Taylor Chapter 29 Medications Questions
A nurse is administering a liquid medication to an infant. Where will the nurse place the medication to prevent aspiration? A) Between the gum and the cheek B) In front of the teeth and gums C) On the front of the tongue D) Under the tongue
Ans: A Feedback: A dropper is used to give infants or very young children liquid medications while holding them in a sitting or semisitting position. The medication is placed between the gum and the cheek to prevent aspiration.
A nurse is converting the dosage of a medication to a different unit in the metric system. The medication label specifies the drug as being 0.5 g per tablet. The order is for 500 mg. How many tablets will the nurse give? A) 1 B) 2 C) 5 D) 10
Ans: A Feedback: To convert in the metric system from a smaller unit to a larger unit, move the decimal point three places to the right. As 0.5 g = 500 mg, the nurse would administer one tablet.
The medical chart of a newly admitted client notes a penicillin allergy, yet the physician has just written an order for an antibiotic in the same drug family after reviewing the client's wound culture and sensitivity. How should the nurse respond to this situation? A) Withhold the medication until the potential drug allergy has been addressed by the care team. B) Administer the medication and increase the frequency of assessments in the hours that follow. C) Substitute an antibiotic with similar action, but which is from a different drug family. D) Discuss the severity, signs and symptoms of the drug allergy with the client in order to ascertain the risks of administration.
Ans: A Feedback: Client safety is paramount, and the nurse has a responsibility to ensure that a potential threat of harm is identified and dealt with promptly. It is beyond the nurse's scope of practice to independently substitute another drug, and it would be unsafe to administer the drug in light of this revelation. The nurse would not administer the drug even if the client stated that his or her allergy is mild.
The nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a nasogastric tube. What guideline is appropriate for the nurse to follow when administering a drug via this route? A) Flush the tube with water between each drug administered. B) Position the client supine prior to administering the drug. C) Administer the medication at a cold temperature. D) If connected to suction, do not reconnect to suction for five minutes after drug administration.
Ans: A Feedback: Guidelines to consider when administering a drug via nasogastric tube include positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated, administering the medication at room temperature for the client's comfort, flushing the tube with water between each drug administered, and avoiding the use of suction for 20 to 30 minutes after the drug is administered.
What does the nurse do to verify an order for a medication listed on a medication administration record (MAR)? A) Compare it with the original physician's order. B) Ask another nurse what the drug is. C) Look up the drug in a textbook. D) Call the pharmacist for verification.
Ans: A Feedback: In many institutions, the medication order is copied onto the client's medication record. The nurse is responsible for checking that the medication order was transcribed correctly by comparing it with the original physician's order.
A nurse at a health care facility has to instill ear drops in a client. The nurse knows that which of the following techniques varies for an adult and child client? A) Manipulation of the client's ear to straighten the auditory canal B) Dilution of the medication drops before instilling in the client's ear C) Position in which the client remains until medication reaches the eardrum D) Amount of time before instilling medication in the client's opposite ear
Ans: A Feedback: The nurse should be aware that the method of manipulation of the client's ear to straighten the auditory canal varies between an adult and child. In a young client, the nurse pulls the ear down; in an adult client, the nurse pulls the ear up and back. The medication is not diluted; the number of medication drops instilled is as per the physician's prescription, and does not depend on the client's age. The position in which the client remains until the medication reaches the eardrum, and the amount of time before instilling medication in the client's opposite ear, does not differ with the age of the client.
A nurse needs to administer a prescribed dose of a narcotic medication to a client with acute neck pain. Which of the following precautions should the nurse take when storing narcotic medications? A) In a double-locked drawer B) In a single container C) In a self-contained packet D) In disguised containers
Ans: A Feedback: The nurse should place narcotic drugs in a double-locked drawer. Narcotics are controlled substances, meaning that federal laws regulate their possession and administration. Health care facilities keep narcotics in a double-locked drawer, box, or room on the nursing unit. A narcotic drug may not be placed in a single container, self-contained packet, or in disguised containers.
Which of the following clients receives a drug that requires parenteral route? A) A woman who has been ordered intravenous antibiotics B) A woman who takes a diuretic pill each morning C) A man with emphysema who uses nebulized bronchodilators D) A man who has an antifungal ointment applied to his skin rash daily
Ans: A Feedback: The parenteral route includes such methods as intravenous administration and injections. Pills are given by an oral route and a nebulizer is administered by the pulmonary route. An ointment is a topical medication.
A nurse at the health care facility is preparing the medication dosage for a client. Why should the nurse read and compare the label on the medication with the MAR at least three times (before, during, and after) while preparing the medication for administration? A) Ensures that the right medication is given at the right time by the right route B) Complies with the medical order and ensures that the right dose is given C) Ensures that the medication has been administered to the right client D) Demonstrates timely administration and compliance with the medical order
Ans: A Feedback: When preparing the medications for administration, the nurse reads and compares the label on the medication with the MAR at least three times. This is to ensure that the right medication is given at the correct time, and by the correct route. The nurse calculates the doses to comply with the medical order and ensure that the right dose is given. Before administration, the nurse identifies the client by checking the wristband or asking the client's name. This is to ensure that the medication is given to the right person. The nurse should plan to administer the medications within 30 to 60 minutes of their scheduled time, which demonstrates timely administration and compliance with the medical order.
A client diagnosed with anemia is receiving a blood transfusion. The client develops urticaria accompanied by wheezing and dyspnea not long after the transfusion starts. The nurse interprets this as indicative of which of the following? A) Allergic reaction B) Side effect C) Toxicity D) Antagonism
Ans: A Feedback: With urticaria, hives, wheezing, and dyspnea are the symptoms of severe allergic reaction, which is due to an anaphylactic reaction. Minor adverse effects are called side effects. Many side effects are essentially harmless and can be ignored. Toxicity results from overdosage or buildup of medication in the blood due to impaired metabolism and excretion. Antagonism is a drug interaction by which drug effects decrease.
The "Rights of Medication Administration" help to ensure accuracy when administering medications. Which of the following represent these five rights? Select all that apply. A) Medication B) Client C) Prescribing physician D) Pharmacy E) Dosage F) Route
Ans: A, B, E, F Feedback: To prevent medication errors, always ensure that the: (1) Right medication is given to the (2) right client in the (3) right dosage through the (4) right route at the (5) right time.
A physician has ordered that a medication be given "stat" for a client who is having an anaphylactic drug reaction. At what time would the nurse administer the medication? A) At the next scheduled medication time B) Immediately after the order is noted C) Not until verifying it with the client D) Whenever the client asks for it
Ans: B Feedback: A stat order is a single order, and it is carried out immediately. This is a legal order. The nurse would not wait until the next scheduled medication time or verify the order with the client. With a p.r.n. order, the client receives medication when it is requested or required.
A nurse has administered an intramuscular injection. What will the nurse do with the syringe and needle? A) Recap the needle; place it in a puncture-resistant container. B) Do not recap the needle; place it in a puncture-resistant container. C) Break off the needle, place it in the barrel, and throw it in the trash. D) Take off the needle and throw the syringe in the client's trash can.
Ans: B Feedback: After use, needles and syringes are placed in a puncture-resistant container without being recapped. This prevents needlestick injuries, because most occur during recapping.
A client who is taking an oral narcotic for pain relief tells the nurse he is constipated. What is this common response to narcotics called? A) Therapeutic effect B) Adverse effect C) Toxic effect D) Idiosyncratic effect
Ans: B Feedback: Although therapeutic effect is the desired outcome of medication administration, sometimes adverse effects occur. Adverse effects (such as constipation from narcotics) often are predictable and can usually be tolerated. Toxic effects (toxicities) are specific groups of symptoms related to drug therapy that carry risk for permanent damage or death. An idiosyncratic effect(sometimes called paradoxical effect) is any unusual or peculiar response to a drug that may manifest itself by over-response, under-response, or even the opposite of the expected response.
Medications administered that are renal toxic should have frequent assessments of which blood values? A) AST and ALT B) BUN and creatinine C) WBC and platelets D) RBC and differential
Ans: B Feedback: If medications are known to cause kidney dysfunction, kidney function tests (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) should be frequent.
What would a nurse instruct a client to do after administration of a sublingual medication? A) "Take a big drink of water and swallow the pill." B) "Try not to swallow while the pill dissolves." C) "Swallow frequently to get the best benefit." D) "Chew the pill so it will dissolve faster."
Ans: B Feedback: Sublingual and buccal medications should not be swallowed, but rather held in place so that complete absorption takes place.
A nurse is teaching an older adult at home about taking newly prescribed medications. Which information would be included? A) "You can identify your medications by their color." B) "I have written the names of your drugs with times to take them." C) "You won't forget a medication if you count them every day." D) "Don't worry if the label comes off; just look at the shapes."
Ans: B Feedback: Teach clients the names of drugs rather than distinguishing drugs by color. Manufacturers may vary the color of generic drugs, and the visual changes associated with aging may make it more difficult to identify medications by color. Medications should not be identified by counting or by shapes.
A nurse is showing an older adult client the correct method of self-administering an insulin injection at home. Which of the following points should the nurse tell the client in order to avoid lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy? A) Change the needle daily with each injection. B) Rotate the site with each injection. C) Apply local anesthetic to the injection site. D) Massage the injection site for 10 minutes.
Ans: B Feedback: The nurse should tell the client to rotate the injection site each time an insulin injection is administered to prevent lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy. In case of an insulin injection, the needle need not be changed daily but rather after a specific period specified by the manufacturer on the injection. Local anesthetic need not be applied to the injection site when administering insulin as the needle used causes very little discomfort. There is also no need to massage the injection site when insulin is administered. Massaging is contraindicated when heparin is administered, because this can increase the tendency for local bleeding.
Which medication system allows for client independence? A) Unit dose system B) Self-administered medication system C) Automated medication-dispensing system D) Bar Code Medication Administration
Ans: B Feedback: The self-administered system allows the client independence and responsibility. It also allows nursing supervision, education, and evaluation for client compliance and safety medication management prior to facility discharge.
A client with dry skin has been prescribed inunction. Which of the following should the nurse do to promote absorption of the ointment? A) Shaking the contents of the ointment B) Applying inunction with a cotton ball C) Rubbing the ointment into the skin D) Warming the inunction before application
Ans: C Feedback: In order to promote absorption, the nurse should rub the ointment into the client's skin. Shaking the contents would mix the contents uniformly, whereas applying the with a cotton ball would distribute the substance over a wide area. Warming the ointment before application would provide comfort.
A client with allergy has been advised to have an allergy test. The nurse needs to administer an injection to the client for allergy testing. Which of the following injection routes is most suitable for allergy testing? A) Subcutaneous B) Intramuscular C) Intradermal D) Intravenous
Ans: C Feedback: Intradermal injection routes are commonly used for tuberculin tests and allergy testing because they are administered between the layers of the skin. A subcutaneous injection is not suitable because it is administered more deeply than an intradermal injection; whereas, an intramuscular injection is administered in one muscle or muscle group. Intravenous injection is also not suitable because it is instilled into veins.
A nurse at a health care facility administers a prescribed drug to a client and does not record doing so in the medical administration record. The nurse who comes during the next shift, assuming that the medication has not been administered, administers the same drug to the client again. The nurse on the previous shift calls to inform the health care facility that the administration of the drug to this client in the earlier shift was not recorded. What should the nurse on duty do immediately upon detection of the medication error? A) Report the incident to the physician. B) Report the incident to the supervising nurse. C) Check the client's condition. D) Fill in the accident report sheet.
Ans: C Feedback: On detection of the medication error, the nurse should immediately check the client's condition. When medication errors occur, nurses have an ethical and legal responsibility to report them to maintain the client's safety. As soon as the nurse recognizes an error, he or she should check the client's condition and report the mistake to the prescriber and supervising nurse immediately. Health care agencies have a form for reporting medication errors called an incident sheet or accident sheet.
What is the name of the process by which a drug moves through the body and is eventually eliminated? A) Pharmacology B) Pharmacotherapeutics C) Pharmacokinetics D) Pharmacodynamics
Ans: C Feedback: Pharmacokinetics is the process by which a drug moves through the body and is eventually eliminated.
A physician writes an order for ampicillin 1 gram every 6 hours for a client. What is missing in this order? A) Time B) Amount C) Route D) Frequency
Ans: C Feedback: The medication order does not identify a route.
A physician has ordered peak and trough levels of a medication. When would the nurse schedule the trough level specimen? A) Before administering the first dose B) Immediately after the first dose C) 30 minutes before the next dose D) 24 hours after the last dose
Ans: C Feedback: The trough level is the point when the drug is at its lowest concentration, and the specimen is usually drawn in the 30- minute interval before the next dose. The peak level, in contrast, is the highest plasma concentration of the drug.
A student nurse is administering medications through a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction. How will the student do this accurately? A) Briefly disconnect tubing from the suction to administer medications, then reconnect. B) Realize this can't be done, and document information. C) Disconnect tubing from the suction before giving drugs, and clamp tubing for 20 to 30 minutes. D) Leave the suction alone and give medications orally or rectally.
Ans: C Feedback: To administer medications to clients with a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction, disconnect the tubing from the suction, administer the medications one at a time, and then clamp the tubing for 20 to 30 minutes after administration to allow absorption.
A client taking insulin has his levels adjusted to ensure that the concentration of drug in the blood serum produces the desired effect without causing toxicity. What is the term for this desired effect? A) Peak level B) Trough level C) Half-life D) Therapeutic range
Ans: D Feedback: A drug's therapeutic range is the concentration of drug in the blood serum that produces the desired effect without causing toxicity. The peak level, or highest plasma concentration, of the drug should be measured when absorption is complete. The peak level may be affected by factors that affect drug absorption as well as the route of administration. The trough level is the point when the drug is at its lowest concentration, and this specimen is usually drawn in the 30- minute interval before the next dose. A drug's half-life is the amount of time it takes for 50% of the blood concentration of a drug to be eliminated from the body.
A nurse is administering a medication that is formulated as enteric-coated tablets. What is the rationale for not crushing or chewing enteric-coated tablets? A) To prevent absorption in the mouth B) To prevent absorption in the esophagus C) To facilitate absorption in the stomach D) To prevent gastric irritation
Ans: D Feedback: Enteric-coated tablets are covered with a hard surface to impede absorption until the tablet has left the stomach. Entericcoated tablets should not be chewed or crushed because the active ingredient of the drug is irritating to the gastric mucosa.
A clinic nurse is preparing for a tuberculosis screening. Knowing the injections will be administered intradermally, what size needles and syringes will the nurse prepare? A) 10-mL syringe, 3-inch 18-gauge needle B) 5-mL syringe, 2-inch 20-gauge needle C) Insulin syringe, 1-inch 16-gauge needle D) Tuberculin syringe, 1/2-inch 26-gauge needle
Ans: D Feedback: Equipment used for an intradermal injection includes a tuberculin syringe calibrated in tenths and hundredths of a milliliter. A quarter-inch to half-inch 26- or 27-gauge needle is used.
A nurse is conducting an interview for a health history. In addition to asking the client about medications being taken, what else should be asked to assess the risk for drug interactions? A) The effects of prescribed medications B) Type and amount of foods eaten C) Daily amount of intake and output D) Use of herbal supplements
Ans: D Feedback: Herbal remedies can interact with prescribed medications. When asking a client if he or she is taking any medications, the nurse should specifically ask if herbal supplements are also being used.
A nurse is bunching the tissue of a client when administering a subcutaneous injection to that client. The nurse knows that which of the following is the reason for bunching when injecting subcutaneously? A) To prevent needle-stick injuries B) To ensure the accuracy of landmarking C) To facilitate blood circulation at injection site D) To avoid instilling medication within the muscle
Ans: D Feedback: Nurses bunch tissue between the thumb and fingers before administering the injection to avoid instilling medication within the muscle. Bunching does not prevent needle-stick injuries, it does not facilitate blood circulation at the injection site, nor does it ensure the accuracy of landmarking.
A nurse is administering an intramuscular injection of a viscous medication using the appropriate-gauge needle. What does the nurse need to know about needle gauges? A) All needles for parenteral injection are the same gauge. B) The gauge will depend on the length of the needle. C) Ask the client what size needle is preferred. D) Gauges range from 18 to 30, with 18 being the largest.
Ans: D Feedback: The gauge is determined by the diameter of the needle and ranges from 18 to 30. As the diameter of the needle increases, the gauge number decreases (an 18-gauge needle is, therefore, larger than a 30-gauge needle). A viscous medication requires a larger-gauge needle for injection.
A nurse is caring for a client in the nursing unit when the physician, during the rounds, prescribes a medication for the client. What appropriate action should the nurse take to ensure the accuracy of the verbal medication order? A) Ask the physician to repeat the dosage. B) Ask the physician to spell out the medication name. C) Ask a second nurse to listen for accuracy. D) Ask the physician to write out the order.
Ans: D Feedback: To maintain the accuracy of a verbal order, the nurse should tactfully ask the physician for a written order. When obtaining phone orders, it is important to repeat the dosages of medications and to spell medication names for confirmation of accuracy. Some nurses may ask a second nurse to listen to a telephone order on an extension.
A nurse needs to administer an intradermal tuberculin skin test injection to a client. Which of the following is the most suitable angle when administering an intradermal injection? A) 180-degree angle B) 90-degree angle C) 45-degree angle D) 10-degree angle
Ans: D Feedback: When administering an intradermal injection, the nurse should hold the syringe almost parallel to the skin at a 10-degree angle with the bevel pointing upward. This facilitates delivering the medication between the layers of the skin and advances the needle to the desired depth. A nurse administers a subcutaneous injection at a 45-degree angle or a 90- degree angle to reach the subcutaneous level of tissue, depending on the length of the needle. The nurse will not be able to insert the injection if it is held at a 180-degree angle.
A nurse should read the instructions stated on a vial container before reconstituting it and administering it to a client. Which of the following instructions are stated on the label of a vial container? A) Type of needle to be used for withdrawal B) Directions for administering the drug C) Best site for administering the drug D) Amount of diluent to be added
Ans: D Feedback: When reconstitution is necessary, the drug label lists instructions such as the amount of diluent to be added and the type of diluent to be used, but not the type of needle. The label states the dosage per volume after reconstitution, not the best site for administering the drug after the reconstitution. It also states the directions for storing the drug, not the directions for administering the drug to a client.
A nurse is preparing medications for patients in the ICU. The nurse is aware that there are patient variables that may affect the absorption of these medications. Which statements accurately describe these variables? Select all that apply. A. Patients in certain ethnic groups obtain therapeutic responses at lower doses or higher doses than those usually prescribed. B. Some people experience the same response with a placebo as with the active drug used in studies. C. People with liver disease metabolize drugs more quickly than people with normal liver functioning. D. A patient who receives a pain medication in a noisy environment may not receive full benefit from the medication's effects. E. Oral medications should not be given with food as the food may delay the absorption of the medications. F. Circadian rhythms and cycles may influence drug action.
Ans: a, b, d, f. Feedback: Nurses need to know about medications that may produce varied responses in patients from different ethnic groups. The patient's expectations of the medication may affect the response to the medication, for example, when a placebo is given and a patient has a therapeutic effect. The patient's environment may also influence the patient's response to medications, for example, sensory deprivation and overload may affect drug responses. Circadian rhythms and cycles may also influence drug action. The liver is the primary organ for drug breakdown, thus pathologic conditions that involve the liver may slow metabolism and alter the dosage of the drug needed to reach a therapeutic level. The presence of food in the stomach can delay the absorption of orally administered medications. Alternately, some medications should be given with food to prevent gastric irritation, and the nurse should consider this when establishing a patient's medication schedule. Other medications may have enhanced absorption if taken with certain foods.
A nurse is teaching a patient how to use a meter-dosed inhaler to control asthma. What are appropriate guidelines for this procedure? Select all that apply. A. Shake the inhaler well and remove the mouthpiece covers from the MDI and spacer. B. Take shallow breaths when breathing through the spacer. C. Depress the canister releasing one puff into the spacer and inhale slowly and deeply. D. After inhaling, exhale quickly through pursed lips. E. Wait 1 to 5 minutes as prescribed before administering the next puff. F. Gargle and rinse with salt water after using the MDI.
Ans: a, c, e. Feedback: The correct procedure for using a meter-dosed inhaler is: Shake the inhaler well and remove the mouthpiece cover; breathe normally through the spacer; depress the canister releasing one puff into the spacer and inhale slowly and deeply; after inhaling, hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds, or as long as possible, and then exhale slowly through pursed lips; wait 1 to 5 minutes as prescribed before administering the next puff; and gargle and rinse with tap water after using the MDI.
A nurse who is administering medications to patients in an acute care setting studies the pharmacokinetics of the drugs being administered. Which statements accurately describe these mechanisms of action? Select all that apply. A. Distribution occurs after a drug has been absorbed into the bloodstream and is made available to body fluids and tissues. B. Metabolism is the process by which a drug is transferred from its site of entry into the body to the bloodstream. C. Absorption is the change of a drug from its original form to a new form, usually occurring in the liver. D. During first-pass effect, drugs move from the intestinal lumen to the liver by way of the portal vein instead of going into the system's circulation. E. The gastrointestinal tract, as well as sweat, salivary, and mammary glands, are routes of drug absorption. F. Excretion is the process of removing a drug, or its metabolites (products of metabolism), from the body.
Ans: a, d, f. Feedback: Distribution occurs after a drug has been absorbed into the bloodstream and the drug is distributed throughout the body, becoming available to body fluids and body tissues. Some drugs move from the intestinal lumen to the liver by way of the portal vein and do not go directly into the systemic circulation following oral absorption. This is called the first-pass effect, or hepatic first pass. Excretion is the process of removing a drug or its metabolites (products of metabolism) from the body. Absorption is the process by which a drug is transferred from its site of entry into the body to the bloodstream. Metabolism, or biotransformation, is the change of a drug from its original form to a new form. The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism. The gastrointestinal tract, as well as sweat, salivary, and mammary glands, are routes of drug excretion.
A nurse is administering phenytoin via a gastric tube to a patient who is receiving tube feedings. What would be an appropriate action of the nurse in this situation? A. Discontinue the tube feeding and leave the tube clamped for required period of time before and after medication administration. B. Notify the primary care provider that medication cannot be given to the patient at this time via the gastric tube. C. Remove the tube in place and replace it with another tube prior to administering the medication. D. Flush the tube with 60 mL of water prior to administering the medication.
Ans: a. Feedback: If the patient is receiving tube feedings, the nurse should review information about the drugs to be administered. Absorption of some drugs, such as phenytoin, is affected by tube-feeding formulas. The nurse should discontinue a continuous tube feeding and leave the tube clamped for the required period of time before and after the medication has been given, according to the reference and facility protocol.
A nurse is administering a pain medication to a patient. In addition to checking his identification bracelet, the nurse correctly verifies the patient's identity by performing which action? A. Asking the patient his name and birthdate B. Reading the patient's name on the sign over the bed C. Asking the patient's roommate to verify his name D. Asking, "Are you Mr. Brown?"
Ans: a. Feedback: The nurse should ask the patient to state his name and birthdate based on facility policy. A sign over the patient's bed may not always be current. The roommate is an unsafe source of information. The patient may not hear his name but may reply in the affirmative anyway (e.g., a person with a hearing deficit).
A patient requires 40 units of NPH insulin and 10 units of regular insulin daily subcutaneously. What is the correct sequence when mixing insulins? A. Inject air into the regular insulin vial and withdraw 10 units; then, using the same syringe, inject air into the NPH vial and withdraw 40 units of NPH insulin. B. Inject air into the NPH insulin vial, being careful not to allow the solution to touch the needle; next, inject air into the regular insulin vial and withdraw 10 units; then, withdraw 40 units of NPH insulin. C. Inject air into the regular insulin vial, being careful not to allow the solution to touch the needle; next, inject air into the NPH insulin vial and withdraw 40 units; then, withdraw 10 units of regular insulin. D. Inject air into the NPH insulin vial and withdraw 40 units; then, using the same syringe, inject air into the regular insulin vial and withdraw 10 units of regular insulin.
Ans: b. Feedback: Regular or short-acting insulin (unmodified insulin) should never be contaminated with NPH or any insulin modified with added protein. Placing air in the NPH vial first without allowing the needle to contact the solution ensures that the regular insulin will not be contaminated.
Ms. Hall has an order for hydromorphone, 2 mg, intravenously, q 4 hours PRN pain. The nurse notes that according to Ms. Hall's chart, she is allergic to hydromorphone. The order for medication was signed by Dr. Long. What would be the correct procedure for the nurse to follow in this situation? A. Administer the medication; the doctor is responsible for medication administration. B. Call Dr. Long and ask that the medication be changed. C. Ask the supervisor to administer the medication. D. Ask the pharmacist to provide a medication to take the place of hydromorphone.
Ans: b. Feedback: The nurse is responsible for any medications given and must inform the doctor of the patient's allergy to the drug. The nurse should not give the medication and might speak with the supervisor only if uncomfortable with the health care provider's answer when notified. The nurse is legally unable to order a replacement medication, as is the pharmacist.
A health care provider orders a pain medication for a postoperative patient that is a PRN order. When would the nurse administer this medication? A. A single dose during the postoperative period B. Doses administered as needed for pain relief C. One dose administered immediately D. Doses routinely administered as a standing order
Ans: b. Feedback: When the prescriber writes a PRN order ("as needed") for medication, the patient receives medication when it is requested or required. With a single or one-time order, the directive is carried out only once, at a time specified by the prescriber. A stat order is a single order carried out immediately. A standing order (or routine order) is carried out as specified until it is canceled by another order.
The nurse is administering a medication to a patient via an enteral feeding tube. Which are accurate guidelines related to this procedure? Select all that apply. A. Crush the enteric-coated pill for mixing in a liquid. B. Flush open the tube with 60 mL of very warm water. C. Use the recommended procedure for checking tube placement in the stomach or intestine. D. Give each medication separately and flush with water between each drug. E. Lower the head of the bed to prevent reflux. F. Adjust the amount of water used if patient's fluid intake is restricted.
Ans: c, d, f. Feedback: The nurse should use the recommended procedure for checking tube placement prior to administering medications. The nurse should also give each medication separately and flush with water between each drug and adjust the amount of water used if fluids are restricted. Enteric-coated medications should not be crushed, the tube should be flushed with 15 to 30 mL of water, and the head of the bed should be elevated to prevent reflux.
A medication order reads: "K-Dur, 20 mEq po BID." When and how does the nurse correctly give this drug? A. Daily at bedtime by subcutaneous route B. Every other day by mouth C. Twice a day by the oral route D. Once a week by transdermal patch
Ans: c. Feedback: The abbreviation BID refers to twice-a-day administration; "po" (by mouth) refers to administration by the oral route.
A nurse administers a dose of an oral medication for hypertension to a patient who immediately vomits after swallowing the pill. What would be the appropriate initial action of the nurse in this situation? A. Re-administer the medication and notify the primary care provider. B. Re-administer the pill in a liquid form if possible. C. Assess the vomit, looking for the pill. D. Notify the primary care provider.
Ans: c. Feedback: If a patient vomits immediately after swallowing an oral pill, the nurse should assess the vomit for the pill or fragments of it. The nurse should then notify the primary care provider to see if another dosage should be administered.
A nurse who gives subcutaneous and intramuscular injections to patients in a hospital setting attempts to reduce discomfort for the patients receiving the injections. Which technique is recommended? A. The nurse selects a needle of the largest gauge that is appropriate for the site and solution to be injected. B. The nurse injects the medication into contracted muscles to reduce pressure and discomfort at the site. C. The nurse uses the Z-track technique for intramuscular injections to prevent leakage of medication into the needle track. D. The nurse applies vigorous pressure in a circular motion after the injection to distribute the medication to the intended site.
Ans: c. Feedback: The nurse should use the Z-track technique for intramuscular injections to prevent leakage of medication into the needle track, thus minimizing discomfort. The nurse should select a needle of the smallest gauge that is appropriate for the site and solution to be injected, and select the correct needle length. The nurse should also inject the medication into relaxed muscles since there is more pressure and discomfort if medication is injected into contracted muscles. The nurse should apply gentle pressure after injection, unless this technique is contraindicated.
A nurse discovers that a medication error occurred. What should be the nurse's first response? A. Record the error on the medication sheet. B. Notify the physician regarding course of action. C. Check the patient's condition to note any possible effect of the error. D. Complete an incident report, explaining how the mistake was made.
Ans: c. Feedback: The nurse's first responsibility is the patient—careful observation is necessary to assess for any effect of the medication error. The other nursing actions are pertinent, but only after checking the patient's welfare.
A nurse is administering heparin subcutaneously to a patient. What is the correct technique for this procedure? A. Aspirate before giving and gently massage after the injection. B. Do not aspirate; massage the site for 1 minute. C. Do not aspirate before or massage after the injection. D. Massage the site of the injection; aspiration is not necessary but will do no harm.
Ans: c. Feedback: When giving heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should not aspirate or massage, so as not to cause trauma or bleeding in the tissues.
A medication order reads: "Hydromorphone, 2 mg IV every 3 to 4 hours PRN pain." The prefilled cartridge is available with a label reading "Hydromorphone 2 mg/1 mL." The cartridge contains 1.2 mL of hydromorphone. What should the nurse do? A. Give all the medication in the cartridge because it expanded when it was mixed and this is what the pharmacy sent. B. Call the pharmacy and request the proper dose. C. Refuse to give the medication and document refusal in the EHR. D. Dispose of 0.2 mL before administering the drug; verify the waste with another nurse.
Ans: d. Feedback: Many cartridges are overfilled, and some of the medication needs to be discarded. Always check the volume needed to provide the correct dose with the volume in the syringe. Giving the excess medication in the cartridge may result in adverse effects for the patient. For this dose, it is not necessary to call the pharmacy or refuse to give the medication, provided the order is written correctly. Wasting narcotics typically requires a second RN to witness the waste and verify the amount of narcotic discarded.
