Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Tenth Edition

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Sample questions from Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Tenth Edition

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

1. 1.A medication has a half-life of 6 hours. Approximately how long will it take for the drug to be mostly eliminated after it is discontinued, assuming normal renal and hepatic function?

   • A.12 hours
   • B.24 to 30 hours
   • C.60 hours
   • D.6 hours

   Rationale: A drug is generally considered mostly eliminated after about four to five half-lives. Four to five half-lives of 6 hours equal 24 to 30 hours. One or two half-lives are not enough for near-complete elimination, while 60 hours is much longer than necessary in this situation.

2. 2.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the nurse take before administering the prescribed digoxin? Select all that apply.

   • A.Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute.
   • B.Assess for nausea, visual changes, or new confusion.
   • C.Give the dose with an antacid to improve absorption.
   • D.Review the potassium result before administration.
   • E.Hold the dose and notify the provider if the apical pulse is 54/min.

   Rationale: Counting the apical pulse for a full minute is appropriate because the heart rate has fallen to 54/min at 1000; the dose should be held and the provider notified according to usual hold parameters. The potassium of 3.1 mEq/L is low and increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, so it must be reviewed and reported. Nausea, visual changes, and confusion can indicate toxicity, whereas an antacid may reduce or alter digoxin absorption and should not be given to improve it.

3. 3.A provider prescribes 750 mg of a medication. The available solution contains 250 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?

   • A.10 mL
   • B.20 mL
   • C.5 mL
   • D.15 mL

   Rationale: The concentration is 50 mg/mL because 250 mg is contained in 5 mL. Dividing the prescribed 750 mg by 50 mg/mL gives 15 mL. The other volumes would deliver less or more than the prescribed dose.

4. 4.A client says, 'I feel better, so I stopped taking my antibiotic.' Which response best explains the importance of completing the prescribed course?

   • A.'The medication works only while you have a fever.'
   • B.'You must take every antibiotic for life to prevent resistance.'
   • C.'Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply and cause the infection to return.'
   • D.'Taking extra doses now will compensate for the doses you missed.'

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.During a home visit, the nurse reviews medication use with a client who takes several prescriptions. Which practices support safe medication administration? Select all that apply.

   • A.Take a missed dose together with the next dose in every situation.
   • B.Report new symptoms that begin after a medication change.
   • C.Keep an up-to-date list of prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
   • D.Use two client identifiers when receiving medications in a clinic.
   • E.Use a weekly organizer after verifying the medication schedule.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.