Pharmacology review questions

The nurse assesses for a therapeutic effect of ziprasidone by asking the client which question?

"Have you experienced an increase in concentration during daily activities?"

The nurse is providing medication instructions to a parent. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further instruction?

"I need to mix the medication in the baby food and give it when I feed my child."

The nurse is providing instructions to a client with seizures who will be taking phenytoin. Which statement, if made by the client, would indicate an understanding of the information about this medication?

"I need to perform good oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing my teeth."

A client has been started on zolpidem. After instructing the client in how to obtain the maximal effect of zolpidem, the nurse determines that the client demonstrates understanding of correct administration of the medication by which statement?

"I need to swallow the medication whole with a full glass of water."

Benztropine mesylate is prescribed for a client. What statement by the client indicates that the client needs further teaching about the medication?

"I will sit in the sun for an hour a day to enhance medication effectiveness."

A client is prescribed imipramine once daily. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed on the basis of which statement by the client?

"I'll take the medication in the morning before breakfast."

The nurse educator is orienting a new nurse to the pediatric unit and is including tips for medication administration. Which statement by the new nurse indicates that the teaching has been effective?

"It helps to use magical thinking with the preschool-age group."

The nurse is caring for a client with myasthenia gravis who has received edrophonium by the intravenous route to test for myasthenic crisis. The client asks the nurse how long the improvement in muscle strength will last. Which response would the nurse make to the client?

"It will last for 4 to 5 minutes."

The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of pain medication to a new postoperative client. When the nurse walks into the client's room, the client asks why they are receiving an intramuscular form of the medication instead of the oral form. What is the nurse's best response with regard to the absorption of the medication?

"Medications given this way are absorbed more quickly than by other routes."

The nurse teaches the spouse of a client who is receiving levodopa/carbidopa to avoid pyridoxine medications. Which statement by the wife indicates an understanding of the instructions?

"Vitamin B6 reverses the effectiveness of the medication, meaning a higher dose is needed."

A client with Parkinson's disease has begun therapy with levodopa/carbidopa. The nurse determines that the client understands the action of the medication if he or she verbalizes that results may not be apparent for approximately how long?

2 to 3 weeks

A client with myasthenia gravis has difficulty chewing and has received a prescription for pyridostigmine. The nurse would check to see that the client takes the medication at what time?

30 minutes before meals

A client receiving therapy with carbidopa/levodopa is upset and tells the home health nurse that the urine has turned a darker color since starting this medication. The client wants to discontinue its use. In formulating a response to the client's concerns, the nurse interprets that this change is indicative of which condition?

A harmless side effect of the medication

Signs and symptoms include dysrhythmias, including tachycardia, intraventricular blocks, complete atrioventricular block, and ventricular fibrillation; hypothermia; flushing; dry mouth; dilation of the pupils; confusion, agitation, and hallucinations; and seizures followed by coma. What type of antidepressant is this?

A tricyclic antidepressant overdose

The nurse is discussing the past week's activities with a client receiving amitriptyline hydrochloride. The nurse determines that the medication is most effective for this client if the client reports which information?

Ability to get to work on time each day

Continuous restlessness, inability to sit still. Constant moving foot tapping hand movements may be seen.

Akathisia

is a tricyclic antidepressant. A common side/adverse effect is orthostatic blood pressure changes, which can produce hypotension and tachycardia.

Amitriptyline hydrochloride

The primary health care provider is preparing to administer edrophonium to the client with myasthenia gravis. In planning care, the nurse understands which about the administration of edrophonium? Select all that apply.

Atropine is used to reverse the effects of edrophonium. If symptoms worsen following administration of edrophonium, the crisis is cholinergic. Edrophonium is used to distinguish between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinergic crisis. An improvement in symptoms following administration of edrophonium indicates myasthenic crisis.

The nurse who is caring for a client with myasthenia gravis is told by the physician that an edrophonium test will be done. After obtaining edrophonium the nurse would be certain that which also is available at the bedside?

Atropine sulfate

The nurse is providing a health promotion session to a group of teenagers and is discussing the abuse of barbiturates. The nurse would provide which information to the teenagers?

Barbiturate abuse is the cause of many drug overdose deaths

A client begins to experience extrapyramidal side effects from an antipsychotic medication. The nurse anticipates that the primary health care provider will prescribe which medication to treat this condition?

Benztropine

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is taking haloperidol. The nurse understands that this medication will exert its therapeutic effect through which mechanism?

Blocking dopamine from binding to postsynaptic receptors in the brain

Dizziness, nausea, headaches, nervousness, light-headedness, and excitement are side effects of what medication.

Buspirone hydrochloride

is most often indicated for the treatment of anxiety and aggression.

Buspirone hydrochloride

The nurse would monitor the client prescribed thioridazine hydrochloride carefully for which adverse effect?

Cardiac dysrhythmias

A client is brought into the emergency department for suspected tricyclic antidepressant overdose. Place the actions that the nurse would take in order of priority. All options must be used.

Check airway and maintain patency. Administer oxygen. Check and monitor vital signs. Obtain an electrocardiogram. Prepare gastric lavage with activated charcoal. Prepare to administer prescribed medications

The nurse is preparing to administer an intradermal medication. Which action would the nurse take before administering the medication?

Cleanse the site of injection with an alcohol swab and wait for the alcohol to dry.

A client began taking amantadine approximately 2 weeks ago. The client reports to the clinic for a follow-up evaluation. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing a side or adverse effect related to the use of this medication if which is noted?

Client complaints of urinary retention

A client diagnosed with an anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone orally. The client tells the nurse that it is difficult to swallow the tablets. Which is the best instruction to provide the client?

Crush the tablets before taking them

A client began taking amantadine approximately 2 weeks ago. The nurse determines that the medication is having a therapeutic effect if the client exhibits which finding?

Decreased rigidity and akinesia

What is the most serious risk associated with the use of benzodiazepine?

Dependence

The nurse is working with a client who shows signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The nurse would suspect that the client has suddenly discontinued taking which prescribed medication?

Diazepam

Buspirone hydrochloride is prescribed for a client with an anxiety disorder. The nurse plans to include which teaching point when reviewing this medication with the client?

Dizziness and nervousness may occur.

A client has been prescribed benztropine. The nurse would assess for which gastrointestinal (GI) problems as a side or adverse effect of this medication?

Dry mouth

The nurse would assess for which toxic effect when managing the care of a client prescribed haloperidol?

Excessive salivation

The nurse suspects that a client prescribed clomipramine hydrochloride has been noncompliant with taking the medication as prescribed. Which client behavior would support the nurse's suspicion?

Frequently checking for the car key

Hyperpyrexia with body temperatures of up to 107° F may be present in neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Manifestations develop suddenly and may include respiratory distress and muscle rigidity. As the condition progresses, evidence of tachycardia, hypertension, increasing respiratory distress, confusion, and delirium may appear.

Hyperpyrexia

Which assessment finding would the nurse anticipate when monitoring a client who is at risk for developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Hyperpyrexia

Carbidopa-levodopa is prescribed for a client with Parkinson's disease. The nurse monitors the client for side and adverse effects of the medication. Which finding indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect?

Impaired voluntary movements

The nurse is caring for a client who is taking oral benztropine mesylate daily. What is the priority nursing assessment for the client?

Intake and output

The clinic nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed fentanyl, a potent opioid, for chronic pain. In what forms is it available for chronic pain administration in the at-home setting? Select all that apply.

Intranasal spray Oral transmucosal lozenge 72-hours transdermal patch

At what time of day does the nurse recommend that a child prescribed methylphenidate be given the last dose of the day of the medication?

Just before the noontime meal

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia has a new prescription for risperidone. Which baseline laboratory result would the nurse review before administering the first dose of this medication?

Liver function studies

The nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test to a client via the intradermal route. Which action would the nurse perform when administering this test to the client?

Make a circular mark around the injection site after administration of the tuberculin test.

Which assessment findings suggest to the nurse that the client is experiencing tardive dyskinesia?

Movements of the mouth, tongue, and face that are both abnormal and involuntary

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine sulfate by the intravenous route for acute pain. The nurse ensures that which medication is available in the event that the client's respiratory status and level of consciousness deteriorate?

Naloxone

A client diagnosed with anxiety is starting therapy with lorazepam. Which factor in the client's history would prompt the nurse to consult with the primary health care provider before administering the medication?

Narrow-angle glaucoma

A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed amitriptyline hydrochloride. During the initial phases of treatment, the client's care plan would include which nursing intervention?

Obtain postural blood pressure prior to each medication administration.

The nurse is discussing pain management with a student who is caring for a one-day postoperative abdominal surgery client who is a known opioid substance abuser. What comment by the student indicates a need for further education?

Opioid substance abusers are less tolerant to opioids and require decreased doses.

The clinic nurse is reviewing the record of a client scheduled to be seen in the clinic. The nurse notes that the client is taking selegiline hydrochloride. The nurse suspects that the client has which disorder?

Parkinson's disease

The nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing the primary health care provider's (PHCP's) prescriptions on an assigned client. The nurse notes that the PHCP prescribed ropinirole hydrochloride. The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to treat which condition in the client?

Parkinsonian syndrome

The nurse is preparing to ambulate a client with Parkinson's disease who has recently been started on levodopa/carbidopa. Before performing this activity with the client, the nurse would include which most important assessment in the client's plan of care?

Postural (orthostatic) vital signs

A client tells the nurse about taking an extra dose of the tricyclic antidepressant for a week because of feeling more depressed than usual. Hearing this, the nurse knows which are the most appropriate actions to take? Select all that apply.

Re-educate the client because tricyclic antidepressant overdoses can be life threatening. Inform the client that if experiencing any symptoms of dysrhythmias, dry mouth, confusion, agitation, or hallucinations, to seek medical attention right away.

When providing client education on the medication alprazolam, why is it essential to include the importance of avoiding abrupt discontinuation of the medication?

Rebound central nervous system excitation could cause seizure activity.

The baseline vital signs for a client with pneumonia are as follows: temperature 98.8° F (37.1° C) oral, pulse 74 beats/min, respirations 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure 124/76 mm Hg. The client's temperature suddenly spikes to 103° F (39.4° C). Which corresponding respiratory rate would the nurse anticipate in this client as part of the body's response to the change in status?

Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min

To determine whether the client is experiencing akathisia as an adverse effect of the medication haloperidol, what would the nurse observe the client for?

Restlessness or constant generalized movement

The nurse taking a medication history for a client who has been admitted to the nursing unit notes that the client is receiving olanzapine. The nurse interprets that this client most likely has a history of which disorder?

Schizophrenia

The nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to an infant. In which position would the nurse place the infant?

Semi-Fowler's

The nurse gathers data from the client who was prescribed buspirone hydrochloride 1 month ago. The nurse interprets that the medication is effective when the client reports an absence of which event?

Severe anxiety

is an adverse effect associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medication. The clinical manifestations include abnormal movements (dyskinesia) and involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue ("fly-catcher tongue"), and face. In its more severe form, tardive dyskinesia involves the fingers, arms, trunk, and respiratory muscles.

Tardive dyskinesia

A client prescribed chlorpromazine hydrochloride calls the mental health clinic to report urine that is much darker than usual. The client currently has no other urinary symptoms. What instructions would the nurse provide the client based on this information?

That this is an expected side effect of the medication

, an antipsychotic, can cause postural hypotension. The client needs to be taught to get out of bed slowly and to rise from a sitting position slowly because of this untoward effect of the medication.

Thioridazine hydrochloride

An adolescent has been prescribed an amphetamine to help manage a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. To best minimize the risk of abuse and/or overdose, the nurse expects that the medication will be administered via which method?

Transdermal patch

A client is prescribed fluphenazine daily. The nurse teaches the client to take which measure to minimize a common side/adverse effect of this medication?

Use hard sour candy or sugarless gum

The nurse prepares to administer an intramuscular injection to a 4-month-old infant. The nurse selects which best site to administer the injection?

Vastus lateralis

A client is taking benztropine mesylate orally daily. In monitoring this client for medication side effects, the nurse would plan to focus the assessment on which item?

Voiding pattern

A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with clozapine. The nurse would assess the results of which laboratory study in order to monitor for adverse effects from this medication?

WBC count

A client has been prescribed clozapine. The nurse reviews the result of which laboratory study to detect a serious adverse effect associated with this medication?

White blood cell count

A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with clozapine. The nurse would assess the results of which laboratory study to monitor for adverse effects from this medication?

White blood cell count

The parent of a child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been given instructions about how to administer methylphenidate. Which response by the parent shows an understanding of the information about the best way to administer the medication?

after breakfast

What type of medication is clozapine?

antipsychotic medication

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to manage

anxiety disorders

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. The client should be instructed to take a single daily dose of the medication when?

bedtime

amitriptyline hydrochloride is prescribed for the management of what?

depression

The nurse would provide instructions concerning which side effect to a client prescribed chlorpromazine?

dry mouth

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic used as a

mood stabilizer.

Clomipramine is an antidepressant that is commonly used in the treatment of

obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat

schizophrenia.

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia has been prescribed clozapine. The nurse would monitor the client for which side/adverse effects of this medication? Select all that apply.

sedation dry mouth orthostatic hypotension presence of a fixed stare