Question 1

The nurse is preparing to apply valacyclovir (Valtrex) ointment to the shingles lesions located across a patient's left side and lower back. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

Before applying any topical medication, it is important to ensure that the skin is clean and dry to prevent further infection or irritation. Placing the patient in a supine position, determining the onset of the rash, and taking vital signs can be done after ensuring the skin is clean and dry.

Question 2

The nurse is providing care for a 48-year-old male on the surgical unit. Gentamicin (Garamycin) 2 mg/kg every 8 hours has been started. The nurse would be most concerned by which of the following findings?

Accepted Answer

Gentamicin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, so a decreased renal function can lead to accumulation of the drug and an increased risk of toxicity. The eGFR of 40 mL/min indicates moderate renal impairment, which would require a dosage adjustment or increased monitoring of blood levels. The other findings (blood levels ordered, hemoglobin level, and elevated WBC count) are not concerning in relation to gentamicin therapy.

Question 3

While working in the gastrointestinal diagnostic clinic, the nurse identifies which of the following patients as being at high risk for developing a gastric ulcer? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Smoking and long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen are risk factors for developing gastric ulcers.

Question 4

While caring for patients on the medical unit, the nurse should see which of the following patients first?

Accepted Answer

The patient taking ibuprofen for arthritis and complaining of severe stomach pain could be experiencing a gastrointestinal bleed and needs to be seen immediately. The other patients can be seen after this patient has been assessed.

Question 5

The nurse is providing care for a patient with HIV who has been prescribed fosamprenavir (Lexiva). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates that further teaching is necessary?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is providing care for a...

Question 6

The nurse is providing care for a patient who is at 32 weeks' gestation and is started on low-molecular heparin injections after developing a deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks the nurse, "Why do I need a shot? Why can't I take the blood clot medicine that my dad takes orally?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

Heparin is preferred over warfarin (Coumadin) during pregnancy because heparin is not lipid-soluble and does not cross the placental barrier as easily, reducing the risk of harm to the developing fetus. In contrast, warfarin is lipid-soluble and readily crosses the placenta, increasing the risk of birth defects and fetal bleeding.

Question 7

While caring for multiple patients on the medical/surgical unit, the nurse would monitor which of the following patients for potential liver toxicity? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of While caring for multiple patients on the...

Question 8

While working in the neonatal intensive care unit, the nurse notes an infant's oxygen saturation has been 98% for the past 4 hours. The infant has been receiving oxygen at 4 L/min. Which of the following actions by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

High oxygen levels can lead to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants, which can cause vision problems or blindness. Therefore, reducing the oxygen level to prevent oxygen toxicity, while closely monitoring the infant, is the best action.

Question 9

While providing oral medications, which of the following is true regarding the absorption rate of a medication? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Fat solubility (A) and acidic nature (C) enhance absorption. Liquid form (D) increases absorption rate. Food presence (E) slows absorption.

Question 10

The nurse is providing care for a patient who is experiencing muscle spasms. The physician has ordered cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). The nurse should inform the patient to anticipate which of the following side effects from this medication?

Accepted Answer

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is a muscle relaxant medication that can cause dizziness and drowsiness as a common side effect. It does not typically cause hypocalcemia, hypotension, nausea, headache, flaccidity, or urinary retention.

Question 11

The nurse is working with a patient who was recently started on insulin therapy. The patient's young daughter asks, "Why do you have to give her a shot? Why can't you just give her a pill?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

Insulin is a protein that would be broken down by the stomach's acid if ingested orally, which is why it must be administered through injections to ensure it reaches the bloodstream intact and performs its function.

Question 12

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a surgical procedure. The physician prescribes ibuprofen (Motrin) 800 mg orally every 8 hours. Which of the following actions is most important regarding the ibuprofen order?

Accepted Answer

The most important action regarding the ibuprofen order is to evaluate the patient's most recent renal panel laboratory tests as ibuprofen can cause renal toxicity. It is important to assess the patient's renal function before administering the medication to prevent adverse effects. Assessing the patient's liver panel laboratory tests or determining whether the patient has eaten recently are also important, but not as essential in this situation. Helping the patient ambulate in the hall is important for preventing postoperative complications but not directly related to the ibuprofen order.

Question 13

The nurse is providing care for patients on the orthopedic unit. Which of the following assessment findings would be most concerning to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A black tarry stool can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a potential complication of taking warfarin sodium. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately. The other options are important to assess and address, but they are not as concerning as potential bleeding.

Question 14

A 16-year-old patient comes to the urgent care clinic with symptoms of tonsillitis. The patient tells the nurse she takes tetracycline (Doxycycline) daily for the treatment of acne. The nurse would be most concerned if the health care provider prescribed which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 16-year-old patient comes to the urgent...

Question 15

While providing various medications to patients in the long-term care facility, the nurse might take which course of action to prevent gastrointestinal side effects? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

To prevent gastrointestinal side effects, the nurse can give patients yogurt to prevent diarrhea (A), increase patients' intake of fiber (B), and provide milk or food with some medications to reduce the occurrence of nausea (C). Giving medication at night with a large snack (D) may improve absorption but does not necessarily prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Taking medication with hot tea or coffee (E) can actually worsen gastrointestinal side effects.

Quiz 2: Basics of Pharmacology