Chapter 2: Application of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

Chapter 2: Application of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

Test Bank

 

1. A patient with a history of hepatomegaly secondary to cirrhosis is admitted to a medical-surgical unit. Among the patient’s many medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is prescribed. The nurse understands that this drug should not be used in patients with impaired liver function. Which term describes the nurse’s understanding of the relationship between acetaminophen and its use in patients with impaired liver function?

a.	An indication
b.	A precaution
c.	A relative indication
d.	An absolute contraindication

 

 

ANS:   D

An absolute contraindication refers to a pre-existing condition that precludes use of a particular drug under all but the most desperate circumstances.

An indication refers to the purpose for which a medication is given.

A precaution is a pre-existing condition that significantly increases the risk of an adverse reaction to a particular drug but not to a degree that makes it life-threatening.

A relative indication refers to the most likely reason a medication is given.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    pp. 6-7 | p. 10

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

2. The nurse reads the prescriber’s orders and prepares to administer a medication “as needed.” Which order would the nurse plan to implement?

a.	Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg 1 PO q 6 hours
b.	Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg 1 PO q 4 hours prn
c.	Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg 1 PO stat
d.	Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg 1 PO BID

 

 

ANS:   B

Every 4 hours prn, means every 4 hours “as needed.”

Every 6 hours is a scheduled medication.

A stat order means immediately.

A medication ordered BID indicates twice daily.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge             REF:    p. 8

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

3. The nurse is caring for several patients and prepares to administer morning medications. Which high-risk patient should the nurse monitor most carefully after the drugs are administered?

a.	The pediatric patient admitted with a broken arm
b.	The active elderly patient admitted with a right hip fracture
c.	The young adult patient with a history of kidney disease
d.	The 26-year-old female admitted with asthma

 

 

ANS:   C

The young adult with kidney disease is at highest risk due to the potential for toxicity of the medication as a result of urinary excretion problems.

The pediatric patient has no other physiologic indications that would affect administered medications.

The active elderly patient displays no other physiologic complications at this time that might affect administered medications.

The 26-year-old female has no other physiological indications that would affect administered medications.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 10

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

4. The charge nurse has just received report from another nurse, who is ill and going home. The nurse gave medications to his patients about 40 minutes ago. The charge nurse is prioritizing which patient should be seen first based on the nurse’s report. Which patient should the charge nurse assess first?

a.	A patient with multiple allergies, just started on a new medication with complaints of pruritus
b.	A patient with a history of migraines and complaints of a mild headache
c.	A postoperative patient who had a total knee replacement (TKR) with complaints of leg pain rated as a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the greatest amount of pain
d.	A patient on anticonvulsant therapy who is complaining of lethargy

 

 

ANS:   A

A patient with multiple allergies who complains of pruritus after beginning a new medication has the greatest chance of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

A mild headache would not be a priority in someone who has a history of migraines.

A rating of leg pain of 4 out of 10 would not be a priority for a postoperative patient.

Lethargy is an expected side effect in a patient taking anticonvulsants, which depress central nervous system activity; this, therefore, is not a priority.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    pp. 7-8

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential