Introduction to Pharmacology NCLEX-RN
Practice Questions |
20 Original Nursing MCQs with Rationales
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A newly licensed nurse begins orientation on a medical-surgical
unit. During medication administration, the preceptor
emphasizes that medication errors are most commonly
prevented through consistent use of the nursing process and
established safety protocols. The nurse prepares to administer
oral medications to a 68-year-old client with hypertension and
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Before administration, the client
states, "These pills don't look like the ones I usually take."
Question Stem
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Hold the medications and verify the prescription using the
medication administration record and the client's identifiers.
,B. Explain that manufacturers may change the appearance of
medications.
C. Ask another nurse to administer the medications.
D. Document the client's concern and administer the
medications as prescribed.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: A. Hold the medications and verify the
prescription using the medication administration record and
the client's identifiers.
Detailed Rationale
Medication safety begins with verifying that the correct
medication is being administered to the correct patient. Any
time a client questions a medication's appearance or purpose,
the nurse should immediately stop the administration process
and verify the prescription using two patient identifiers, the
medication administration record (MAR), and the medication
label. This approach supports the rights of medication
administration and helps prevent potentially serious medication
errors. Medication appearance can vary because of different
manufacturers or generic substitutions, but this should never
be assumed without verification.
,Option B is incorrect because although medication appearance
may change, providing reassurance before verification could
lead to administration of the wrong medication.
Option C is incorrect because delegating medication
administration does not resolve the underlying safety concern.
The medication must first be verified.
Option D is incorrect because documentation does not replace
appropriate assessment and verification. Administering an
unverified medication places the client at unnecessary risk.
This scenario demonstrates the importance of clinical
judgment, patient engagement in safety, and adherence to
established medication administration protocols. Nurses should
encourage patients to ask questions and participate actively in
their medication management.
Learning Objectives
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Apply the nursing process during medication
administration.
• Prioritize patient concerns before administering
medications.
• Demonstrate safe verification procedures using medication
rights.
, • Recognize the patient's role in preventing medication
errors.
Medication Safety Focus
Medication Administration
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A nurse reviews a newly admitted client's medication history.
The client reports taking prescription medications from multiple
specialists, several over-the-counter pain relievers, herbal
supplements, and daily vitamins. The admitting provider asks
the nurse to complete medication reconciliation before new
medications are prescribed.
Question Stem
What is the primary purpose of medication reconciliation?
A. Determine which medications should be permanently
discontinued.
B. Compare the client's current medication list with newly
prescribed medications to identify discrepancies.
C. Identify medications covered by the client's insurance plan.
Practice Questions |
20 Original Nursing MCQs with Rationales
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A newly licensed nurse begins orientation on a medical-surgical
unit. During medication administration, the preceptor
emphasizes that medication errors are most commonly
prevented through consistent use of the nursing process and
established safety protocols. The nurse prepares to administer
oral medications to a 68-year-old client with hypertension and
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Before administration, the client
states, "These pills don't look like the ones I usually take."
Question Stem
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Hold the medications and verify the prescription using the
medication administration record and the client's identifiers.
,B. Explain that manufacturers may change the appearance of
medications.
C. Ask another nurse to administer the medications.
D. Document the client's concern and administer the
medications as prescribed.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: A. Hold the medications and verify the
prescription using the medication administration record and
the client's identifiers.
Detailed Rationale
Medication safety begins with verifying that the correct
medication is being administered to the correct patient. Any
time a client questions a medication's appearance or purpose,
the nurse should immediately stop the administration process
and verify the prescription using two patient identifiers, the
medication administration record (MAR), and the medication
label. This approach supports the rights of medication
administration and helps prevent potentially serious medication
errors. Medication appearance can vary because of different
manufacturers or generic substitutions, but this should never
be assumed without verification.
,Option B is incorrect because although medication appearance
may change, providing reassurance before verification could
lead to administration of the wrong medication.
Option C is incorrect because delegating medication
administration does not resolve the underlying safety concern.
The medication must first be verified.
Option D is incorrect because documentation does not replace
appropriate assessment and verification. Administering an
unverified medication places the client at unnecessary risk.
This scenario demonstrates the importance of clinical
judgment, patient engagement in safety, and adherence to
established medication administration protocols. Nurses should
encourage patients to ask questions and participate actively in
their medication management.
Learning Objectives
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Apply the nursing process during medication
administration.
• Prioritize patient concerns before administering
medications.
• Demonstrate safe verification procedures using medication
rights.
, • Recognize the patient's role in preventing medication
errors.
Medication Safety Focus
Medication Administration
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A nurse reviews a newly admitted client's medication history.
The client reports taking prescription medications from multiple
specialists, several over-the-counter pain relievers, herbal
supplements, and daily vitamins. The admitting provider asks
the nurse to complete medication reconciliation before new
medications are prescribed.
Question Stem
What is the primary purpose of medication reconciliation?
A. Determine which medications should be permanently
discontinued.
B. Compare the client's current medication list with newly
prescribed medications to identify discrepancies.
C. Identify medications covered by the client's insurance plan.
