Random Questions Flashcards
A nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed an oral medication. The patient asks why they have to take a higher dose of the oral medication compared to a friend who takes the same medication through an injection.
A. The liver metabolizes a portion of the oral drug before it enters systemic circulation.
B. Oral medications bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream directly
C. Oral medication undergo a first pass effect, which reduces the concentration of the drug it reaches target tissues.
D. Injectible drugs are excreted more quickly than oral drugs
E. First-pass metabolism does not effect oral medication.
C. Oral medication undergo a first pass effect, which reduces the concentration of the drug it reaches target tissues.
Rationale:
A nurse is reviewing medications with a newly hired nurse during orientation. The nurse is emphasizing strategies to reduce medication errors in clinical practice.
A. Follow the “Five Rights” of medication administration: Right patient, Right drug, Right dose, Right route, Right time.
B. Use error-prone abbreviations in documentation to save time.
C. Double-check high-alert medications with another nurse.
D. Use verbal orders when possible for efficiency.
E. Perform medication reconciliation when patients are transferred between units.
A. C. E.
A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has been prescribed a new antibiotic. The nurse is explaining to the parent how children’s bodies process drugs differently from adults.
Which of the following statements by the nurse correctly describes how pharmacokinetics is altered in pediatric patients?
A. “Children have a higher rate of metabolism, which may require higher doses of the drug.”
B. “Children’s liver enzymes are immature, so drugs may accumulate in their bodies and cause toxicity.”
C. “Children have increased renal excretion, so the drug will leave their bodies faster than in adults.”
D. “The distribution of the drug in children is affected by lower levels of plasma protein binding, increasing the risk of drug toxicity.”
E. “Pediatric patients typically require higher drug dosages than adults due to their rapid growth.”
B. D.
A nurse is counseling a 30-year-old pregnant woman about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications during pregnancy. The woman asks about the safety of taking cold medications while pregnant.
Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the discussion about the use of medications during pregnancy? (Select all that apply)
A. “Certain OTC medications can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development.”
B. “Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.”
C. “During the first trimester, the fetus is most vulnerable to the effects of medications.”
D. “OTC medications are generally safe for use during pregnancy because they do not require a prescription.”
E. “The Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule requires clear labeling about the risks of medications during pregnancy.”
A. B. C. E.
A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a 70-year-old patient with multiple chronic conditions. The patient is prescribed six different medications, including an anticoagulant, an antihypertensive, and a pain reliever. The patient reports feeling dizzy and confused.
What factors should the nurse consider regarding polypharmacy and drug interactions in this patient?
A. Older adults are at increased risk of adverse drug reactions due to age-related changes in drug metabolism.
B. Polypharmacy increases the risk of drug-drug interactions, especially with medications affecting the central nervous system.
C. The nurse should assume the dizziness and confusion are related to nonadherence to the prescribed regimen.
D. Polypharmacy is only a concern when patients are prescribed more than 10 medications.
E. Age-related decline in kidney and liver function can lead to the accumulation of drugs in the body, increasing the risk of toxicity.
A. B. E.
A nurse is preparing to administer a drug that acts as an antagonist at receptor sites. The patient asks what this means for their treatment.
Which of the following is the nurse’s best response about how an antagonist works?
A. “An antagonist binds to a receptor and activates a response, increasing the effect of the natural substance.”
B. “An antagonist blocks the receptor from being activated, preventing a natural response from occurring.”
C. “An antagonist produces a stronger response than an agonist by increasing the sensitivity of the receptor.”
D. “An antagonist helps the natural substance bind more strongly to the receptor, amplifying the effect.”
B.
A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed a Schedule II controlled substance for chronic pain management. The patient asks why the drug is categorized this way.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the explanation of drug scheduling?
A. Schedule II drugs have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
B. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but they are approved for medical use with restrictions.
C. Schedule II drugs have a low potential for abuse and are available without a prescription.
D. Schedule II drugs are generally considered safe for long-term use with minimal risk of dependency.
B.
A nurse is administering a new medication to a patient. During the medication administration, the nurse realizes that the wrong dose of the drug has been prepared.
What are the nurse’s priority actions to ensure patient safety? (Select all that apply)
A. Administer the medication and monitor for adverse reactions.
B. Stop the preparation and verify the correct dose with the medication order.
C. Report the error to the healthcare provider immediately.
D. Document the event in the patient’s medical record as a near-miss.
E. Notify the pharmacy to confirm that the correct dose was supplied.
B. C. E.
A patient who is receiving an intravenous (IV) medication asks the nurse why this method is being used instead of taking the medication orally.
Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide?
A. “IV medications are absorbed more slowly than oral medications.”
B. “IV medications avoid the first-pass effect, allowing the drug to take effect more quickly.”
C. “Oral medications are more potent, but IV medications are easier to administer.”
D. “IV medications are less effective but safer than oral medications.”
B.
A nurse is administering a medication with a narrow therapeutic index to a patient. The patient asks why regular blood tests are needed.
Which of the following statements best explains the nurse’s reasoning for monitoring drug levels in this patient?
A. “The therapeutic index indicates the drug’s potential for abuse.”
B. “A narrow therapeutic index means there is a small margin between the therapeutic dose and the toxic dose.”
C. “Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index are safer and do not require frequent monitoring.”
D. “The therapeutic index refers to how quickly the drug takes effect.”
B
A nurse is performing medication reconciliation for a patient who has been transferred from another facility. The patient is taking several prescription drugs and over-the-counter supplements.
What are the key steps the nurse should take during the medication reconciliation process to ensure safety? (Select all that apply)
A. Compare the patient’s current medication list with the medications prescribed at the new facility.
B. Document any discrepancies between the medications and resolve them with the healthcare provider.
C. Discontinue all over-the-counter supplements since they are not part of the patient’s prescribed medications.
D. Verify the patient’s understanding of each medication, including its purpose, dose, and frequency.
E. Contact the pharmacy to ensure all medications are available and can be administered as ordered.
A. B. D.
A 75-year-old patient is prescribed an oral medication for hypertension. The nurse knows that age-related changes can affect drug absorption and metabolism.
Which of the following age-related factors should the nurse consider when administering this medication? (Select all that apply)
A. Decreased gastric motility may delay the absorption of oral medications.
B. Increased renal function may accelerate drug excretion.
C. Reduced liver enzyme activity may prolong drug metabolism.
D. Older adults typically have increased body water, affecting drug distribution.
E. Decreased albumin levels may increase the concentration of free drug in the bloodstream.
A. C. E
A nurse is administering two medications that have different potencies but are used to treat the same condition. The patient asks what it means for one drug to be “more potent” than the other.
Which of the following is the nurse’s best explanation of drug potency?
A. “A more potent drug will always have a faster onset of action.”
B. “A more potent drug will require a higher dose to produce the same therapeutic effect as a less potent drug.”
C. “A more potent drug requires a lower dose to achieve the same effect as a less potent drug.”
D. “Potency refers to how long the drug stays active in your system.”
C.
A nurse is administering a medication that undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. The patient asks why the oral dose is so much higher than the IV dose.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the explanation about the first-pass effect?
A. “The oral medication passes directly into the bloodstream, so a higher dose is needed.”
B. “The first-pass effect means that a significant amount of the oral drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation.”
C. “Oral drugs do not undergo metabolism, so a higher dose is always required.”
D. “First-pass metabolism increases the potency of oral medications, allowing them to be more effective.”
B.
A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication to a 3-year-old child. The nurse is aware of special considerations for pediatric patients in terms of drug metabolism and excretion.
Which of the following should the nurse consider when administering the medication to this child? (Select all that apply)
A. Children’s liver enzyme systems are immature, which can affect drug metabolism.
B. Pediatric patients often require higher drug doses because they metabolize drugs faster than adults.
C. Children have a lower body water percentage, which affects drug distribution.
D. Drug absorption in children may be slower due to decreased gastric acidity.
E. Renal function is fully developed in children, so drug excretion is similar to adults.
A. B. D.
A patient has been prescribed a new antihypertensive medication. The nurse is teaching the patient about possible side effects and when to report them.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching about adverse drug reactions?
A. “If you experience dizziness, it means the drug is not working, and you should stop taking it immediately.”
B. “You should report any new or unusual symptoms, such as persistent dizziness or swelling, to your healthcare provider.”
C. “It is normal to experience severe side effects for the first few weeks, and you should wait to report them.”
D. “Side effects only occur when the drug is taken in higher-than-prescribed doses.”
B.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed two drugs that are metabolized by the same liver enzyme. The nurse knows that drug interactions could occur due to competition for metabolism.
Which pharmacokinetic process is most affected by this interaction?
A. Absorption
B. Distribution
C. Metabolism
D. Excretion
C.
A nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication, which requires special precautions.
What are the nurse’s responsibilities when administering a high-alert medication? (Select all that apply)
A. Perform an independent double-check with another nurse before administering the medication.
B. Administer the medication without delay, even if unsure of the dosage.
C. Verify the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers.
D. Ensure that the medication is labeled correctly and matches the order.
E. Document the administration immediately after giving the medication.
A. C. D. E.
A nurse administers a drug that binds to a receptor and produces a therapeutic response. The patient asks how the drug works.
Which of the following best explains how a drug works at the receptor level?
A. The drug blocks the receptor and prevents any effect.
B. The drug mimics the body’s natural chemicals and activates the receptor to produce a response.
C. The drug reduces the body’s ability to respond by inactivating the receptor.
D. The drug binds to the receptor permanently and cannot be removed from the system.
B.
A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has been prescribed an oral liquid antibiotic. The parent asks why the nurse is using a special measuring device for the medication.
Which of the following statements by the nurse explains the reason for using a special measuring device for pediatric patients?
A. “Pediatric patients require larger doses, so we use a larger measuring device.”
B. “Accurate measurement of liquid medications is important because children have different metabolic rates than adults.”
C. “The device ensures the medication is absorbed more quickly.”
D. “Using a measuring spoon helps the child swallow the medication more easily.”
B.
A nurse is administering an oral medication that is affected by the patient’s gastric pH. The patient has been taking antacids for indigestion.
How might the patient’s use of antacids affect the absorption of the oral medication?
A. The antacids may increase the gastric pH, leading to reduced absorption of the medication.
B. Antacids will enhance drug absorption by lowering gastric pH.
C. Antacids have no effect on drug absorption.
D. Antacids increase the bioavailability of the drug by speeding up gastric emptying.
A.
A nurse is caring for a patient who develops a severe rash after taking a new medication. The patient asks what might have caused the rash.
Which of the following is the nurse’s best explanation of an adverse drug reaction?
A. “An adverse drug reaction is an unexpected effect that occurs at a normal dose of a drug.”
B. “An adverse drug reaction is always a sign of drug toxicity.”
C. “Adverse drug reactions only occur when the drug is taken in excess.”
D. “This is likely an allergic reaction, which means the drug is working as intended.”
A.
A nurse is teaching a patient about the medications they will be taking. The patient notices that the medications have both generic and trade names and asks why this is important.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)
A. “The trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer, while the generic name is the chemical name.”
B. “Generic drugs are usually more expensive than their trade-name counterparts.”
C. “Generic drugs must meet the same standards for quality and efficacy as trade-name drugs.”
D. “Knowing both names can help you avoid confusion and ensure you receive the correct medication.”
E. “Trade names can vary by country, but the generic name remains the same worldwide.”
C.
D.
E. trade name (or brand name) of a drug is often different depending on the country, but the generic name, which is based on the drug’s chemical structure, remains consistent across countries.
A nurse administers the wrong dose of a medication to a patient. After realizing the error, the nurse begins the process of reporting and resolving the error.
Which actions should the nurse take to ensure the correct steps are followed after a medication error? (Select all that apply)
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Complete an incident report according to facility policy.
C. Hide the error to avoid disciplinary action.
D. Monitor the patient closely for any adverse effects.
E. Inform the patient and family about the error.
A. B. D. E
A 78-year-old patient has been prescribed several medications for chronic conditions. The nurse understands that age-related changes may affect how these drugs are metabolized.
Which of the following age-related changes can influence drug metabolism in older adults? (Select all that apply)
A. Decreased hepatic blood flow.
B. Increased gastrointestinal motility.
C. Reduced liver enzyme activity.
D. Increased glomerular filtration rate.
E. Decreased renal function.
A. C. E.
A patient is prescribed a drug with a narrow therapeutic index. The healthcare provider orders regular blood tests to monitor drug levels.
Why is regular monitoring of drug levels important for a drug with a narrow therapeutic index?
A. There is a wide margin between the therapeutic and toxic doses.
B. It ensures that the drug stays within the therapeutic range, preventing toxicity.
C. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index do not require frequent monitoring.
D. It helps the nurse determine how often the patient should take the drug.
B.
A pregnant patient asks the nurse whether she can continue taking her over-the-counter cold medications.
Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
A. “It’s safe to continue all over-the-counter medications during pregnancy since they are not prescription drugs.”
B. “Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy, even over-the-counter ones.”
C. “Only prescription drugs pose a risk during pregnancy, so you can continue using over-the-counter medications.”
D. “There’s no need to worry about medications affecting the baby, especially after the first trimester.”
B.
A nurse is teaching a patient about the medications they will be taking. The patient notices that the medications have both generic and trade names and asks why this is important.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)
A. “The trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer, while the generic name is the chemical name.”
B. “Generic drugs are usually more expensive than their trade-name counterparts.”
C. “Generic drugs must meet the same standards for quality and efficacy as trade-name drugs.”
D. “Knowing both names can help you avoid confusion and ensure you receive the correct medication.”
E. “Trade names can vary by country, but the generic name remains the same worldwide.”
C. D. E.
A patient with chronic headaches inquires about the difference between prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Which of the following distinctions should the nurse provide regarding prescription and OTC medications?
A. “OTC medications are always safer than prescription medications.”
B. “Prescription medications are usually used for more severe conditions, while OTC medications are for mild symptoms.”
C. “OTC medications do not have side effects, while prescription medications always do.”
D. “You can take as much OTC medication as you want without consulting a healthcare provider.”
B.
A nurse is counseling a pregnant patient about medication use during pregnancy. The patient expresses concern about the effects of drugs on the fetus.
Which of the following factors should the nurse explain that can affect drug pharmacokinetics in pregnant women? (Select all that apply)
A. Increased blood volume may enhance drug distribution.
B. Decreased gastrointestinal motility can delay drug absorption.
C. Increased liver enzyme activity can speed up drug metabolism.
D. Enhanced renal clearance can lead to faster drug elimination.
E. Pregnancy does not affect drug pharmacokinetics.
A. B. C. D.
A nurse is administering an antibiotic to an infant and is aware that pharmacodynamics differs in this age group compared to adults.
Which of the following pharmacodynamic considerations should the nurse take into account when administering medications to infants? (Select all that apply)
A. Infants have a higher metabolic rate, requiring larger doses of medications.
B. The immature blood-brain barrier may increase the risk of central nervous system effects.
C. Drug responses may be unpredictable due to immature organ function.
D. Infants have an increased percentage of body water, affecting drug distribution.
E. Drug elimination is typically faster in infants than in adults.
A 15-year-old patient is prescribed a medication for acne. The parent expresses concern about the side effects.
Which of the following considerations should the nurse discuss regarding medication use in adolescents? (Select all that apply)
A. Adolescents may have different side effects than adults due to hormonal changes.
B. Medications may affect growth and development during adolescence.
C. Adolescents may be less compliant with medication regimens than younger children.
D. All medications are equally effective in adolescents as they are in adults.
E. Adolescent patients may require higher doses due to increased metabolic demands.
A nurse is assessing an older adult patient who takes multiple medications. The patient expresses concern about potential drug interactions.
Which of the following factors should the nurse consider when evaluating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in older adults? (Select all that apply)
A. Decreased liver function can lead to prolonged drug half-life.
B. Increased body fat can affect drug distribution and storage.
C. Older adults typically have a higher percentage of lean body mass.
D. Decreased renal function can impair drug excretion and increase toxicity risk.
E. Drug metabolism is typically faster in older adults compared to younger populations.
B. C. D.
A pregnant patient is interested in using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for nausea and vomiting.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching regarding CAM therapies during pregnancy? (Select all that apply)
A. “Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any CAM therapy.”
B. “Many herbal supplements are safe to use during pregnancy without risk.”
C. “Some CAM therapies can interact with prescribed medications and affect pregnancy outcomes.”
D. “Acupressure and ginger are commonly recommended for pregnancy-related nausea.”
E. “It is safe to use any CAM therapy that has been effective for friends or family.”
A. C. D.
A nurse is teaching a patient about potential drug interactions between a prescribed medication and herbal supplements they are taking.
Which of the following should the nurse explain about how pharmacodynamics can be affected by these interactions?
A. “Some herbal supplements can enhance the therapeutic effect of prescription medications.”
B. “Interactions between drugs and herbal supplements can only lead to increased side effects.”
C. “Herbal supplements do not affect how other medications work in your body.”
D. “It is important to monitor for changes in therapeutic effects when combining medications with herbal products.”
D.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between a generic name and a trade name of a drug?
A. “The generic name is always longer and more complex than the trade name.”
B. “The trade name is the name given by the original manufacturer, while the generic name is its chemical name.”
C. “The generic name is the non-proprietary name, while the trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer.”
D. “The trade name is usually used in clinical settings, while the generic name is used in patient education.”
C. “The generic name is the non-proprietary name, while the trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer.”
Rationale: The generic name is a non-proprietary name recognized universally, while the trade name (or brand name) is developed by the manufacturer for marketing purposes. The trade name can be more memorable and marketable, but both names refer to the same active ingredient.
A nurse is educating a patient about the safe use of OTC medications for managing allergies. The patient asks how to determine which OTC medication to use.
Which of the following points should the nurse include in the education? (Select all that apply)
A. “Always read the label for dosage instructions and active ingredients.”
B. “You can take multiple OTC medications at once if they treat different symptoms.”
C. “Consult your healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.”
D. “Be cautious with combination products as they may contain ingredients you are already taking.”
E. “OTC medications are risk-free and do not have side effects.”
A. C. D
A nurse is caring for a toddler who is prescribed a medication that is known to have age-specific pharmacokinetics. The nurse is reviewing the medication dosage.
Which factors should the nurse consider when determining the appropriate dosage for pediatric patients? (Select all that apply)
A. Weight and age of the child
B. The child’s ability to metabolize drugs based on developmental stage
C. The dosage of the medication approved for adults
D. The child’s current health status and any coexisting conditions
E. The potential for drug accumulation due to immature organ function
A. B. D. E.
