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pharmacology
Unit 1: Nursing Process and Pharmacologic Principles
1. The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient receiving a new
medication. Which phase of the nursing process involves establishing outcome
criteria?
A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Planning
Rationale: Planning is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse
sets goals and outcome criteria with the patient's input. Assessment involves data
collection, implementation involves carrying out interventions, and evaluation
involves determining whether the goals were met .
2. A nurse is reviewing the medication administration record and notes an order
for ondansetron 4 mg. The route is not specified. What is the nurse's priority
action?
,A. Administer the medication orally since tablets are available
B. Give the medication intravenously to ensure rapid effect
C. Contact the prescriber to clarify the route
D. Hold the medication until the prescriber makes rounds
Correct Answer: C. Contact the prescriber to clarify the route
Rationale: When a medication order is missing a required component such
as the route, the nurse must contact the prescriber for clarification. The nurse
should never assume the route of administration .
3. Which of the following represents subjective data collected during a nursing
assessment?
A. Blood pressure 142/88 mm Hg
B. Patient reports taking ginkgo biloba daily
C. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
D. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B. Patient reports taking ginkgo biloba daily
Rationale: Subjective data are information provided by the patient,
including reports of medication use, symptoms, and feelings. Objective data
include measurable findings such as vital signs and laboratory values .
4. The nurse is monitoring a patient's response to a new antihypertensive
medication. Which phase of the nursing process is the nurse performing?
A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: D. Evaluation
, Rationale: Evaluation involves monitoring the patient's response to drug
therapy and determining whether therapeutic outcomes have been achieved. This
ongoing process includes assessing for both therapeutic and adverse effects .
5. When developing a medication profile for a newly admitted patient, which
information is essential to include?
A. Only prescription medications
B. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs
C. Prescription medications, OTC drugs, herbal products, and dietary supplements
D. Only medications taken within the past 30 days
Correct Answer: C. Prescription medications, OTC drugs, herbal products,
and dietary supplements
Rationale: A comprehensive medication profile must include all
substances the patient uses, including prescription drugs, OTC medications,
herbal remedies, homeopathic treatments, plant or animal extracts, and dietary
supplements .
6. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. Which action
best reflects the "Right Documentation" component of medication
administration?
A. Documenting the medication before administering it
B. Documenting the medication immediately after administration
C. Documenting the medication at the end of the shift
D. Documenting only if the patient refuses the medication
Correct Answer: B. Documenting the medication immediately after
administration
Rationale: Documentation should occur immediately after medication
administration to ensure accuracy and prevent errors. Charting before
administration is unsafe because the medication may not actually be given .
, 7. A patient asks the nurse why some medications must be given intravenously
instead of orally. The nurse's best explanation involves which pharmacokinetic
concept?
A. Protein binding
B. First-pass effect
C. Blood-brain barrier
D. Renal clearance
Correct Answer: B. First-pass effect
Rationale: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of oral drugs by
the liver before they reach systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability. IV
administration bypasses this effect entirely .
8. A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires which nursing priority?
A. Administering with food to enhance absorption
B. Monitoring serum drug levels closely
C. Giving the medication only once daily
D. Diluting the medication in a large volume of fluid
Correct Answer: B. Monitoring serum drug levels closely
Rationale: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin,
warfarin, lithium) have a small margin between therapeutic and toxic doses. Close
monitoring of serum drug levels is essential to prevent toxicity .
9. A patient with liver cirrhosis is prescribed a medication that is extensively
metabolized by the liver. What should the nurse anticipate regarding the
dosage?
A. Increased dosage due to enhanced metabolism
B. No change in dosage is necessary