Pharmacology Dosage LPN

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Sample questions from Pharmacology Dosage LPN

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.During a home visit, a client with type 1 diabetes says, "I took my usual mealtime insulin, but lunch was delayed." The client is alert and reports shakiness and sweating. Which action should the practical nurse take first?

   • A.Document the symptoms and reassess after the client finishes eating.
   • B.Encourage the client to walk around while waiting for lunch.
   • C.Check the client's blood glucose level and promptly report the symptoms and result to the supervising nurse.
   • D.Give the client the scheduled dose of long-acting insulin to prevent a glucose rise.

   Rationale: Shakiness and sweating after mealtime insulin with delayed food intake may indicate hypoglycemia, so checking glucose provides urgent data for action and reporting. Long-acting insulin does not treat a possible low, and walking could increase glucose use. Waiting until after the meal to reassess delays care when the client may need prompt treatment.

2. 2.At change of shift, the nurse receives report on four clients whose medications are due. Which client should the practical nurse report to the RN first?

   • A.A client taking an oral antibiotic who reports one loose stool after the first dose.
   • B.A client taking metformin who asks whether the tablet can be taken with breakfast.
   • C.A client taking furosemide who has a blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg and asks for assistance to the bathroom.
   • D.A client taking digoxin who has a new apical pulse of 54/min and reports nausea.

   Rationale: A new pulse of 54/min with nausea in a client taking digoxin raises concern for an adverse effect and requires prompt reporting before the dose is given. The client receiving furosemide needs fall-prevention assistance, but the findings do not suggest an immediate medication emergency. Taking metformin with a meal is generally appropriate, and one loose stool after an antibiotic merits monitoring and reporting if it persists or worsens.

3. 3.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the practical nurse take regarding the scheduled digoxin dose? Select all that apply.

   • A.Report the new nausea and reduced appetite along with the pulse trend.
   • B.Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute before administering the medication.
   • C.Withhold the dose and notify the RN because the apical pulse is below the prescribed hold parameter.
   • D.Give an extra dose later if the next apical pulse is within the prescribed range.
   • E.Give the dose because the client's blood pressure is within the usual range.

   Rationale: The 0900 apical pulse of 56/min is below the order's hold parameter of less than 60/min, so the nurse should verify the pulse for a full minute, withhold the dose, and notify the RN. The new nausea and reduced appetite should also be reported because they are a change from the client's usual status and may be relevant to digoxin safety. A normal blood pressure does not override the pulse parameter, and an extra dose should never be given to make up for a withheld dose.

4. 4.A provider prescribes 375 mg of an oral medication. The supply is 250 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the practical nurse measure for one dose?

   • A.7.5 mL
   • B.5 mL
   • C.10 mL
   • D.12.5 mL

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.At a community clinic, a parent brings a 6-year-old whose oral antibiotic label reads, "Give 7.5 mL twice daily for 10 days." The parent reports that the child vomited shortly after the first dose and asks whether to give another full dose. Which response is best?

   • A.Tell the parent to stop the antibiotic until the child has no further vomiting.
   • B.Tell the parent not to repeat the dose without guidance and contact the RN or prescriber for instructions.
   • C.Recommend doubling the next dose so the child receives the prescribed daily amount.
   • D.Ask the parent to give another full dose immediately because the medicine was vomited.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.