Medication Administration Safety Quiz!
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Mr. Smith is to receive 0.25 mgms of Digoxin once daily for a heart rate greater that 50 beats per minute. It is supplied to you from the pharmacy in .50 mgm tablets. How will you proceed to administer this medication?
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Break the tablet in half and administer to Mr. Smith.
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Ensure the tablet is scored, break it in half, take Mr. Smiths pulse to ensure it is greater than 50, check the dose with another nurse and then administer drug, staying with Mr. Smith until he has swallowed the pill.
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Call the pharmacy and ask them to supply the right dose
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Call the physician to see if the dose can be increased to 0.50 mgms so that it will be easier to administer.
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The 'Medication Administration Safety Quiz!' assesses critical skills in safe medication practices, including dosage calculations, patient education, and adherence to treatment protocols. It is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.
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- 2.
Mrs. Jay receives Fentanyl 50 mgms patch every 72 hours. You are washing Mrs. Jay and notice the patch is not adhering to the skin. What should you do?
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Put some adhesive tape on it and carry on with the bath.
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Document this when you are charting later.
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Place some tape over the patch to ensure it stays on. Determine if Mrs. Jay is having any pain as poor contact can lead to poor absorption of the drug. Document your findings. You will follow up throughout your shift to ensure that Mrs. Jay is receiving full benefit from her drug.
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Remove the patch and have replace it with a new one and change the dates it is to be administered. The three day cycle will now be different.
Correct Answer
A. Place some tape over the patch to ensure it stays on. Determine if Mrs. Jay is having any pain as poor contact can lead to poor absorption of the drug. Document your findings. You will follow up throughout your shift to ensure that Mrs. Jay is receiving full benefit from her drug.Explanation
If the Fentanyl patch is not adhering to the skin, the appropriate action would be to place some tape over the patch to ensure it stays on. Additionally, it is important to determine if Mrs. Jay is experiencing any pain as poor contact can lead to poor absorption of the drug. These findings should be documented, and it is necessary to follow up throughout the shift to ensure that Mrs. Jay is receiving the full benefit from her medication.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Mr. Smith wants to know more about his drug. You will tell him what regarding his daily Digoxin dose?
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He should take it regularly once a day. He should never skip a dose.
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Digoxin slows and strengthens the beat of his heart, he should take his pulse daily and inform his doctor if he finds it lower that 50 beats per minute.
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Digoxin slows and strengthens the beat of his heart, he should take his pulse daily and inform his doctor if he finds it lower that 50 beats per minute. Any dizziness or lightheadedness should be reported right away. He should take his dose every day at approximately the same time.
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You don't know much about this drug but you will ask the doctor to talk to him.
Correct Answer
A. Digoxin slows and strengthens the beat of his heart, he should take his pulse daily and inform his doctor if he finds it lower that 50 beats per minute. Any dizziness or lightheadedness should be reported right away. He should take his dose every day at approximately the same time.Explanation
The correct answer explains that Mr. Smith should take his daily Digoxin dose regularly once a day and should never skip a dose. It also states that Digoxin slows and strengthens the beat of his heart, so he should take his pulse daily and inform his doctor if he finds it lower than 50 beats per minute. Additionally, any dizziness or lightheadedness should be reported immediately. It emphasizes the importance of taking the dose at the same time every day.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who are the people you should clarify an order with if you are unsure of how to proceed?
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The person ordering the drug, the pharmacist or your supervisor.
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Your co-worker or team member
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Your nursing instructor as you are still a student.
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No one, you think you have the right dose.
Correct Answer
A. The person ordering the drug, the pharmacist or your supervisor.Explanation
If you are unsure of how to proceed with an order, it is important to clarify it with the person who ordered the drug, the pharmacist, or your supervisor. These individuals have the necessary knowledge and authority to provide guidance and ensure that the correct procedures are followed. Clarifying the order with them helps to prevent errors and ensure patient safety.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Mrs. Jackson is taking Amoxil 500 mgms, three times per day. The bottle she receives from her pharmacists says she must complete the entire course of treatment. She is your neighbor. She tells you she feels so much better and after three days has stopped taking her medication because she does not need it anymore. What will you tell her regarding this?
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She is right, if she feels better she can stop. She can save for the next time she feels unwell.
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Medication should be taken as directed and if she does not finish the entire course of medication she is likely to have a recurrence and the drug will become ineffective. You can warn her that "superbugs" that are resistant to antibiotics were created in part by incorrect use of antibiotics.
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Three days is never long enough for a treatment. She should use it for at least seven days.
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You should not comment on this as Mrs. Jackson is only your neighbour, not a friend and you don't want to interfere.
Correct Answer
A. Medication should be taken as directed and if she does not finish the entire course of medication she is likely to have a recurrence and the drug will become ineffective. You can warn her that "superbugs" that are resistant to antibiotics were created in part by incorrect use of antibiotics.Explanation
If Mrs. Jackson stops taking her medication after feeling better, she is at risk of having a recurrence of her illness and the drug may become ineffective. It is important to complete the entire course of medication as directed to ensure that the infection is completely treated. Additionally, incorrect use of antibiotics has contributed to the development of "superbugs" that are resistant to antibiotics, so it is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment regimen to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Prescription errors can be minimized by observing all of the following practices, EXCEPT for:
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Specifying concentration
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Using abbreviations
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Noting the patient's age and, when appropriate, weight
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Writing legibly
Correct Answer
A. Using abbreviationsExplanation
Using abbreviations can actually increase the risk of prescription errors. Abbreviations can be misinterpreted or misunderstood by healthcare professionals, leading to medication errors. Therefore, it is important to avoid using abbreviations and instead write out the full medication names and instructions to ensure clarity and accuracy in prescriptions.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Prescriptions should include the full names of drugs, both brand-name and generic.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Including the full names of drugs, both brand-name and generic, in prescriptions is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures clarity and accuracy in prescribing medications, reducing the risk of medication errors. Secondly, it helps pharmacists in dispensing the correct medication, as brand names can vary across different manufacturers. Additionally, including both names allows for easy identification and substitution of medications when necessary. Therefore, it is crucial for prescriptions to include the full names of drugs, both brand-name and generic.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Regarding prescription instructions, nurses should:
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Give the patient website addresses where he or she can learn more about the drug
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Explain what the medication is and does, as well as its potential side effects
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Tell the patient to read the detailed sheet that accompanies the medication
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Do nothing, it just confuses the patient
Correct Answer
A. Explain what the medication is and does, as well as its potential side effectsExplanation
Nurses should explain what the medication is and does, as well as its potential side effects to the patient. This is important for the patient's understanding and informed decision-making. By providing this information, nurses can ensure that the patient is aware of the purpose of the medication and how it may affect them. Additionally, informing patients about potential side effects allows them to monitor their own health and report any adverse reactions to healthcare professionals. This explanation helps promote patient autonomy and safety.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Why should numbers / quantities for controlled substances be fully written?
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To prevent alterations by the patient
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To use up more space on the prescription form
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Numbers written out are more legible
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To help the pharmacist understand the prescription
Correct Answer
A. To prevent alterations by the patientExplanation
Numbers/quantities for controlled substances should be fully written to prevent alterations by the patient. This is because fully written numbers are harder to alter compared to numerical digits, making it more difficult for patients to change the prescribed quantity of the controlled substance. This helps ensure that patients do not manipulate their prescriptions for personal gain or misuse of the medication.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Since the dosage amounts "5 mg" and "5.0 mg" mean the same thing, nurses can use them interchangeably.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because although "5 mg" and "5.0 mg" may seem to mean the same thing, in medical practice, the use of decimal places is important for accurate dosing. A dosage of "5 mg" could be interpreted as a whole number, while "5.0 mg" indicates a specific measurement to the nearest tenth. Nurses should follow precise dosing instructions to ensure patient safety and avoid medication errors.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What should a nurse do if she thinks that the prescribed medication may be wrong for a particular patient?
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Challenge it – get clarification and confirmation from her supervisor and/ or the doctor
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Administer it since it is unlikely that the doctor and/or pharmacist made a mistake
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Administer it as there likely won’t be any adverse side effects
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Don’t administer it and make a note in the patient’s chart as to reasons why
Correct Answer
A. Challenge it – get clarification and confirmation from her supervisor and/ or the doctorExplanation
If a nurse believes that the prescribed medication may be wrong for a particular patient, the best course of action is to challenge it. This involves seeking clarification and confirmation from her supervisor and/or the doctor. This is important to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient, as medication errors can have serious consequences. By seeking additional input from higher authorities, the nurse can make an informed decision and prevent any potential harm to the patient.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following is most important to check prior to administering a medication to a patient?
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Medical condition
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Vital signs
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Other prescription medications
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Allergy status
Correct Answer
A. Allergy statusExplanation
It is important to check a patient's allergy status prior to administering a medication to ensure that they do not have any known allergies to the medication being given. This is crucial in order to prevent any potential allergic reactions or adverse effects that could harm the patient. Checking the medical condition, vital signs, and other prescription medications are also important considerations, but allergy status takes precedence as it directly relates to the safety and well-being of the patient.Rate this question:
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- 13.
- If a nurse is really busy, it is acceptable for her to prepare the medication in advance, and leave it for the patient to take, or for another professional to administer.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
It is not acceptable for a nurse to prepare medication in advance and leave it for the patient to take or for another professional to administer, even if they are busy. Medication administration requires careful monitoring and assessment of the patient's condition, and it is the nurse's responsibility to ensure the correct dosage and timing. Leaving medication for the patient or another professional to administer can lead to errors, potential harm to the patient, and legal implications. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
- 14.
A client is nauseated, has been vomiting for several hours, and needs to receive an antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication. Which of the following is accurate?
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An enteric-coated medication should be given.
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Any medication will not be absorbed as easily because of the nausea problem.
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A parenteral route is the route of choice.
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A rectal suppository must be administered.
Correct Answer
A. A parenteral route is the route of choice.Explanation
When a client is nauseated and vomiting, their ability to absorb oral medications may be compromised. Therefore, the parenteral route, which involves administering medication through injection or infusion, is the preferred route in this situation. This allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Giving an enteric-coated medication or a rectal suppository may not be effective as the client may continue to vomit or have difficulty absorbing the medication.Rate this question:
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- 15.
- A 76-year-old client lives alone and takes medication without supervision. Which of the following is the most appropriate question for his home health nurse to ask in regard to his medication regimen?
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“How much do you weigh?”
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“What medication are you currently taking?”
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“We’ll have to take away your sedatives if you keep taking them during the day”
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“Have you been taking other substances than those ordered by the physician?”
Correct Answer
A. “Have you been taking other substances than those ordered by the physician?”Explanation
The most appropriate question for the home health nurse to ask in regard to the client's medication regimen is whether they have been taking other substances than those ordered by the physician. This question is important because the client lives alone and takes medication without supervision, so there is a possibility that they may be taking additional medications or substances that could interact with their prescribed medication. This question helps the nurse assess the client's compliance with their medication regimen and identify any potential risks or issues that may arise from the use of additional substances.Rate this question:
- 16.
A male client who has severe burns is receiving H2 receptor antagonist therapy. The nurse In-charge knows the purpose of this therapy is to:
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Prevent stress ulcer
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Block prostaglandin synthesis
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Facilitate protein synthesis.
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Enhance gas exchange
Correct Answer
A. Prevent stress ulcerExplanation
H2 receptor antagonist therapy is used to prevent stress ulcers in patients with severe burns. Severe burns can lead to increased gastric acid secretion, which can cause stress ulcers. H2 receptor antagonists work by reducing the production of gastric acid, thus preventing the formation of stress ulcers. This therapy does not block prostaglandin synthesis, facilitate protein synthesis, or enhance gas exchange.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The physician orders penicillin for a patient with streptococcal pharyngitis. The nurse administers the drug as ordered, and the patient has an allergic reaction. The nurse checks the medication order sheet and finds that the patient is allergic to penicillin. Legal responsibility for the error is:
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Only the nurse’s—she should have checked the allergies before administering the medication.
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Only the physician’s—she gave the order, the nurse is obligated to follow it.
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Only the pharmacist’s—he should alert the floor to possible allergic reactions.
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The pharmacist, physician, and nurse are all liable for the mistake
Correct Answer
A. The pharmacist, physician, and nurse are all liable for the mistakeExplanation
The physician, nurse, and pharmacist all are licensed professionals and share responsibility for errors.Rate this question:
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- 18.
James Oamil Movilla, a nurse on a geriatric floor, is administering a dose of digoxin to one of his patients. The woman asks why she takes a different pill than her niece, who also has heart trouble. James replies that as people get older, liver and kidney function decline, and if the dose is as high as her niece’s, the drug will tend to:
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Have a shorter half-life.
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Accumulate.
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Have decreased distribution.
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Have increased absorption.
Correct Answer
A. Accumulate.Explanation
The decreased circulation to the kidney and reduced liver function tend to allow drugs to accumulate and have toxic effects.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The most important instructions a nurse can give a patient regarding the use of the antibiotic ampicillin prescribed for her are to:
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Call the physician if she has any breathing difficulties
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Take it with meals so it doesn’t cause an upset stomach
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Take all of the medication prescribed even if the symptoms stop sooner
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Not share the pills with anyone else
Correct Answer
A. Take all of the medication prescribed even if the symptoms stop soonerExplanation
Frequently patients do not complete an entire course of antibiotic therapy, and the bacteria are not destroyed.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Mrs. Aisha has been dealing with uterine cancer for several months. Pain management is the primary focus of her current admission to your oncology unit. Her vital signs on admission are BP 110/64, pulse 78, respirations 18, and temperature 99.2 F. Morphine sulfate 6mg IV, q 4 hours, prn has been ordered. During your assessment after lunch, your findings are: BP 92/60, pulse 66, respirations 10, and temperature 98.8. Mrs. Gately is crying and tells you she is still experiencing severe pain. Your action should be to:
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Give her the next ordered dose of MS.
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Give her a back rub, put on some light music, and dim the lights in the room.
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Report your findings to the MD, requesting an alternate medication order
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Be obtained from the physician.
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call her daughter to come and sit with her.
Correct Answer
A. Report your findings to the MD, requesting an alternate medication orderExplanation
Morphine sulfate depresses the respiratory center. When the rate is less than 10, the MD should be notified.Rate this question:
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- 21.
A nurse is preparing the client’s morning NpH insulin dose and notices a clumpy precipitate inside the insulin vial. The nurse should:
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Draw up and administer the dose
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Shake the vial in an attempt to disperse the clumps
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Draw the dose from a new vial
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Warm the bottle under running water to dissolve the clump
Correct Answer
A. Draw the dose from a new vialExplanation
The nurse should always inspect the vial of insulin before use for solution changes that may signify loss of potency. NPH insulin is normally uniformly cloudy. Clumping, frosting, and precipitates are signs of insulin damage. In this situation, because potency is questionable, it is safer to discard the vial and draw up the dose from a new vial.
Question 12 WRONGRate this question:
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- 22.
A client with histoplasmosis has an order for ketoconazole (Nizoral). The nurse teaches the client to do which of the following while taking this medication?
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Take the medication on an empty stomach
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Take the medication with an antacid
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Avoid exposure to sunlight
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Limit alcohol to 2 ounces per day
Correct Answer
A. Avoid exposure to sunlightExplanation
The client should be taught that ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. It should be taken with food or milk. Antacids should be avoided for 2 hours after it is taken because gastric acid is needed to activate the medication. The client should avoid concurrent use of alcohol, because the medication is hepatotoxic. The client should also avoid exposure to sunlight, because the medication increases photosensitivity.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A nurse has taught a client taking a xanthine bronchodilator about beverages to avoid. The nurse determines that the client understands the information if the client chooses which of the following beverages from the dietary menu?
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Chocolate milk
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Cranberry juice
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Coffee
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Cola
Correct Answer
A. Cranberry juiceExplanation
Cola, coffee, and chocolate contain xanthine and should be avoided by the client taking a xanthine bronchodilator. This could lead to an increased incidence of cardiovascular and central nervous system side effects that can occur with the use of these types of bronchodilators.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A client is taking famotidine (Pepcid) asks the home care nurse what would be the best medication to take for a headache. The nurse tells the client that it would be best to take:
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Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)
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Ibuprofen (Motrin)
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Correct Answer
A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)Explanation
The client is taking famotidine, a histamine receptor antagonist. This implies that the client has a disorder characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. The only medication of the ones listed in the options that is not irritating to the GI tract is acetaminophen. The other medications could aggravate an already existing GI problem.Rate this question:
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- 25.
A nurse is providing instructions to a client regarding quinapril hydrochloride (Accupril). The nurse tells the client:
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To take the medication with food only
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To rise slowly from a lying to a sitting position
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To discontinue the medication if nausea occurs
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That a therapeutic effect will be noted immediately
Correct Answer
A. To rise slowly from a lying to a sitting positionExplanation
Accupril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of hypertension. The client should be instructed to rise slowly from a lying to sitting position and to permit the legs to dangle from the bed momentarily before standing to reduce the hypotensive effect. The medication does not need to be taken with meals. It may be given without regard to food. If nausea occurs, the client should be instructed to take a non cola carbonated beverage and salted crackers or dry toast. A full therapeutic effect may be noted in 1 to 2 weeks.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Auranofin (Ridaura) is prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis, and the nurse monitors the client for signs of an adverse effect related to the medication. Which of the following indicates an adverse effect?
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Nausea
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Anorexia
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Diarrhea
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Proteinuria
Correct Answer
A. ProteinuriaExplanation
Auranofin (Ridaura) is a gold preparation that is used as an antirheumatic. Gold toxicity is an adverse effect and is evidenced by decreased hemoglobin, leukopenia, reduced granulocyte counts, proteinuria, hematuria, stomatitis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or cholestatic jaundice. Anorexia, nausea, and diarrhea are frequent side effects of the medication.Rate this question:
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- 27.
A female client tells the clinic nurse that her skin is very dry and irritated. Which product would the nurse suggest that the client apply to the dry skin?
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Glycerin emollient
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Aspercreme
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Myoflex
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Acetic acid solution
Correct Answer
A. Glycerin emollientExplanation
Glycerin is an emollient that is used for dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Aspercreme and Myoflex are used to treat muscular aches. Acetic acid solution is used for irrigating, cleansing, and packing wounds infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Rate this question:
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- 28.
When a drug binds to a receptor to produce a pharmacologic effect, the drug may be called a(n):
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Agonist
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Antagonist
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Blocker
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Accelerator
Correct Answer
A. AgonistExplanation
An agonist is the action described in the stem. B and C are synonymous. ELiminate choice D because there is no such action described in drug nomenclature.Rate this question:
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- 29.
An unexpected effect of the drug is known as a(n):
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Side effect
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Adverse effect
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Toxic reaction
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Allergic reaction
Correct Answer
A. Adverse effectExplanation
An adverse reaction is a harmful and unexpected reaction. A side effect is expected and predictable. C and D are incorrect because a toxic reaction is a type of adverse reaction.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 06, 2017Quiz Created by
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