Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with suspected overdose with Codeine. Which of the following medications would the nurse anticipate being ordered?

Accepted Answer

Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Codeine is an opioid medication and Narcan would be the appropriate choice in this situation. Pamelor (nortriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant, Naprosyn (naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and Nicobid (niacin) is a vitamin supplement, none of which would be effective in treating a codeine overdose.

Question 2

The nurse is providing care for a patient admitted after an acute myocardial infarction. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate to be part of the patient's treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Colace (docusate) is a stool softener that may be indicated to prevent constipation in patients who are inactive due to their cardiac condition and/or on bed rest. Anzemet (dolasetron), Celexa (citalopram), and Aricept (donepezil) are not typically part of the treatment plan for acute myocardial infarction.

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient with colorectal cancer who has been receiving continuous infusion chemotherapy at home. The patient complains of mouth sores and difficulty swallowing. Upon exam, the homecare nurse notes a whitish coating on the tongue and mucosal breakdown on the inner cheeks and lips. The nurse informs the patient, "The sores in your mouth are caused by the chemotherapy, but it looks like you may also have a secondary yeast infection in your mouth and throat. I will call the doctor so you can be seen right away." The nurse recognizes which of the following medications will most likely be ordered to treat the esophageal candidiasis once the patient is seen by a physician?

Accepted Answer

Diflucan (fluconazole) is an antifungal medication that is commonly used to treat yeast infections, including esophageal candidiasis. It works by inhibiting the growth and replication of the fungal cells, leading to their eventual death. Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL) is a medication used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, alendronate (Fosamax) is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and fluorouracil (Fluoroplex) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. None of these medications would be appropriate for treating esophageal candidiasis.

Question 4

A nurse caring for a patient who recently started taking Pletal (cilostazol) recognizes the further need for teaching by which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

Cilostazol (Pletal) should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner, to enhance its absorption. Taking it with breakfast as stated in option B indicates a misunderstanding of the medication's administration guidelines.

Question 5

A nurse in the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is receiving Marcaine (bupivicaine) epidural anesthesia. Which of the following symptoms would be recognized as indicative of systemic toxicity?

Accepted Answer

C) Patient reports, "I can hear ringing in my ears." This symptom is indicative of systemic toxicity from Marcaine (bupivacaine) epidural anesthesia. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a common sign of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), which can also include symptoms such as altered mental status, seizures, and cardiovascular disturbances.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a 56-year-old patient with a history of atrial fibrillation who takes Lanoxin (digoxin) 0.5 mg/day. Which of the following assessments should cause the nurse to hold the patient's dose?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin is a medication used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. One of its side effects is bradycardia, or a slow heart rate. A pulse rate of 58 beats per minute (bpm) is considered lower than normal for most adults, indicating the patient may be experiencing bradycardia as a side effect of digoxin. Therefore, the nurse should hold the dose and consult with a healthcare provider.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with diarrhea for the past 3 days. Stool cultures are negative, and the physician orders Lomotil, two tablets orally now and one tablet after each loose stool OR every 3-4 hr as needed. Which of the following parameters would the nurse expect to accompany the order?

Accepted Answer

Lomotil is an antidiarrheal medication that contains the opioid agonist diphenoxylate and the anticholinergic atropine. Therefore, it has the potential for abuse and addiction. To prevent this, the nurse should expect the parameter "Do not exceed 8 tablets per day" to accompany the order to limit the amount of medication the patient can receive. Option B is incorrect because the physician's order does not specify a maximum number of doses per day. Option C is incorrect because Lomotil can be given for longer than 2 days if needed, as long as it is closely monitored. Option D is incorrect because parameters are necessary for this type of medication.

Question 8

While counseling a patient receiving Inspra (eplerenone) for hypertension, the nurse recognizes the need for further teaching by which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

Patients taking Inspra should not use salt substitutes containing potassium, as Inspra can increase serum potassium levels. This can lead to hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. The other statements are appropriate for a patient receiving treatment for hypertension.

Question 9

The nurse is working with a patient who has elevated triglyceride levels despite dietary changes. The physician has ordered TriLipix (fenofibric acid) 135 mg per day. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Accepted Answer

Fenofibric acid (TriLipix) can interact with anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, patients taking both medications should have their blood clotting times or INR monitored more closely to adjust the dose of the anticoagulant if necessary.

Question 10

A patient undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer tells the nurse, "I feel so tired I can barely do anything. Even getting out of bed makes me dizzy." After laboratory results are obtained, which of the following medications would most likely help relieve these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Aranesp is a medication used to treat anemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Anemia can cause fatigue and dizziness, and Aranesp works by stimulating the production of red blood cells, which can improve these symptoms. Neupogen is used to stimulate white blood cell production, Kytril is used to prevent nausea and vomiting, and Plavix is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, but none of these medications would address the patient's fatigue and dizziness.

Question 11

The nurse recognizes that Celexa (citalopram) may be prescribed for which of the following patients?

Accepted Answer

Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication and is commonly prescribed for patients with depression. It is not typically used for schizophrenia, should not be taken with MAO inhibitors, and may not be appropriate for patients with alcoholism depending on their specific medical history and condition.

Question 12

A nurse working with a patient who started taking Bentyl (dicyclomine) recognizes that patient further teaching is necessary by which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

Bentyl (dicyclomine) can cause dizziness or drowsiness, so it is recommended to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until the patient knows how the medication affects them. However, there is no concern about eye pain or sensitivity to light or sweating, and getting up slowly is a general precaution for any medication that may cause dizziness.

Question 13

The nurse receives a call from the parent of an 8-year-old boy who is home sick from school with a headache, sinus congestion, and a cough. The parent asks, "Can I give him some Benadryl to help him breathe easier?" Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should first assess what other medications the child has taken to avoid potential drug interactions or overdosing on similar ingredients.

Question 14

A nurse working on the postpartum unit is caring for a woman who had a spontaneous delivery of a 9 lb, 6 oz baby 6 hr earlier. The nurse notes the patient has soaked four peri-pads and that her uterine fundus is boggy. Which of the following medications does the nurse anticipate being ordered?

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of excessive bleeding and a boggy uterus indicate uterine atony, which can be treated with uterine stimulants such as methylergonovine (methergine) or Pitocin (oxytocin). However, Pitocin is typically used as a first-line medication to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, while methylergonovine is used for treatment after hemorrhage has already occurred. Brethine (terbutaline) and magnesium sulfate are not appropriate medications for treating uterine atony post-delivery.

Question 15

The nurse is providing care for a patient taking Plavix (clopidogrel). Which of the following laboratory results would be most important for the nurse to evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Plavix is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits blood clotting. Therefore, the most important laboratory result to evaluate would be bleeding time to monitor for any signs of bleeding or hemorrhage. Urine-specific gravity and potassium levels may be important in other patient populations, but are not directly related to Plavix therapy. Albumin levels may be important for overall nutritional status, but not specifically related to Plavix therapy.

Question 16

The nurse is providing a follow-up phone call to a patient who recently started taking Allegra (fexofenadine). Which of the following statements by the patient would indicate the medication has been effective?

Accepted Answer

Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives. Therefore, if the patient reports that their nose isn't running and itchy anymore, it indicates that the medication has been effective in treating their allergy symptoms. The other answer choices are not relevant to the use of fexofenadine.

Question 17

A nurse working in hospice is providing care for a patient recently started on a transdermal fentanyl patch. Which of the following statements, made by the patient's caretaker, indicates further teaching is required?

Accepted Answer

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the dosing schedule of the fentanyl patch. The patch provides a continuous dose of medication over a period of time, typically 72 hours. It does not provide immediate relief of pain like oral pain medication would. Therefore, the patient may still need pain medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. The other statements demonstrate correct understanding of patch care and medication side effects.

Question 18

The nurse is caring for a patient who just received parenteral Valium (diazepam). Which of the following nursing actions is best?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine medication that can cause sedation and muscle relaxation. The nurse should place the patient on bed rest and closely monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate and depth, as well as level of consciousness. Diazepam can also cause dizziness and confusion, so the nurse should ensure a safe environment and assist with activities of daily living as needed. Monitoring calcium levels, fluid intake, or preventing rigors are not specific to the side effects of diazepam, and therefore not necessary actions.

Question 19

The nurse is providing care for a patient who received surgical intervention for mitral valve prolapse. The patient is taking Persantine (dipyridamole) 75 mg po TID. The nurse recognizes the medication is effective by which of the following patient outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Persantine (dipyridamole) is an antiplatelet medication that can reduce the risk of blood clots forming, particularly in patients who have undergone heart valve surgery. It does not directly impact chest pain, heart rhythm, or fluid overload. Therefore, the most appropriate outcome to assess the effectiveness of Persantine is whether the patient remains free from deep vein thrombosis throughout their hospital stay.

Question 20

The nurse is taking a medication history over the phone for a patient scheduled for knee replacement in 3 days. Which of the following medications, if reported by the patient, should be reported to the surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine that can cause sedation and may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. It is important to report this medication to the surgeon so they can make any necessary adjustments to the anesthesia or pain management plan. Zantac (ranitidine) is an antacid that does not typically have an impact on surgery or anesthesia. Proventil (albuterol) is a bronchodilator used for respiratory conditions and may actually be beneficial during surgery. Lotrimin (clotrimazole) is an antifungal used for skin infections and is unlikely to affect the surgery.

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses Test 1