Question 1

The nurse is caring for a client in labor. The nurse reviews the physician's prescriptions and notes that the client has a prescription for butorphanol tartrate (Stadol). The nurse understands that this medication is prescribed for:

Accepted Answer

Butorphanol tartrate (Stadol) is an opioid analgesic prescribed for pain relief, including during labor. It does not directly affect uterine contractions or fetal lung maturity.

Question 2

The postpartum nurse is caring for a client with an epidural catheter in place for opioid analgesic administration following cesarean birth. If the client develops respiratory depression and requires naloxone (Narcan) as an antidote, the client may complain of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, including pain relief and side effects such as respiratory depression. When naloxone is administered to a patient who has received opioids, it can lead to a rapid return of pain due to the reversal of the opioid's analgesic effects.

Question 3

A client experiencing preterm labor at the twenty-ninth week of gestation has been admitted to the hospital. The client has a prescription to receive betamethasone (Celestone). The nurse understands that the medication will do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Betamethasone (Celestone) is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to accelerate fetal lung maturation, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.

Question 4

A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse assesses the client closely for which sign of magnesium toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium sulfate toxicity can cause respiratory depression, and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min is a sign of potential toxicity.

Question 5

A pregnant client who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is being seen in the antenatal clinic. The nurse recalls that zidovudine (AZT) therapy will be initiated when the fetus has reached how many weeks of gestation?

Accepted Answer

Zidovudine (AZT) therapy is recommended to be initiated at 14 weeks of gestation for pregnant clients with HIV to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Question 6

The nurse has a routine prescription to instill erythromycin ointment (Ilotycin) into the eyes of a newborn. The nurse plans to explain to the parents that the purpose of the medication is to:

Accepted Answer

The erythromycin ointment (Ilotycin) is administered to newborns to protect them from eye infections, particularly neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum), which can be contracted during passage through the birth canal from an infected mother.

Question 7

The nurse has a routine prescription to administer an injection of phytonadione (vitamin K) to the newborn. Before giving the medication, the nurse explains to the client that this medication will:

Accepted Answer

DPhytonadione (vitamin K) is given to newborns to prevent clotting abnormalities, as their gut does not have the bacteria needed to produce vitamin K, and both breast milk and formula are low in this vitamin.

Question 8

The client who has developed atrial fibrillation is not responding to medication therapy and has been placed on warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse is doing discharge dietary teaching with the client. The nurse would tell the client to avoid which of the following foods while taking this medication?

Accepted Answer

Broccoli is high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) by promoting clot formation. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, so consuming foods high in vitamin K can counteract the medication's effects.

Question 9

A client in preterm labor is being started on intravenous magnesium sulfate to stop the contractions. The nurse checks the medication to ensure that which medication is available as an antidote if needed?

Accepted Answer

Calcium gluconate is used as an antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. If a patient receiving magnesium sulfate shows signs of toxicity, calcium gluconate can be administered to counteract the effects.

Question 10

The nurse had just given an intramuscular dose of methylergonovine (Methergine) to a client following delivery of an infant. The nurse determines that this medication had the intended effect after evaluating for which of the following findings?

Accepted Answer

Methylergonovine (Methergine) is used postpartum to stimulate uterine contractions and improve uterine tone, thereby reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Question 11

The nurse is told that the result of a serum carbamazepine (Tegretol) level for a child who is receiving the medication for the control of seizures is 10 mcg/mL. Based on this laboratory result, the nurse anticipates that the physician will prescribe:

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic range for carbamazepine (Tegretol) levels is generally considered to be between 4-12 mcg/mL. A level of 10 mcg/mL falls within this therapeutic range, indicating that the current dosage is appropriate for maintaining therapeutic levels without causing toxicity. Therefore, the physician is likely to prescribe continuation of the presently prescribed dosage.

Question 12

The nurse is providing instructions to a mother of a child with atopic dermatitis (eczema) regarding the application of topical cortisone cream to the affected skin sites. Which of the following statements, if made by the mother, indicates an understanding of the use of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Gently washing the sites before applying the medication helps to remove any irritants or allergens and ensures that the skin is clean, which can enhance the effectiveness of the topical cortisone cream. This practice is part of proper skin care management in conditions like atopic dermatitis.

Question 13

The nurse working in the ambulatory care center is providing medication instructions about methylphenidate (Ritalin) to the mother of a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The nurse recommends that the mother give the medication to the child:

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is typically given before meals to help manage ADHD symptoms during the day. Giving it just before the noontime meal helps maintain its effectiveness throughout the school day.

Question 14

A child has been prescribed to take tetracycline hydrochloride. The nurse providing medication information to the mother would plan to emphasize which of the following most important instructions about giving this medication to the child?

Accepted Answer

Tetracycline hydrochloride can cause discoloration of the teeth if it comes in direct contact with them. Using a straw minimizes this risk by reducing the medication's contact with the teeth.

Question 15

The nurse is providing instructions to the parent of a child with iron deficiency anemia about the administration of a liquid oral iron supplement. Which of the following statements, if made by the parent, indicates an understanding of the administration of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Iron supplements are best absorbed when they are taken on an empty stomach. However, because they can cause gastrointestinal upset, some people may need to take them with food to tolerate them better. Despite this, options A, B, and C suggest mixing the iron supplement with food or formula, which can significantly decrease its absorption. The correct administration technique, as indicated in option D, involves using a medicine dropper to place the iron near the back of the throat. This method helps in the direct absorption of iron and minimizes the chances of staining the teeth, which is a common side effect of liquid iron supplements.

Question 16

The client with psoriasis is being treated with calcipotriene (Dovonex) cream. Administration of high doses of this medication can cause which side effect?

Accepted Answer

Calcipotriene (Dovonex) is a vitamin D analog used in the treatment of psoriasis. High doses can lead to increased absorption and elevated calcium levels in the blood, resulting in hypercalcemia.

Question 17

Collagenase (Santyl) is prescribed for a client with a severe burn to the hand. The nurse is providing instructions to the client and spouse regarding wound treatment. Which of the following should the nurse include in the instructions?

Accepted Answer

Collagenase (Santyl) is typically applied once a day and should be covered with a sterile dressing to maintain a moist environment that promotes wound healing and protects the area from infection or further injury.

Question 18

A nurse is caring for a female client at home with a diagnosis of actinic keratosis. The client tells the nurse that her skin is very dry and irritated. The treatment includes diclofenac sodium (Solaraze). The nurse teaches the client that this medication is from which class of medications?

Accepted Answer

Diclofenac sodium (Solaraze) is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which is used in the treatment of actinic keratosis to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected skin areas.

Question 19

The client with muscle aches and a diagnosis of rheumatism has been given a prescription for capsaicin topical cream. The nurse evaluates that the client understands the use of the medication if the client states that:

Accepted Answer

Capsaicin topical cream acts as a local analgesic by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain transmission, providing relief from muscle aches associated with rheumatism.

Question 20

The client with a burn injury is applying mafenide (Sulfamylon) to the wound. The client calls the physician's office and tells the nurse that the medication is uncomfortable and is causing a burning sensation. The nurse instructs the client to:

Accepted Answer

The burning sensation is a common side effect of mafenide (Sulfamylon) when applied to burn wounds, indicating that the medication is working, so the client should continue with the treatment as prescribed.

Quiz 7: Pharmacology

The nurse is caring for a client in labor. The nurse reviews the physician's prescriptions and notes that the client has a prescription for butorphanol tartrate (Stadol) . The nurse understands that this medication is prescribed for: