Question 1

A client having a myocardial infarction is receiving alteplase (Activase) therapy. Which of the following actions should be carried out by the nurse to monitor for the most frequent adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Alteplase (Activase) is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots, such as those found in the coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction. The most frequent adverse effect of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding due to the drug's mechanism of action, which involves breaking down clots and potentially affecting other areas of the body where clotting is necessary to prevent or stop bleeding. Therefore, monitoring for bleeding is essential when a patient is receiving alteplase.

Question 2

A client is receiving scheduled doses of lovastatin (Mevacor). The nurse evaluates that the medication is having the intended effect if the nurse notes which of the following client data?

Accepted Answer

Lovastatin (Mevacor) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels, which is its intended effect. The other options are not directly related to the primary action of lovastatin.

Question 3

A client taking verapamil (Calan) has been given information about side effects of this medication. The nurse determines that the client understands the information shared if the client states that he or she will watch for which of the following most common side effects of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil (Calan) is a calcium channel blocker used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. One of the most common side effects of verapamil is constipation. This is due to the relaxation effect of the medication on the smooth muscles of the body, including those in the gastrointestinal tract, which can slow down bowel movements.

Question 4

The nurse has a prescription to give a first dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) to an assigned client. The nurse would question the prescription if the client has a history of allergy to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide (sulfa) drug, and individuals with a history of allergy to sulfa drugs may have a similar allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.

Question 5

The nurse has a prescription to give a client a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin). Prior to administering the medication, the nurse assesses for which of the following manifestations that could indicate digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea are common signs of digoxin toxicity, along with confusion and irregular pulse.

Question 6

A client with a history of angina pectoris complains of substernal chest pain. The nurse checks the client's blood pressure and administers nitroglycerin, gr 1/4 sublingually. Five minutes later, the client is still experiencing chest pain. If the blood pressure is still stable, the nurse should take which of the following actions next?

Accepted Answer

If the client's blood pressure is stable and chest pain persists after the first dose of nitroglycerin, the nurse should administer another nitroglycerin tablet, as it can be repeated every 5 minutes for up to three doses to relieve angina.

Question 7

The long-term care client with a history of heart failure has developed paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND). The nurse reviews the client's medication record and determines that which of the following medications has been prescribed to treat the PND?

Accepted Answer

Bumetanide (Bumex) is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid overload, which can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure such as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND).

Question 8

The nurse is working with a client receiving an intravenous heparin sodium drip. The nurse should review which of the following laboratory studies to determine the therapeutic effect of heparin for the client?

Accepted Answer

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy, as it measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is sensitive to heparin.

Question 9

The ambulatory care nurse is providing instructions to a client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) being started on medication therapy with nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin), a urinary antiseptic agent. The nurse tells the client that:

Accepted Answer

Taking nitrofurantoin with meals can help decrease the risk of gastrointestinal upset, which is a common side effect of this medication.

Question 10

A client is beginning to take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). The nurse would give the client which of the following instructions regarding this medication?

Accepted Answer

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can cause crystalluria, so it is important to take each dose with a full glass of water and maintain adequate hydration to prevent kidney stones and ensure proper kidney function.

Question 11

A client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has been prescribed to take ciprofloxacin (Cipro). The nurse notes that the client also has a prescription for theophylline written by a pulmonologist. The nurse should do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Ciprofloxacin can increase the levels of theophylline in the blood, leading to potential toxicity. It is important to clarify the prescriptions to ensure safe co-administration of these medications.

Question 12

The client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has dysuria and is given a prescription for phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for symptom relief. The nurse provides medication teaching with this client and tells the client to:

Accepted Answer

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a medication used to relieve symptoms caused by irritation of the urinary tract, such as pain, burning, and the feeling of needing to urinate urgently or frequently. It works as a pain reliever that affects the lower part of your urinary tract. A common side effect of phenazopyridine is that it can cause the urine to turn a reddish-orange color. This is not harmful but can be alarming if the patient is not warned about it beforehand. Therefore, informing the patient to expect reddish-orange urine is an important part of medication teaching for those prescribed phenazopyridine.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing a subcutaneous dose of bethanechol (Urecholine) prescribed for a client with urinary retention. Before giving the dose, the nurse checks to see that which of the following medications is available on the emergency cart for use if needed?

Accepted Answer

Atropine sulfate is an anticholinergic drug that can counteract the effects of bethanechol, a cholinergic agonist, in case of overdose or adverse effects such as bradycardia or excessive salivation.

Question 14

A client who has undergone renal transplant is receiving ongoing therapy with cyclosporine (Sandimmune). The nurse would be sure to immediately report the results of periodic laboratory results that indicate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate kidney dysfunction or failure, which is a critical concern for a patient on cyclosporine therapy post-renal transplant. Cyclosporine can cause nephrotoxicity, and monitoring for elevated BUN is essential to detect this early.

Question 15

A client is receiving tacrolimus (Prograf) to prevent organ rejection. Which of the following is a nursing considerations associated with this medication?

Accepted Answer

Tacrolimus can cause thrombocytopenia, so it is important to monitor the platelet count.

Question 16

A client must begin medication therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) to prevent organ rejection following renal transplantation. The nurse plans to provide which of the following teaching points to the client?

Accepted Answer

Mycophenolate mofetil can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. A fever could indicate an infection, so it is important to notify the physician if a fever develops.

Question 17

The client in renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse would monitor this client for which adverse effect of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production. A common adverse effect of this medication is hypertension, due to the increased red blood cell mass which can elevate blood pressure.

Question 18

The preoperative medication sheet identifies that cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is prescribed for a client prior to cataract surgery. The nurse understands that the action of the medication is to:

Accepted Answer

Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is used to dilate the pupil of the affected eye, which is necessary for procedures such as cataract surgery to allow the surgeon better visibility and access to the lens.

Question 19

The client being discharged to home with a prescription for eye drops to be given in the left eye has received instructions regarding self-administration of the drops. The nurse determines that the client needs further instruction if, on return demonstration, the client:

Accepted Answer

The correct technique for administering eye drops involves tilting the head back or lying supine, pulling down on the lower lid to create a pocket, and placing the drop in this pocket, not the upper lid.

Question 20

The nurse teaching a mother how to administer ear drops to an infant tells the mother to pull the child's ear:

Accepted Answer

For infants, the correct technique for administering ear drops involves pulling the ear down and back to straighten the ear canal, and directing the solution toward the wall of the canal rather than directly onto the eardrum to avoid damage and ensure the medication disperses properly.

Quiz 7: Pharmacology

A client having a myocardial infarction is receiving alteplase (Activase) therapy. Which of the following actions should be carried out by the nurse to monitor for the most frequent adverse effect?

A client is receiving scheduled doses of lovastatin (Mevacor) . The nurse evaluates that the medication is having the intended effect if the nurse notes which of the following client data?

A client taking verapamil (Calan) has been given information about side effects of this medication. The nurse determines that the client understands the information shared if the client states that he or she will watch for which of the following most common side effects of this medication?

The nurse has a prescription to give a first dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) to an assigned client. The nurse would question the prescription if the client has a history of allergy to which of the following?

The nurse has a prescription to give a client a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) . Prior to administering the medication, the nurse assesses for which of the following manifestations that could indicate digoxin toxicity?

The long-term care client with a history of heart failure has developed paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) . The nurse reviews the client's medication record and determines that which of the following medications has been prescribed to treat the PND?

The nurse is working with a client receiving an intravenous heparin sodium drip. The nurse should review which of the following laboratory studies to determine the therapeutic effect of heparin for the client?

The ambulatory care nurse is providing instructions to a client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) being started on medication therapy with nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) , a urinary antiseptic agent. The nurse tells the client that:

A client is beginning to take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) . The nurse would give the client which of the following instructions regarding this medication?

A client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has been prescribed to take ciprofloxacin (Cipro) . The nurse notes that the client also has a prescription for theophylline written by a pulmonologist. The nurse should do which of the following?