Deck 3: Principles of Drug Administration

Question 1

The nurse prepares a unit dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol)for a client who reported having a headache.When the nurse goes to administer the medication, the client states the headache "is not so bad" and declines the medication.The nurse should take which action?
1)Document the medication on the medication administration record (MAR), since it has been recorded as being removed from stock.
2)Return the medication to stock and record the client's comments on the chart.
3)Document the client's refusal, and save the medication for possible later use.
4)Flush the medication down the toilet, since it can no longer be used.

Answer 1

2

Question 2

When administering sublingual nitroglycerin to a client, the nurse places the tablet:
1)On top of the tongue.
2)Between the gum and cheek.
3)Under the tongue.
4)Along the cheek at the back of the mouth.

Answer 2

3

Question 3

A client is to receive a dose of furosemide (Lasix)40 mg IV stat.The nurse plans to administer the medication:
1)Immediately.
2)As required by the client's condition.
3)When the next scheduled dose of medications is due.
4)When the next delivery of medications from the pharmacy is made.

Answer 3

1

Question 4

The nurse is having difficulty reading an order written by the physician.Before transcribing the order, the nurse should take which action?
1)Verify interpretation of the order with a colleague.
2)Ask another physician on the unit to interpret the order.
3)Contact the physician to clarify the order.
4)Ask the client what plan of treatment was discussed with the physician.

Question 5

The nurse should intervene when a nursing student is observed doing which of the following?
1)Documenting a medication in the medication administration record (MAR)just prior to administering it
2)Checking the client's identification bracelet and asking for a birth date prior to administering medications
3)Documenting a client's refusal to take a prescribed medication
4)Documenting administration of a medication five minutes after it has been administered

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to administer 1.5 ounces of milk of magnesia to a client.The nurse prepares:
1)15 ml.
2)30 ml.
3)45 ml.
4)60 ml.

Question 7

The nurse is administering a medication the client has brought from home.The label indicates the dose is one teaspoon.The nurse prepares:
1)1 ml.
2)5 ml.
3)10 ml.
4)15 ml.

Question 8

A client seen by the home health nurse keeps her medication stored in a medicine cabinet in her bathroom, explaining "I know they are safe from my grandchildren." The nurse should respond:
1)"Storing them in the bathroom exposes them to high humidity, which can enhance deterioration."
2)"As long as the lids are on tightly, they will be protected from the light and humidity, and are safe."
3)"It would be better to store them on your kitchen counter, where you can see them and will be reminded to take them."
4)"They should be safe there, and you can remember to take them when you brush your teeth each day."

Question 9

A client with a history of angina has been given a prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets.The nurse instructs the client to have some medication available whenever away from home, and suggests the following:
1)"Keep an extra bottle in your glove compartment."
2)"Wrap a few tablets in tin foil and keep them on your person."
3)"Carry an extra labeled bottle in your pocket or purse."
4)"Place a few pills in your wallet so you will always have them handy."

Question 10

When administering an intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle, the nurse recalls that the volume in the syringe should not exceed:
1)0.5 ml.
2)1 ml.
3)2 ml.
4)3 ml.

Question 11

A client has an order for acetaminophen grains X for temperature above 39 degrees centigrade.The medication is supplied in milligrams.The nurse prepares which dose?
1)250 mg
2)300 mg
3)500 mg
4)600 mg

Question 12

A client has an order for acetaminophen (Tylenol)625 mg p.o.every four hours p.r.n.The client received a dose at 1000, and is requesting another dose at 1230.The nurse should take which action?
1)Administer 625 mg of acetaminophen.
2)Administer half of the 625mg dose of acetaminophen
3)Inform the client it is too early for another dose of acetaminophen.
4)Administer 625 mg of acetaminophen and explain that another dose cannot be given for six hours.

Question 13

The nurse is reviewing clients' prescriptions prior to discharge.Which comment by the client would best indicate the client might be non-adherent to medication administration?
1)"I know I should finish the entire prescription even if I feel better."
2)"I usually take this medication at bedtime, even though the label says to take it in the morning."
3)"I know my insurance policy will cover all of these prescriptions."
4)"I keep a written reminder in my kitchen and my bathroom to take all these pills at the right time."

Question 14

At 3:00 p.m., a client phones into the clinic and informs the nurse he has forgotten to take the 10:00 a.m.dose of a medication, and that another dose is due at 4:00 p.m.The nurse informs the client to:
1)Take a double dose of the medication at 4:00 p.m.
2)Take the missed dose now and take the 4:00 p.m.dose at 8:00 p.m.
3)Omit the 10:00 a.m.dose and take the 4:00 p.m.dose as ordered.
4)Omit today's doses and resume taking them as ordered tomorrow.

Question 15

The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection (IM)into the dorsogluteal site.The nurse plans to insert the needle at which angle?
1)30 degrees
2)45 degrees
3)75 degrees
4)90 degrees

Question 16

The client informs the nurse that her husband recently died, and she wishes to dispose of his unused pain medications, which include Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)tablets.The nurse advises her to:
1)Return them to the pharmacy.
2)Flush them down the toilet.
3)Throw them away in the trash.
4)Save them in case she needs them herself at a later date.

Question 17

After checking the following newly written prescription on a client's chart-Aspirin, 81 mg p.o.q.d., starting today-the nurse should take which action?
1)Transcribe the order as written onto the medication administration record (MAR).
2)Check with the pharmacist to verify that the client is not allergic to aspirin.
3)Request that the pharmacist send a dose immediately to begin therapy.
4)Contact the primary care provider to verify the abbreviation q.d.

Question 18

When transcribing an order for levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse recognizes the following is correct:
1)Synthroid .125 mc
2)Synthroid .1250 mg
3)Synthroid 0.125 mg
4)Synthroid 0.1250 mg