Deck 1: Introduction

Question 1

The drug manual states that older adult patients are at increased risk for hepatotoxicity. Which action is most important when prescribing this medication to an 80-year-old patient?

A) Obtaining baseline liver function studies
B) Ensuring that the drug is taken in the correct dose at the correct time
C) Discontinuing the order; the drug is contraindicated for this patient
D) Giving the medication intravenously to avoid first pass metabolism

Answer 1

Obtaining baseline liver function studies

Question 2

The provider prepares a patient with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes for hospital discharge. Which action by the provider will best support the patient's ability to effectively manage medication therapy?

A) Asking the patient to demonstrate how to measure and administer insulin
B) Discussing methods of storing insulin and discarding syringes
C) Giving information about how diet and exercise affect insulin requirements
D) Teaching the patient about the long-term consequences of poor diabetes control

Answer 2

Asking the patient to demonstrate how to measure and administer insulin

Question 3

Which prescriber action will have the greatest impact on the patient's commitment to adherence to any type of medication therapy?

A) Prescribing the medication in oral form whenever possible
B) Scheduling once a day administration
C) Providing medication education that the patient can easily understand
D) Assuring that the medication prescription will be covered by the patient's insurance

Answer 3

Providing medication education that the patient can easily understand

Question 4

A metered-dose albuterol inhaler is prescribed for asthma management. The patient reports feeling jittery sometimes when taking the medication, and does not feel that the medication is always effective. Which action will the provider take to best minimize patient risks and maximize medication effectiveness?

A) Ask the patient to demonstrate use of the inhaler and assess effectiveness.
B) Assess the patient's exposure to first- and second-hand tobacco smoke.
C) Auscultate the patient's lung sounds and obtain other relevant vital signs.
D) Decrease the dosage to reduce side effects.

Question 5

A patient reports that a medication prescribed for recurrent migraine headaches is not working. Which action is the prescriber's priority when addressing the patient's concern?

A) Ask the patient about the number and frequency of tablets taken.
B) Assess the patient's headache pain on a scale from 1 to 10.
C) Prescribe a new medication for migraine management.
D) Suggest biofeedback as an adjunct to drug therapy.

Question 6

A patient is prescribed metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis. Which patient history finding would be most concerning to the provider?

A) The patient had a recent yeast infection.
B) There is a family history of cervical cancer.
C) The patient drinks two glasses of wine every night.
D) The patient is unemployed.

Question 7

Which patient statement suggests to the provider that the patient's nonadherence with their medication plan is related to dissatisfaction with the therapy?

A) "This medication is too expensive; I can't afford it any longer."
B) "I've been taking this medication for well over a week and I lost only a half a pound."
C) "It's too hard to remember to take the pill every other day; so, I've missed several doses."
D) "I have a very intense, fast paced job; it's hard to make time to take the medication like I should."

Question 8

A pediatric patient prescribed ampicillin for streptococcal pharyngitis reports new onset of a pruritic, dull red, maculopapular rash on the chest and neck. Which action is most important for the provider to take to minimize this patient's risk for injury?

A) Prescribe azithromycin to replace the ampicillin.
B) Discontinue the ampicillin.
C) Prescribe an antihistamine for the itching.
D) Flag all medical records with an "Allergic to Penicillin" notice.

Question 9

Which factor best supports an increase for full prescriptive authority for both advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs)?

A) More patients will have access to health care.
B) Enrollment in medical schools is predicted to decrease.
C) Enrollment in both APRN and PA programs has increased.
D) Physician practices have become so large, quality care is in jeopardy.

Question 10

Which statements made by the prescriber demonstrate an understanding of effective medication education? (Select all that apply.)

A) "This medication needs to be stored in the refrigerator."
B) "Take 3 tablets daily: 1 with breakfast, 1 with lunch, and one with dinner."
C) "You need to take the medication as we discussed until all the tablets are gone."
D) "Call the office immediately if you begin experiencing any itching, headache, or difficulty breathing."
E) "When you call about a medication refill, be sure to let the pharmacist know you are talking about your heart pill."

Question 11

The patient who has been prescribed lithium for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder asks why blood tests are required on a regular basis. Which provider responses demonstrate an understanding of why the patient requires a variety of laboratory tests? (Select all that apply.)

A) "We need to monitor how your thyroid is functioning."
B) "We need to monitor kidney function while you are on this drug."
C) This medication can cause you to lose sodium, so we need to measure sodium levels."
D) "Your liver can be damaged by lithium; regular testing helps us monitor for that."
E) "Lithium can cause you to lose potassium; so, we regularly monitor your blood potassium level."

Question 12

How can the prescriber's regular collaboration with a pharmacist improve positive outcomes for patients? (Select all that apply.)

A) Pharmacists can suggest foods that will help with the medications' absorption.
B) Pharmacists have additional information on drug interactions.
C) The pharmacist can suggest adequate medication dosing.
D) Pharmacists have firsthand knowledge of the facility formulary.
E) Pharmacy can alter prescriptions when necessary to prevent patient harm.

Question 13

A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed daily lithium. Which action is most important for the provider to take in order to determine if the therapeutic level is maintained?

A) Evaluate preadministration blood work.
B) Prescribe the lithium to be taken at regular intervals.
C) Order periodic laboratory testing.
D) Assess the patient for signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity.

Question 14

A patient diagnosed with chronic pain calls to request an oxycodone (Oxycontin) refill. Which action should the prescriber take initially?

A) Fax the renewal order to the pharmacy.
B) Arrange to schedule an appointment with the patient.
C) Verify the patient's adherence to the prescribed drug regimen.
D) Determine the patient's current medication dosage and pain level.