NCLEX Sample Questions For Pharmacology 1 Practice Test
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Walter, teenage patient is admitted to the hospital because of acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Overdoses of acetaminophen can precipitate life-threatening abnormalities in which of the following organs?
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Lungs
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Liver
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Kidney
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Adrenal Glands
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Mark the letter of the letter of choice then click on the next button. Answer will be revealed after each question. No time limit to finish the exam. Good luck!
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- 2.
A contraindication for topical corticosteroid usage in a male patient with atopic dermatitis (eczema) is:
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Parasite infection.
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Viral infection.
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Bacterial infection.
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Spirochete infection
Correct Answer
A. Viral infection.Explanation
Topical agents produce a localized, rather than systemic effect. When treating atopic dermatitis with a steroidal preparation, the site is vulnerable to invasion by organisms. Viruses, such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster, present a risk of disseminated infection. Educate the patient using topical corticosteroids to avoid crowds or people known to have infections and to report even minor signs of an infection. Topical corticosteroid usage results in little danger of concurrent infection with these agents.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In infants and children, the side effects of first generation over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) include:
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Reye’s syndrome.
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Cholinergic effects
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Paradoxical CNS stimulation.
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Nausea and diarrhea
Correct Answer
A. Paradoxical CNS stimulation.Explanation
Typically, first generation OTC antihistamines have a sedating effect because of passage into the CNS. However, in some individuals, especially infants and children, paradoxical CNS stimulation occurs and is manifested by excitement, euphoria, restlessness, and confusion. For this reason, use of first generation OTC antihistamines has declined, and second generation product usage has increased. Reye’s syndrome is a systemic response to a virus. First generation OTC antihistamines do not exhibit a cholinergic effect. Nausea and diarrhea are uncommon when first generation OTC antihistamines are taken.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal illness associated with liver failure and encephalopathy is associated with the administration of which over-the-counter (OTC) medication?
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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Ibuprofen (Motrin)
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Aspirin
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Brompheniramine/psudoephedrine (Dimetapp)
Correct Answer
A. AspirinExplanation
Virus-infected children who are given aspirin to manage pain, fever, and inflammation are at an increased risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. Use of acetaminophen has not been associated with Reye’s syndrome and can be safely given to patients with fever due to viral illnesses. Ibuprofen adverse effects include GI irritation and bleeding, and in toxic doses, both renal and hepatic failure are reported. However, ibuprofen has not been associated with the onset of Reye’s disease. Brompheniramine/psudoephedrine contains a first generation OTC antihistamine and a decongestant. Neither agent has been associated with the development of Reye’s syndrome.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The nurse is aware that the patients who are allergic to intravenous contrast media are usually also allergic to which of the following products?
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Eggs
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Shellfish
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Soy
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Acidic fruits
Correct Answer
A. ShellfishExplanation
Some types of contrast media contain iodine as an ingredient. Shellfish also contain significant amounts of iodine. Therefore, a patient who is allergic to iodine will exhibit an allergic response to both iodine containing contrast media and shellfish. These products do not contain iodine.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A 13-month-old child recently arrived in the United States from a foreign country with his parents and needs childhood immunizations. His mother reports that he is allergic to eggs. Upon further questioning, you determine that the allergy to eggs is anaphylaxis. Which of the following vaccines should he not receive?
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Hepatitis B
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Inactivated polio
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Diphtheria, acellular pertussis, tetanus (DTaP)
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Mumps, measles, rubella (MMR)
Correct Answer
A. Mumps, measles, rubella (MMR)Explanation
The measles portion of the MMR vaccine is grown in chick embryo cells. The current MMR vaccine does not contain a significant amount of egg proteins, and even children with dramatic egg allergies are extremely unlikely to have an anaphylactic reaction. However, patients that do respond to egg contact with anaphylaxis should be in a medically controlled setting where full resuscitation efforts can be administered if anaphylaxis results. The vaccines in options a,b and c do not contain egg protein.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The cell and Coombs classification system categorizes allergic reactions and is useful in describing and classifying patient reactions to drugs. Type I reactions are immediate hypersensitivity reactions and are mediated by:
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Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
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Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
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Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
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Immunoglobulin M (IgM).
Correct Answer
A. Immunoglobulin E (IgE).Explanation
IgE, the least common serum immunoglobulin (Ig) binds very tightly to receptors on basophils and mast cells and is involved in allergic reactions. Binding of the allergen to the IgE on the cells results in the release of various pharmacological mediators that result in allergic symptoms. IgG is the major Ig (75 percent of serum Ig is IgG). Most versatile Ig because it is capable of carrying out all of the functions of Ig molecules. IgG is the only class of Ig that crosses the placenta. It is an opsonin, a substance that enhances phagocytosis. IgA, the second most common serum Ig is found in secretions (tears, saliva, colostrum, and mucus). It is important in local (mucosal) immunity. IgM, the third most common serum Ig, is the first Ig to be made by the fetus and the first Ig to be made by a virgin B cell when it is stimulated by antigen. IgM antibodies are very efficient in leading to the lysis of microorganisms.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Drugs can cause adverse events in a patient. Bone marrow toxicity is one of the most frequent types of drug-induced toxicity. The most serious form of bone marrow toxicity is:
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Aplastic anemia.
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Thrombocytosis.
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Leukocytosis
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Granulocytosis
Correct Answer
A. Aplastic anemia.Explanation
Aplastic anemia is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction and is often irreversible. It leads to pancytopenia, a severe decrease in all cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells make the patient susceptible to infection. And, a reduced number of platelets cause the blood not to clot as easily. Treatment for mild cases is supportive. Transfusions may be necessary. Severe cases require a bone marrow transplant. Option 2 is an elevated platelet count. Option 3 is an elevated white count. Option 4 is an elevated granulocyte count. A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Serious adverse effects of oral contraceptives include:
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Crease in skin oil followed by acne.
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Headache and dizziness.
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Early or mid-cycle bleeding.
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Thromboembolic complications.
Correct Answer
A. Thromboembolic complications.Explanation
Oral contraceptives have been associated with an increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. These risks are increased in women who smoke. Increased skin oil and acne are effects of progestin excess. Headache and dizziness are effects of estrogen excess. Early or mid-cycle bleeding are effects of estrogen deficiency.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The most serious adverse effect of Alprostadil (Prostin VR pediatric injection) administration in neonates is:
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Apnea
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Bleeding tendencies.
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Hypotension
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Pyrexia
Correct Answer
A. ApneaExplanation
All items are adverse reactions of the drug. However, apnea appearing during the first hour of drug infusion occurs in 10-12 percent of neonates with congenital heart defects. Clinicians deciding to utilize alprostadil must be prepared to intubate and mechanically ventilate the infant. Careful monitoring for apnea or respiratory depression is mandatory. In some institutions, elective intubation occurs prior to initiation of the medication.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Mandy, a patient calls the clinic today because he is taking atrovastatin (Lipitor) to treat his high cholesterol and is having pain in both of his legs. You instruct him to:
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Stop taking the drug and make an appointment to be seen next week.
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Continue taking the drug and make an appointment to be seen next week.
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Stop taking the drug and come to the clinic to be seen today.
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Walk for at least 30 minutes and call if symptoms continue.
Correct Answer
A. Stop taking the drug and come to the clinic to be seen today.Explanation
Muscle aches, soreness, and weakness may be early signs of myopathy such as rhabdomyolysis associated with the HMG-CoA reducatase class of antilipemic agents. This patient will need an immediate evaluation to rule out myopathy. Additional doses may exacerbate the problem. Exercise will not reverse myopathy and delays diagnosis.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following adverse effects is associated with levothyroxine (Synthroid) therapy?
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Tachycardia
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Bradycardia
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Hypotension
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Constipation
Correct Answer
A. TachycardiaExplanation
Levothyroxine, especially in higher doses, can induce hyperthyroid-like symptoms including tachycardia. An agent that increases the basal metabolic rate would not be expected to induce a slow heart rate. Hypotension would be a side effect of bradycardia. Constipation is a symptom of hypothyroid disease.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following adverse effects is specific to the biguanide diabetic drug metformin (Glucophage) therapy?
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Hypoglycemia
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GI distress
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Lactic acidosis
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Somulence
Correct Answer
A. Lactic acidosisExplanation
Lactic acidosis is the most dangerous adverse effect of metformin administration with death resulting in approximately 50 percent of individuals who develop lactic acidosis while on this drug. Metformin does not induce insulin production; thus, administration does not result in hypoglycemic events. Some nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may develop but is usually not severe. NVD is not specific for metformin. Metformin does not induce sleepiness.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The most serious adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is:
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Seizures
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Hyperpyrexia
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Metabolic acidosis.
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Cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer
A. Cardiac arrhythmias.Explanation
Excessive ingestion of TCAs result in life-threatening wide QRS complex tachycardia. TCA overdose can induce seizures, but they are typically not life-threatening. TCAs do not cause an elevation in body temperature. TCAs do not cause metabolic acidosis.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The nurse is aware that the following solutions is routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient is:
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0.9 percent sodium chloride
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5 percent dextrose in water solution
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Sterile water
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Heparin sodium
Correct Answer
A. 0.9 percent sodium chlorideExplanation
0.9 percent sodium chloride is normal saline. This solution has the same osmolarity as blood. Its use prevents red cell lysis. The solutions given in options 2 and 3 are hypotonic solutions and can cause red cell lysis. The solution in option 4 may anticoagulate the patient and result in bleeding.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Cris asks the nurse whether all donor blood products are cross-matched with the recipient to prevent a transfusion reaction. Which of the following always require cross-matching?
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Packed red blood cells
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Platelets
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Plasma
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Granulocytes
Correct Answer
A. Packed red blood cellsExplanation
Red blood cells contain antigens and antibodies that must be matched between donor and recipient. The blood products in options 2-4 do not contain red cells. Thus, they require no cross-match.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A month after receiving a blood transfusion an immunocompromised male patient develops fever, liver abnormalities, a rash, and diarrhea. The nurse would suspect this patient has:
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Nothing related to the blood transfusion.
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Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
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Myelosuppression
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An allergic response to a recent medication.
Correct Answer
A. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Explanation
GVHD occurs when white blood cells in donor blood attack the tissues of an immunocompromised recipient. This process can occur within a month of the transfusion. Options 1 and 4 may be a thought, but the nurse must remember that immunocompromised transfusion recipients are at risk for GVHD.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Jonas comes into the local blood donation center. He says he is here to donate platelets only today. The nurse knows this process is called:
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Directed donation.
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Autologous donation.
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Allogenic donation.
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Apheresis
Correct Answer
A. ApheresisExplanation
The process of apheresis involves removal of whole blood from a donor. Within an instrument that is essentially designed as a centrifuge, the components of whole blood are separated. One of the separated portions is then withdrawn, and the remaining components are retransfused into the donor. Directed donation is collected from a blood donor other than the recipient, but the donor is known to the recipient and is usually a family member or friend. Autologous donation is the collection and reinfusion of the patient’s own blood. Allogenic donation is collected from a blood donor other than the recipient.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Nurse Bryan knows that the age group that uses the most units of blood and blood products is:
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Premature infants.
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Children ages 1-20 years.
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Adults ages 21-64 years.
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The elderly above age 65 years.
Correct Answer
A. The elderly above age 65 years.Explanation
People older than 65 years use 43 percent of donated blood. This number is expected to increase as the population ages.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A child is admitted with a serious infection. After two days of antibiotics, he is severely neutropenic. The physician orders granulocyte transfusions for the next four days. The mother asks the nurse why? The nurse responds:
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“This is the only treatment left to offer the child.”
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“This therapy is fast and reliable in treating infections in children.”
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“The physician will have to explain his rationale to you.”
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“Granulocyte transfusions replenish the low white blood cells until the body can produce its own.”
Correct Answer
A. “Granulocyte transfusions replenish the low white blood cells until the body can produce its own.”Explanation
Granulocyte (neutrophil) replacement therapy is given until the patient’s blood values are normal and he is able to fight the infection himself. Options 1 and 3 are not therapeutic responses. The treatment in option 2 takes days and is not always able to prevent morbidity and mortality.Rate this question:
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- 21.
A neighbor tells nurse Maureen he has to have surgery and is reluctant to have any blood product transfusions because of a fear of contracting an infection. He asks the nurse what are his options. The nurse teaches the person that the safest blood product is:
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An allogenic product.
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A directed donation product.
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An autologous product.
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A cross-matched product.
Correct Answer
A. An autologous product.Explanation
This process is the collection and reinfusion of the patient’s own blood. It is recommended by the American Medical Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs as the safest product since it eliminates recipient incompatibility and infection. The product in option 1 is collected from a blood donor other than the recipient. The process in option 2 is also collected from a blood donor other than the recipient, but the donor is known to the recipient and is usually a family member or friend. Cross-matching significantly enhances compatibility. It does not detect infection.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A severely immunocompromised female patient requires a blood transfusion. To prevent GVHD, the physician will order:
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Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl).
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The transfusion to be administered slowly over several hours.
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Irradiation of the donor blood.
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Correct Answer
A. Irradiation of the donor blood.Explanation
This process eliminates white blood cell functioning, thus, preventing GVHD. Diphenhydramine HCl is an antihistamine. It’s use prior to a blood transfusion decreases the likelihood of a transfusion reaction. Option 2 will not prevent GVHD. Use of acetaminophen prevents and treats the common side effects of blood administration caused by the presence of white blood cells in the transfusion product: fever, headache, and chills.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Louie who is to receive a blood transfusion asks the nurse what is the most common type of infection he could receive from the transfusion. The nurse teaches him that approximately 1 in 250,000 patients contract:
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Human immunodeficiency disease (HIV).
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Hepatitis C infection.
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Hepatitis B infection.
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West Nile viral disease.
Correct Answer
A. Hepatitis B infection.Explanation
Hepatitis B is the most common infection spread via blood transfusion. Donors are screened by a questionnaire that includes symptoms. The donated blood is also tested for infection. The risk of infection with the agents in options 2 and 3 has decreased to approximately 1 in 2 million secondary to donor questioning and donor blood testing. The incidence of West Nile viral transmission is unknown, but donor infection is still relatively rare.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A male patient with blood type AB, Rh factor positive needs a blood transfusion. The Transfusion Service (blood bank) sends type O, Rh factor negative blood to the unit for the nurse to infuse into this patient. The nurse knows that:
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This donor blood is incompatible with the patient’s blood.
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Premedicating the patient with diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) will prevent any transfusion reactions or side effects.
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This is a compatible match.
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The patient is at minimal risk receiving this product since it is the first time he has been transfused with type O, Rh negative blood.
Correct Answer
A. This is a compatible match.Explanation
Type O, Rh negative blood has none of the major antigens and is safely administered to patients of all blood types. It is also known as the universal donor. Premedicating with these agents will not prevent a major transfusion reaction if the blood type and Rh factors of the donor blood are incompatible with the recipient’s blood.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Dr. Rodriguez orders 250 milliliters of packed red blood cells (RBC) for a patient. This therapy is administered for treatment of:
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Thrombocytopenia
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Anemia
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Leukopenia
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Hypoalbuminemia
Correct Answer
A. AnemiaExplanation
A red blood cell transfusion is used to correct anemia in patients in which the low red blood cell count must be rapidly corrected. RBC transfusion will not correct a low platelet count. RBC transfusion will not correct a low white blood cell count. Packed RBCs contain very little plasma and, thus, only a small amount of albumin. This amount will not correct low albumin levels.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A female patient needs a whole blood transfusion. In order for transfusion services (the blood bank) to prepare the correct product a sample of the patient’s blood must be obtained for:
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A complete blood count and differential
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A blood type and cross-match.
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A blood culture and sensitivity
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A blood type and antibody screen.
Correct Answer
A. A blood type and cross-match.Explanation
This is needed to utilize the correct type of donor blood and to match the donor product with the patient. Incompatible matches would result in severe adverse events and possible death. The tests in options 1 and 3 are unnecessary. The test in option 4 is utilized to determine the patient’s blood type and presence of antibodies to blood antigens. It does not determine donor blood compatibility with the patient.Rate this question:
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- 27.
A male patient needs to receive a unit of whole blood. What type of intravenous (IV) device should the nurse consider starting?
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A small catheter to decrease patient discomfort
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He type of IV device the patient has had in the past, which worked well
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A large bore catheter
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The type of device the physician prefers
Correct Answer
A. A large bore catheterExplanation
Large bore catheters prevent damage to blood components and are less likely to develop clotting problems than a small bore catheter. The nurse should determine the correct device without asking the patient what type has been used before or asking the physician which type he prefers and start the IV.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Dr. Smith orders a gram of human salt poor albumin product for a patient. The product is available in a 50 milliliter vial with a concentration of 25 percent. What dosage will the nurse administer?
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The nurse should use the entire 50 milliliter vial.
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The nurse should determine the volume to administer from the physician.
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This concentration of product should not be used.
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The nurse will administer 4 milliliters.
Correct Answer
A. The nurse will administer 4 milliliters.Explanation
A 25 percent solution contains one quarter of a gram per milliliter. Thus, the nurse will administer 4 milliliters to provide a complete gram of albumin. The volume in option 1 would provide 12.5 grams of albumin. The nurse should determine the volume. It is unnecessary to seek the answer from the physician. A 25 percent solution is an acceptable product and can safely be used.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Central venous access devices (CVADs) are frequently utilized to administer chemotherapy. What is a distinct advantage of using the CVAD for chemotherapeutic agent administration?
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CVADs are less expensive than a peripheral IV.
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Once a week administration is possible.
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Caustic agents in small veins can be avoided.
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The patient or his family can administer the drug at home.
Correct Answer
A. Caustic agents in small veins can be avoided.Explanation
Many chemotherapeutic drugs are vesicants (highly active corrosive materials that can produce tissue damage even in low concentrations). Extravasations of a vesicant can result in significant tissue necrosis. Administration into a large vein is optimal. CVADs are more expensive than a peripheral IV. Dosing depends on the drug. IV chemotherapeutic agents are not administered at home. They are given in an outpatient or clinic setting if not given during hospitalization.Rate this question:
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- 30.
A female patient’s central venous access device (CVAD) becomes infected. Why would the physician order antibiotics to be given through the line rather than through a peripheral IV line?
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To prevent infiltration of the peripheral line
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To reduce the pain and discomfort associated with antibiotic administration in a small vein
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To lessen the chance of an allergic reaction to the antibiotic
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To attempt to sterilize the catheter and prevent having to remove it
Correct Answer
A. To attempt to sterilize the catheter and prevent having to remove itExplanation
Microorganisms that infect CVADs are often coagulase-negative staphylococci, which can be eliminated by antibiotic administration through the catheter. If unsuccessful in eliminating the microorganism, the CVAD must be removed. CVAD use lessens the need for peripheral IV lines and, thus, the risk of infiltration. In this case however, the antibiotics are given to eradicate microorganisms from the CVAD. CVAD use has this effect, but in this case, the antibiotics are given through the CVAD to eliminate the infective agent. The third option would not occur.Rate this question:
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