls the clinic & reports, "I am experiencing severe pain in both my legs." What is the nurses best response?
"Stop taking the drug & visit the clinic immediately" (myopathy an adverse effect of atorvastatin)
How many times will the nurse verify a prescription order before administering a med to the patient?
3 times
What are the nursing implications of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) legislation?
A nurse should share confidential information only with the direct care staff & those that the patient consent to inform
Which are the pharmacokinetic changes that may be evident due to age-related changes in cardiac, hepatic & renal function in geriatric patients?
Decreased excretion & decreased metabolism
Which statement best reflects the nurse's understanding of cultural influences on drug therapy & other health practices?
Administration of some drugs may elicit varied responses in specific racial-ethnic groups
A nurse is reviewing a patient's medical record before administering a med. Which 3 factors can alter the patient's physiologic response to the drug?
Age, gender and genetic factors affect a person's ability to absorb, metabolize & excrete drugs
A patient has been receiving an antibiotic with a small therapeutic index for 10 days. Upon assessment, the nurse notes an increase in the drug's side effects. What would be the nurse's priority action?
Ask the prescriber to order a plasma drug level test (tests for toxicity)
The nurse knows that simvastatin exerts its action by doing what?
By inhibiting the enxyme HMG-CoA reductase (reducing rate of cholesterol production)
Which (3) factors are defined by the Nurse Practice Acts?
Educational requirements for nurses, expanded nursing roles for patient care & differences between nursing & medical practice
The nurse will administer a drug to an adolescent. What is an appropriate technique for administering meds to patients in this age range?
Encourage patient participation
In which gestational period is drug therapy associated with a greater incidence of drug-induced developmental defects in the newborn?
First trimester
What is the desired outcome when a drug is described as easy to administer?
It enhances patient adherence to the drug regimen
What are properties of an ideal drug?
Predictability, ease of administration, chemical stability, reversible action & simple generic name
Which 3 strategies are helpful in preventing medication errors in nursing practice?
Provide patients w/proper education, verify med orders before administering, develop professional relationships w/pharmacists
The nurse is caring for an older adult. The patient tells the nurse, "I cannot take this medication, because this tablet is white and I take pink tablets at home." Which action is most appropriate?
Verify the patient's prescription (listen & honor patient concerns)