NSG 5240 Pharm Midterm Questions
and Correct Answers | 2026 Update |
Graded A+
What intervention does the provider take to decrease risk to the patient when
prescribing drugs with a narrow therapeutic index? - ANSWERS drugs with
narrow therapeutic range are more dangerous, provider who is aware of this fact
can focus additional attention on monitoring these patients for signs and
symptoms of toxicity
definition of onset of action - ANSWERS Onset of Action: the time it takes a
drug to reach the minimum effective concentration after a drug is administered.
definition of bioavailability - ANSWERS Bioavailability: (page 44) the amount of
an active drug that reaches the systemic circulation from its site of administration.
Disintegration time, extended release, capsule coatings, can all effect this.
Greatest concern is with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index. IV
administration results in the highest bioavailability.
definition of protein binding - ANSWERS Plasma protein binding refers to the
degree to which medications attach to proteins within the blood. A drug's
efficiency may be affected by the degree to which it binds. The less bound a drug
is, the more efficiently it can traverse cell membranes or diffuse.
definition of loading dose - ANSWERS Loading dose: a large initial dose of the
drug is given to achieve a rapid minimum effect concentration in the plasma.
, how to write out a prescription - ANSWERS Good to know brand name and
generic name (generic is most important), route, dose, frequency. If it is an as
needed drug, what is it being prescribed for?
A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which screening will the provider order to monitor
for potential adverse effects from this drug? - ANSWERS digoxin: treats HF and
supraventricular dysrhythmias. Heart rate and rhythm should be monitored with
periodic ECGs to assess desired effects and signs of toxicity. Baseline and periodic
serum creatinine. Periodically monitor electrolytes (potassium, magnesium,
calcium) especially if on diuretics. Because this drug has a narrow therapeutic
range (0.5-0.8). Monitor plasma drug levels in patients with unchanged symptoms
of heart failure after initiation or patient with signs of toxicity- altered heart rate
or rhythm, visual or GI disturbances). Patient should be taught to monitor their
pulse and know signs of toxicity.
What is pharmacodynamic tolerance? - ANSWERS Pharmacodynamic
tolerance: a state in which a particular dose elicits a smaller response than it did
with initial use, results from regular drug use. -intrinsic responsivity of the
receptor system diminishes over time
What is a side effect of a nonselective b agonist medication? - ANSWERS Beta
1: tachycardia, dysrhythmias, angina
Beta 2: hyperglycemia, tremor
Which assessment finding would be of greatest concern for a provider who is
attempting to determine the appropriateness of prescribing the patient a
nonselective b agonist? - ANSWERS Cardiac disease- any dysrhythmias or
previous MI, angina, tachycardia. Because it can cause dysrhythmias and
tachycardia.
and Correct Answers | 2026 Update |
Graded A+
What intervention does the provider take to decrease risk to the patient when
prescribing drugs with a narrow therapeutic index? - ANSWERS drugs with
narrow therapeutic range are more dangerous, provider who is aware of this fact
can focus additional attention on monitoring these patients for signs and
symptoms of toxicity
definition of onset of action - ANSWERS Onset of Action: the time it takes a
drug to reach the minimum effective concentration after a drug is administered.
definition of bioavailability - ANSWERS Bioavailability: (page 44) the amount of
an active drug that reaches the systemic circulation from its site of administration.
Disintegration time, extended release, capsule coatings, can all effect this.
Greatest concern is with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index. IV
administration results in the highest bioavailability.
definition of protein binding - ANSWERS Plasma protein binding refers to the
degree to which medications attach to proteins within the blood. A drug's
efficiency may be affected by the degree to which it binds. The less bound a drug
is, the more efficiently it can traverse cell membranes or diffuse.
definition of loading dose - ANSWERS Loading dose: a large initial dose of the
drug is given to achieve a rapid minimum effect concentration in the plasma.
, how to write out a prescription - ANSWERS Good to know brand name and
generic name (generic is most important), route, dose, frequency. If it is an as
needed drug, what is it being prescribed for?
A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which screening will the provider order to monitor
for potential adverse effects from this drug? - ANSWERS digoxin: treats HF and
supraventricular dysrhythmias. Heart rate and rhythm should be monitored with
periodic ECGs to assess desired effects and signs of toxicity. Baseline and periodic
serum creatinine. Periodically monitor electrolytes (potassium, magnesium,
calcium) especially if on diuretics. Because this drug has a narrow therapeutic
range (0.5-0.8). Monitor plasma drug levels in patients with unchanged symptoms
of heart failure after initiation or patient with signs of toxicity- altered heart rate
or rhythm, visual or GI disturbances). Patient should be taught to monitor their
pulse and know signs of toxicity.
What is pharmacodynamic tolerance? - ANSWERS Pharmacodynamic
tolerance: a state in which a particular dose elicits a smaller response than it did
with initial use, results from regular drug use. -intrinsic responsivity of the
receptor system diminishes over time
What is a side effect of a nonselective b agonist medication? - ANSWERS Beta
1: tachycardia, dysrhythmias, angina
Beta 2: hyperglycemia, tremor
Which assessment finding would be of greatest concern for a provider who is
attempting to determine the appropriateness of prescribing the patient a
nonselective b agonist? - ANSWERS Cardiac disease- any dysrhythmias or
previous MI, angina, tachycardia. Because it can cause dysrhythmias and
tachycardia.
