Question 1

An order is written for 80 mg of a medication in elixir form.The medication is available in 80 mg/tsp strength.Which of the following does the nurse prepare to administer?
A) 2 mL
B) 5 mL
C) 10 mL
D) 15 mL

Accepted Answer

Since the medication is available in 80 mg/tsp strength, 1 tsp contains 80 mg. Therefore, to administer 80 mg of the medication, the nurse will need to administer 1 tsp (or 5 mL) of the elixir form of the medication. Thus, choice B is the correct option.

Question 2

The physician orders 0.125 mg digoxin orally.The medication is available in 0.25 mg.Which of the following is the correct dose to administer to the patient?
A) One-half tablet
B) One tablet
C) Two tablets
D) Four tablets

Accepted Answer

Since the medication is available in 0.25 mg and the physician orders 0.125 mg, half of the tablet (0.125 mg) should be administered. Therefore, the correct dose to administer to the patient is one-half tablet (choice A).

Question 3

Which of the following is the most effective way in the acute care environment to determine the patient's identity before administering medications?
A) Ask the patient's name.
B) Check the name on the chart.
C) Ask the other caregivers.
D) Check the patient's name band.

Accepted Answer

Checking the patient's name band is the most effective way to determine the patient's identity before administering medications as it ensures that the medication is being given to the correct patient. Asking the patient their name or checking the name on the chart may not be enough to confirm their identity as they may not be able to communicate or there could be errors in the chart. Asking other caregivers may also not be reliable as they may not have direct knowledge of the patient's identity.

Question 4

The patient receiving an intravenous (IV)infusion of morphine sulphate begins to experience respiratory depression and decreased urine output.How is this effect described?
A) Therapeutic
B) Toxic
C) Idiosyncratic
D) Allergic

Accepted Answer

The described effect of respiratory depression and decreased urine output is a toxic effect of morphine sulphate, indicating an overdose or adverse reaction to the medication.

Question 5

The nurse administers the IM medication of iron by the Z-track method.Why was this method used?
A) To provide faster absorption of the medication
B) To reduce discomfort from the needle
C) To provide a more even absorption of the drug
D) To prevent the drug from irritating sensitive tissue

Accepted Answer

The Z-track method is used to prevent the drug from irritating sensitive tissue, as it involves pulling the skin to one side before administering the medication and then releasing it after injection. This creates a zigzag pathway for the medication that seals it in place and prevents it from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue, potentially causing skin irritation.

Question 6

The patient is nauseated,has been vomiting for several hours,and needs to receive an antiemetic medication.The nurse recognizes that which of the following statements is true about this medication?
A) An enteric-coated medication should be given.
B) Medication will not be absorbed as easily because of the nausea.
C) A parenteral route is the route of choice.
D) A rectal suppository must be administered.

Accepted Answer

A parenteral route (such as intravenous or intramuscular) is the best choice for administering an antiemetic medication to a patient who is nauseated and vomiting because they may not be able to tolerate oral medications, and absorption may be delayed or incomplete. Additionally, a rectal suppository may not be well-tolerated by a patient who is already experiencing nausea and vomiting. Enteric-coated medications are used to protect the medication from being destroyed by stomach acid, but this is not a concern when administering an antiemetic.

Question 7

On which of the following are calculations most precisely based to determine proper drug dosages for children?
A) The child's weight
B) The child's height
C) The child's age
D) The child's body surface area

Accepted Answer

Calculations based on a child's body surface area are the most precise method for determining proper drug dosages because it takes into account both weight and height, which can vary greatly among children of the same age. Age and height alone are not as reliable, and weight alone can be misleading if a child is obese or underweight.

Question 8

The nurse is working on the pediatric unit.In preparing to give medications to a preschool-age child,which of the following is an appropriate interaction by the nurse?
A) "Do you want to take your medication now?"
B) "Would you like the medication with water or juice?"
C) "Let me explain about the injection that you will be getting."
D) "If you don't take the medication now, you will not get better."

Accepted Answer

Giving the child a choice between water or juice provides a sense of control for the child and may make the medication experience more positive. Option A puts pressure on the child and option D uses a negative consequence, both of which may cause anxiety or reluctance to take the medication. Option C does not apply as the question asks about medication, not injections.

Question 9

The nurse is teaching the patient how to prepare 10 units of short-acting (regular)insulin and 5 units of intermediate-acting NPH insulin for injection.Which of the following instructions does the nurse give the patient?
A) Inject air into the short-acting (regular) insulin, then into the intermediate-acting NPH insulin.
B) Withdraw the short-acting (regular) insulin first.
C) Inject air into and withdraw the intermediate-acting NPH immediately.
D) Inject air into both vials, and withdraw the short-acting (regular) insulin first.

Accepted Answer

Injecting air into both vials first and then withdrawing the short-acting insulin first prevents contamination of the short-acting insulin with the intermediate-acting insulin.

Question 10

The patient is to receive a medication via the buccal route.Which of the following actions does the nurse plan to implement?
A) Place the medication inside the cheek.
B) Crush the medication before administration.
C) Offer the patient a glass of orange juice after administration.
D) Use sterile technique to administer the medication.

Accepted Answer

Buccal administration involves placing medication between the cheek and gum, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed into the bloodstream. The medication should not be crushed and sterile technique is not necessary. Offering a glass of juice is also not necessary unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider.

Question 11

The student nurse reads the order to give a 1-year-old patient an intramuscular (IM)injection.Which of the following is the appropriate and preferred muscle to select?
A) Deltoid
B) Dorsogluteal
C) Ventrogluteal
D) Vastus lateralis

Accepted Answer

The ventrogluteal muscle is the preferred site for IM injections in infants and toddlers because it is a large muscle with fewer blood vessels and nerves. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid muscle is not recommended for infants and toddlers because it is a small muscle with greater risk of injury to the radial nerve. The vastus lateralis muscle is commonly used for IM injections in older children, but not preferred for infants and toddlers.

Question 12

The patient has a prescription for a medication that is administered via an inhaler.Which of the following will allow the nurse to determine whether the patient requires a spacer for the inhaler?
A) The dosage of medication required
B) The coordination of the patient
C) The schedule of administration
D) The use of a dry powder inhaler

Accepted Answer

The coordination of the patient is important in determining whether a spacer is needed. Patients who cannot coordinate their breathing with the administration of the medication will benefit from using a spacer. The dosage of medication, schedule of administration, and use of a dry powder inhaler do not necessarily indicate whether a spacer is needed.

Question 13

The nurse is documenting administration of a medication that is given at 10:00 A.m., 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Which of the following medications is the nurse documenting?
A) Morphine sulphate, 10 mg q4h prn
B) Propranolol (Inderal), 10 mg orally BID
C) Diazepam, 5 mg orally TID
D) Cephalexin (Keflex), 500 mg orally q8h

Accepted Answer

Diazepam is given orally three times a day, at 10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 6:00 P.M. Morphine sulfate is given every four hours as needed, not at specific times. Propranolol is given twice a day and cephalexin is given every eight hours.

Question 14

Which of the following actions must the nurse take in preparing two different medications from two vials?
A) Inject fluid from one vial into the other.
B) Uncap the syringe, and wipe the needle with an alcohol preparation before inserting into either vial.
C) Discard the medication from vial number two if medication from vial number one is pushed into it.
D) Insert air into the first vial, but not the second vial.

Accepted Answer

If medication from vial number one is accidentally pushed into vial number two, the contents of vial number two are contaminated and must be discarded to ensure patient safety.

Question 15

The physician has ordered 6 mg morphine sulphate every three to four hours prn for a patient's postoperative pain.The unit dose in the medication dispenser has 15 mg in 1 mL.How much solution should the nurse give?
A) 1.5 mL
B) 1.3 mL
C) 0.4 mL
D) 1.25 mL

Accepted Answer

To find the volume of solution needed, use the formula: (Dose ordered / Dose on hand) x Volume on hand = Volume to administer. (6 mg / 15 mg) x 1 mL = 0.4 mL.

Question 16

An order is written for meperidine (Demerol),500 mg IM q3-4h prn for pain.The nurse recognizes that this is significantly more than the usual therapeutic dose.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Give 50 mg IM as it was probably intended to be written.
B) Refuse to give the medication, and notify the nurse manager.
C) Administer the medication, and watch the patient carefully.
D) Call the prescriber to clarify the order.

Accepted Answer

Meperidine 500 mg IM is significantly higher than the usual therapeutic dose, and the nurse should clarify the order with the prescriber to ensure patient safety. Administering the medication without clarification or refusing to administer without clarification can result in harm to the patient, while giving only 50 mg IM may not adequately relieve the patient's pain.

Question 17

The physician has ordered that the patient have eye drops administered daily to both eyes.On which part of the eye should eye drops be instilled?
A) Cornea
B) Outer canthus
C) Lower conjunctival sac
D) Opening of the lacrimal duct

Accepted Answer

Eye drops should be instilled into the lower conjunctival sac. This allows for the drops to spread over the surface of the eye while avoiding the tear ducts which can drain the medication away from the eye.

Question 18

The patient is to receive a Mantoux test for tuberculosis.This test is administered via an intradermal injection.The nurse recognizes that which angle of injection is used for an intradermal injection?
A) 15 degrees
B) 30 degrees
C) 45 degrees
D) 90 degrees

Accepted Answer

Intradermal injections, such as the Mantoux test for tuberculosis, are typically administered at a 15-degree angle to ensure the medication is delivered just beneath the surface of the skin.

Question 19

After the nurse has administered ear drops to the patient's left ear,how should the nurse position the patient?
A) Prone
B) Upright
C) Right lateral
D) Dorsal recumbent with hyperextension of the neck

Accepted Answer

The nurse should position the patient in a side-lying position with the affected ear facing up after administering ear drops. This allows the medication to stay in the ear and reduce the risk of it leaking out. The right lateral position is preferred when drops are given to the left ear, as it ensures that the medication remains in place.

Question 20

Which age-related change is true in regard to the aging patient and medication use?
A) Liver mass increases.
B) Brain receptors become less sensitive.
C) Enzymes lose the ability to process some drugs.
D) Absorption and active transport mechanisms increase.

Accepted Answer

Enzymes responsible for drug metabolism lose efficacy with aging, which can lead to adverse drug reactions and increased toxicity.

Quiz 33: Medication Administration

An order is written for 80 mg of a medication in elixir form.The medication is available in 80 mg/tsp strength.Which of the following does the nurse prepare to administer?

The physician orders 0.125 mg digoxin orally.The medication is available in 0.25 mg.Which of the following is the correct dose to administer to the patient?

Which of the following is the most effective way in the acute care environment to determine the patient's identity before administering medications?

The patient receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of morphine sulphate begins to experience respiratory depression and decreased urine output.How is this effect described?

The nurse administers the IM medication of iron by the Z-track method.Why was this method used?

The patient is nauseated,has been vomiting for several hours,and needs to receive an antiemetic medication.The nurse recognizes that which of the following statements is true about this medication?

On which of the following are calculations most precisely based to determine proper drug dosages for children?

The nurse is working on the pediatric unit.In preparing to give medications to a preschool-age child,which of the following is an appropriate interaction by the nurse?

The nurse is teaching the patient how to prepare 10 units of short-acting (regular) insulin and 5 units of intermediate-acting NPH insulin for injection.Which of the following instructions does the nurse give the patient?

The patient is to receive a medication via the buccal route.Which of the following actions does the nurse plan to implement?

The student nurse reads the order to give a 1-year-old patient an intramuscular (IM) injection.Which of the following is the appropriate and preferred muscle to select?

The patient has a prescription for a medication that is administered via an inhaler.Which of the following will allow the nurse to determine whether the patient requires a spacer for the inhaler?

The nurse is documenting administration of a medication that is given at 10:00 A.m., 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Which of the following medications is the nurse documenting?

Which of the following actions must the nurse take in preparing two different medications from two vials?

The physician has ordered 6 mg morphine sulphate every three to four hours prn for a patient's postoperative pain.The unit dose in the medication dispenser has 15 mg in 1 mL.How much solution should the nurse give?

An order is written for meperidine (Demerol) ,500 mg IM q3-4h prn for pain.The nurse recognizes that this is significantly more than the usual therapeutic dose.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The physician has ordered that the patient have eye drops administered daily to both eyes.On which part of the eye should eye drops be instilled?

The patient is to receive a Mantoux test for tuberculosis.This test is administered via an intradermal injection.The nurse recognizes that which angle of injection is used for an intradermal injection?

After the nurse has administered ear drops to the patient's left ear,how should the nurse position the patient?

Which age-related change is true in regard to the aging patient and medication use?