Non-parenteral meds objective Flashcards
- Which of the following is an example of a liquid medication form?
A) Tablet
B) Syrup
C) Capsule
D) Patch
B) Syrup
Rationale: Syrup is a liquid form of medication, while tablet and capsule are solid forms, and patch is a topical form.
- A provider orders a medication to be given subcutaneously. Which route should the nurse use?
A) Oral
B) IV
C) Subcutaneous
D) IM
C) Subcutaneous
Rationale: The provider specifically ordered a subcutaneous route, which involves injecting the medication under the skin.
- If a medication is ordered to be given orally, which of the following forms would NOT be appropriate?
A) Liquid
B) Tablet
C) Injection
D) Capsule
C) Injection
Rationale: Injection is not an oral route; it requires a different administration method.
- A nurse is administering a medication via the intramuscular route. Which of the following is true?
A) It is the fastest route
B) It is typically used for solid medications
C) It requires a longer needle than subcutaneous
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Rationale: IM injections are faster than subcutaneous, often used for solid medications, and require longer needles due to muscle depth.
- What is the primary purpose of using a specific route for medication administration?
A) To save time
B) To ensure optimal effectiveness
C) To reduce side effects
D) To make it easier for patients
B) To ensure optimal effectiveness
Rationale: Each route is chosen for its effectiveness in delivering the medication to the body appropriately.
- A patient is prescribed a transdermal patch. How should the nurse instruct the patient to use it?
A) Place it on a hairy area
B) Change it daily
C) Apply to clean, dry skin
D) Cut it in half for a lower dose
C) Apply to clean, dry skin
Rationale: Transdermal patches should be applied to clean, dry skin for proper absorption; they should not be cut unless specified.
- Which medication route should be avoided if a patient has nausea?
A) Oral
B) Subcutaneous
C) IM
D) Transdermal
A) Oral
Rationale: If a patient is nauseated, oral administration is not advisable as it may lead to vomiting and ineffective absorption.
- What should a nurse do if a medication route is not specified by the provider?
A) Choose any route
B) Wait for clarification
C) Administer orally
D) Document and proceed
B) Wait for clarification
Rationale: It is essential to clarify the prescribed route with the provider to ensure safe and effective medication administration.
- If a medication can be administered both orally and intravenously, what is the primary factor that determines the route chosen?
A) Patient preference
B) Medication form
C) Provider order
D) Nurse’s judgment
C) Provider order
Rationale: The provider’s order dictates the specific route to ensure safe and effective administration of the medication.
- Which of the following routes is usually the fastest for medication absorption?
A) Oral
B) Subcutaneous
C) Intramuscular
D) Intravenous
D) Intravenous
Rationale: IV administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest absorption.
- A medication prescribed for a patient has a “do not crush” label. What should the nurse do?
A) Crush it anyway
B) Ask the patient if they can swallow pills
C) Administer it whole
D) Double the dose
C) Administer it whole
Rationale: Medications labeled “do not crush” must be given as is to maintain their effectiveness and prevent side effects.
- A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a route not ordered by the provider. What is the best action?
A) Administer the medication anyway
B) Call the provider for a new order
C) Document the action
D) Ask a coworker for advice
B) Call the provider for a new order
Rationale: Administering medication via an unapproved route can be unsafe; always seek clarification from the provider.
- Which medication form is typically absorbed more slowly than others?
A) Liquid
B) Tablet
C) Injection
D) Patch
B) Tablet
Rationale: Tablets often take longer to dissolve and be absorbed compared to liquids and injections, which provide faster action.
- For which of the following forms of medication is the nurse responsible for ensuring the patient can swallow safely?
A) Injection
B) Inhaler
C) Oral tablet
D) Topical ointment
C) Oral tablet
Rationale: The nurse must assess the patient’s ability to swallow safely when administering oral medications like tablets.
- A patient requires a medication to be administered via the nasal route. What is the correct form?
A) Tablet
B) Spray
C) Patch
D) Liquid
B) Spray
Rationale: Nasal medications are commonly delivered as sprays for effective absorption through the nasal mucosa.
- Why is it important for routes of medication to be provider-ordered?
A) To ensure safety and effectiveness
B) To speed up the process
C) To follow hospital policies
D) To reduce costs
A) To ensure safety and effectiveness
Rationale: Provider orders ensure that medications are given in the safest and most effective manner based on patient needs.
- Which medication route is most appropriate for a patient who is unconscious?
A) Oral
B) Subcutaneous
C) IV
D) IM
C) IV
Rationale: Intravenous administration is suitable for unconscious patients, as it bypasses the need for swallowing and provides immediate effects.
- A nurse is preparing to administer a new medication to a patient. What is the first step?
A) Prepare the medication
B) Check for allergies
C) Wash hands
D) Document administration
B) Check for allergies
Rationale: Checking for allergies is a critical first step to prevent adverse reactions before administering any medication.
- If a patient is experiencing difficulty swallowing, which form of medication might be best?
A) Tablet
B) Liquid
C) Patch
D) Injection
B) Liquid
Rationale: Liquid medications are easier for patients who have difficulty swallowing compared to solid forms like tablets.
- What is a key reason for not interchanging medication routes?
A) It can cause confusion
B) Each route has different absorption rates
C) It is against hospital policy
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Rationale: Interchanging routes can lead to confusion, differing absorption rates, and may violate hospital protocols, posing risks to patients.
- What is the primary consideration when administering oral medications?
A) Patient’s weight
B) Patient’s ability to swallow
C) Time of day
D) Dietary preferences
B) Patient’s ability to swallow
Rationale: Assessing the patient’s ability to swallow is crucial to prevent aspiration and ensure safe administration.
- Which of the following should a nurse do to prevent aspiration when administering oral medications?
A) Administer with a straw
B) Ensure the patient is upright
C) Crush all tablets
D) Use large sips of water
B) Ensure the patient is upright
Rationale: Keeping the patient upright during oral medication administration helps prevent aspiration.
- Which of the following can affect the absorption of oral medications?
A) Time of day
B) Patient’s weight
C) Dietary intake
D) Medication color
C) Dietary intake
Rationale: Certain foods can affect the absorption of medications, so some should be taken on an empty stomach.
- Which technique is appropriate for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills?
A) Crush enteric-coated tablets
B) Use a liquid form of the medication
C) Give all medications at once
D) Administer with hot drinks
B) Use a liquid form of the medication
Rationale: Liquid medications are easier for patients with swallowing difficulties. Crushing enteric-coated tablets is not safe.
- Sublingual medications are placed:
A) Under the tongue
B) Against the cheek
C) On the skin
D) In the eye
A) Under the tongue
Rationale: Sublingual medications are designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption.
- Which of the following is true regarding buccal medication administration?
A) It is swallowed immediately
B) It should be placed under the tongue
C) It is placed against the cheek
D) It can be crushed
C) It is placed against the cheek
Rationale: Buccal medications are placed against the cheek for absorption, not swallowed.
- When applying topical medications, what should the nurse do first?
A) Apply the medication
B) Clean the area
C) Document the application
D) Use gloves
B) Clean the area
Rationale: Cleaning the area before application helps ensure effective absorption and minimizes the risk of infection.
- What is the primary reason for using gloves when applying topical medications?
A) To prevent allergic reactions
B) To avoid skin irritation
C) To avoid medication absorption through the nurse’s skin
D) To keep the area clean
C) To avoid medication absorption through the nurse’s skin
Rationale: Gloves protect the nurse from absorbing the medication through their skin.
- What should a nurse do before applying a new transdermal patch?
A) Apply it immediately over the old patch
B) Remove the old patch
C) Cut the new patch in half
D) Clean the skin with alcohol
B) Remove the old patch
Rationale: Old patches must be removed before applying a new one to avoid overdose and ensure proper drug delivery.
- Why is documentation essential after applying a transdermal patch?
A) To inform the patient
B) To track medication use and skin changes
C) To assess pain levels
D) To comply with policy
B) To track medication use and skin changes
Rationale: Documenting the application and any skin reactions ensures ongoing assessment of the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Inhalation medications provide which of the following benefits?
A) Slow absorption
B) Direct delivery to the lungs
C) Inconvenience
D) Oral absorption
B) Direct delivery to the lungs
Rationale: Inhalation medications deliver drugs directly to the lungs for rapid effects.
- What is a common requirement when using metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs)?
A) No coordination needed
B) Need for proper technique
C) Can be used by anyone
D) Only for children
B) Need for proper technique
Rationale: Proper technique and coordination are essential for effective use of pMDIs to ensure the medication reaches the lungs.
- After using a corticosteroid inhaler, why is mouth care important?
A) To prevent bad breath
B) To prevent oral infections
C) To improve taste
D) To enhance absorption
B) To prevent oral infections
Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroids helps prevent fungal infections and irritation.
- Which medication route provides the fastest effect?
A) Oral
B) Topical
C) Transdermal
D) Inhalation
D) Inhalation
Rationale: Inhalation delivers medication directly to the lungs, providing rapid effects compared to other routes.
- If a patient is using both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid inhaler, which should be administered first?
A) Corticosteroid
B) Bronchodilator
C) Both can be given simultaneously
D) Neither is needed
B) Bronchodilator
Rationale: The bronchodilator should be used first to open the airways, allowing better absorption of the corticosteroid.
- A nurse is educating a patient about using a transdermal patch. What key point should the nurse emphasize?
A) Change it every day
B) Rotate application sites
C) Cut the patch for dosage
D) Apply to wet skin
B) Rotate application sites
Rationale: Rotating application sites helps prevent skin irritation and ensures effective medication delivery.
- Which of the following is a standard precaution when administering buccal medications?
A) No contact with oral secretions
B) Swallowing is required
C) Chewing the medication is necessary
D) Mouth should be dry
A) No contact with oral secretions
Rationale: Standard precautions should be observed to avoid medication dilution by saliva when using buccal medications.
- For patients with difficulty swallowing, which of the following forms is inappropriate?
A) Liquid
B) Sublingual
C) Tablet
D) Buccal
C) Tablet
Rationale: Tablets can be challenging for patients who have swallowing difficulties; liquid forms are preferred.
- What should the nurse do if a patient refuses to take oral medication?
A) Force the patient
B) Document the refusal
C) Ignore the refusal
D) Tell the provider
B) Document the refusal
Rationale: Documenting the patient’s refusal is essential for legal and safety reasons, and further assessment or alternatives may be needed.
- A nurse is administering a medication that requires it to be taken on an empty stomach. When is the best time to give this medication?
A) After breakfast
B) One hour after a meal
C) Before meals
D) With snacks
C) Before meals
Rationale: Medications that need to be taken on an empty stomach should be administered before meals to ensure proper absorption.
- What is the primary technique used for nasal instillation?
A) Aseptic technique
B) Sterilization
C) Avoiding drops
D) Oral administration
A) Aseptic technique
Rationale: Aseptic technique is essential for nasal instillation to prevent infection.
- When administering eye drops, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?
A) Touch the eye with the dropper
B) Ask the patient to blink
C) Avoid touching the eye
D) Administer multiple drops at once
C) Avoid touching the eye
Rationale: Touching the eye with the dropper can introduce bacteria and cause infection; the dropper should remain sterile.
- How long should a nurse wait between administering different eye medications?
A) 5 minutes
B) 10 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) No wait needed
A) 5 minutes
Rationale: Waiting at least 5 minutes between different eye medications allows for absorption and prevents dilution.
- What is the recommended position for a child receiving ear drops?
A) Sitting up
B) Lying on the opposite side
C) Standing
D) Lying on the stomach
B) Lying on the opposite side
Rationale: Children should lie on the opposite side to facilitate medication distribution in the ear canal.
- What is the purpose of ear instillation?
A) Treat headaches
B) Soften earwax and treat infections
C) Provide hydration
D) Improve hearing
B) Soften earwax and treat infections
Rationale: Ear instillation is commonly used to soften earwax and treat infections in the ear.
- For vaginal instillation, which position should the patient be in for optimal absorption?
A) Sitting
B) Supine with knees bent
C) Standing
D) Prone
B) Supine with knees bent
Rationale: This position allows for better absorption and retention of the medication in the vaginal area.
- Which of the following is crucial for rectal instillation?
A) High fluid intake
B) Proper positioning and retention
C) Immediate urination
D) Eating before administration
B) Proper positioning and retention
Rationale: Proper positioning and ensuring the patient retains the medication are important for effective absorption.
- What should the nurse do to ensure the nasal spray is effective?
A) Administer with the head tilted back
B) Have the patient sniff deeply
C) Use the spray on a tissue
D) Press the spray bottle quickly
B) Have the patient sniff deeply
Rationale: Sniffing deeply helps to draw the medication into the nasal passages for better absorption.