Deck 2: Drug Classes and Schedules

Question 1

The nursing instructor teaches the student nurses about the pharmacological classification of drugs. The instructor evaluates that learning has occurred when the students make which response?

A) "An antihypertensive lowers blood pressure."
B) "An anticoagulant influences blood clotting."
C) "An antianginal treats angina."
D) "A calcium channel blocker blocks heart calcium channels."

Answer 1

"A calcium channel blocker blocks heart calcium channels."

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a medication class for parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who are receiving stimulant medication. The nurse has reviewed
Reasons why the medications are restricted. The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the parents make which response(s)? Select all that apply.

A) "The use of these medications is restricted because the physician needs to evaluate our child more often."
B) "The use of these medications is restricted because they have the potential for abuse."
C) "The use of these medications is restricted because this is the current legislation"
D) "The use of these medications is restricted so that the pharmacies can track the rate of drug abuse in our city."
E) "The use of these medications is restricted so that the drug companies can make a bigger profit."

Answer 2

"The use of these medications is restricted because they have the potential for abuse."
"The use of these medications is restricted because this is the current legislation"

Question 3

During pharmacology class, the student nurse asks the nursing instructor how students will ever learn about the individual antibiotic drugs since there are so many. What is the best response by the nursing instructor?

A) "You will learn a representative drug from each class."
B) "You will learn how to do a flow chart to enhance memory."
C) "You will learn a little trick called mnemonics."
D) "You will learn how to categorize the individual drugs."

Answer 3

"You will learn a representative drug from each class."

Question 4

The physician has prescribed a brand name drug for the client. The client tells the nurse that the medication is too expensive. What is the best plan by the nurse?

A) Ask the physician if a generic drug may be substituted.
B) Help the client receive free medicine through a "patient assistance" program.
C) Maintain the client on samples of the brand name drug from the physician's office.
D) Ask the physician if a cheaper brand name drug may be substituted.

Question 5

The nurse provides medication education to a client with terminal cancer. The physician has ordered morphine (MS Contin), a Schedule I drug, for the client. The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?

A) "Maybe my doctor could change me to a Schedule III drug."
B) "This drug is addictive so I should only take it when my pain becomes severe."
C) "I need to see my doctor before my prescription runs out so I can get a refill."
D) "I need to call the office for a refill before my medication runs out."

Question 6

The total spending on prescription drugs in Canada has increased from $9.84 billion in 2000 to $16.57 billion in 2005. This accounts for what percentage of total health care costs in Canada?

A) more than 20%
B) an estimated 25%
C) about 18%
D) less than 5%

Question 7

The physician orders a brand name drug for the client. The hospital formulary substitutes the generic equivalent of the brand name drug, and the nurse administers the generic drug. Which statement(s) best represents the nurse's action? Select all that apply.

A) The nurse used good judgment in administering the drug.
B) The nurse should have called the pharmacist to see if the drugs were bioequivalent.
C) The nurse was correct; hospital policies allow for this.
D) The nurse should have contacted the physician prior to administering the drug.

Question 8

The physician ordered a brand name drug for the client, paroxetine (Paxil). After taking this medication for a year, the client tells the nurse that it is no longer working. What is the best assessment of the nurse at this time?

A) "Let's look for interactions with other medications you are taking."
B) "This sounds like your medication needs changing."
C) "Are you taking Paxil or paroxetine?"
D) "It is time for us to do the Beck Depression assessment again."

Question 9

The client is receiving a brand name drug and wants to change to the generic form because it is cheaper. What is the best outcome for this client?

A) Client will take the brand name drug after speaking with the physician.
B) Client will ask the nurse why brand name drugs are better than generic drugs.
C) Client will state two ways a brand name drug differs from a generic name drug.
D) Client will state two ways to obtain the medication at a reduced cost.

Question 10

The client is receiving a very expensive medication. The client asks the nurse why the medicine is so expensive. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "I think the drug companies should be more accountable for lowering costs."
B) "Drug companies are allowed to advertise medications and this adds to the cost."
C) "It is expensive, but your insurance covers it so what are you complaining about"
D) "Drug companies must recoup the cost of developing and producing the drug."

Question 11

The nurse is providing medication education to a client with hypertension. The nurse teaches the client that the physician ordered a diuretic to decrease the amount of fluid in his body. Which statement best describes the nurse's instruction?

A) The nurse explained the consequences of not using the drug.
B) The nurse provided appropriate medication education.
C) The nurse taught the client about a prototype drug.
D) The nurse explained the drug's mechanism of action.

Question 12

During the admission assessment, the client tells the nurse "Sure I smoke a little weed (marijuana), to manage my stress. Doesn't everyone?" What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask?

A) "How often do you smoke marijuana, and how much do you use each time?"
B) "That is a Schedule VII drug; aren't you afraid of going to jail or being fined?"
C) "Do you really believe that everyone smokes marijuana to manage stress?"
D) "What other ways do you think you might use to help you to manage your stress?"

Question 13

The client says to the nurse, my doctor said my drug is a controlled substance; am I considered an addict? What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Why do you ask about becoming an addict? Not many of our clients have asked this question."
B) "Are you concerned about becoming an addict? We can discuss this in more detail it you would like to."
C) "You are not an addict; the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA) and the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR) restricts the use of drugs with a high potential for abuse."
D) "You are not an addict, but the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA) and the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR) will monitor you for this."

Question 14

The mother of an adolescent receiving methylphenidate (Concerta) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder tells the nurse that her son is better and asks why she can't just get refills on the prescription. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Just drop by and I will get a prescription for you without seeing your son."
B) "The law does not allow us to give you refills on this medication."
C) "The medication can be addictive so your son needs a monthly medical evaluation."
D) "We can't do that; maybe you can find another doctor's office that will do it."

Question 15

A Canadian visitor is hospitalized in the United States. She tells the nurse that her doctor said her drug is a Schedule 1, and questions if it is available in the United States. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "You might be thinking about the Canadian classification system; I will have your doctor speak to you about this."
B) "You are thinking about the Canadian classification system; ours is really more advanced."
C) "Our classification system is different; do you know the name of the medication you are taking?"
D) "Don't worry about that, as your Canadian classification system is probably different from ours."