,Chapter 01 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
An LPN admits an older adult who takes warfarin daily. During
the initial data collection, which action should the LPN prioritize
to support safe medication management?
Options
A. Ask the patient whether they always take the warfarin at the
same time each day.
B. Obtain a full medication reconciliation including OTCs and
herbal supplements.
C. Teach the patient about foods high in vitamin K that affect
warfarin.
D. Schedule the patient’s next INR lab for 2 weeks.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct — B: A complete medication reconciliation identifies
potential interactions (e.g., OTCs, herbals) that alter warfarin
effect, and is a priority during assessment to prevent harm. This
links assessment to safe pharmacologic decision-making.
A: While timing adherence is relevant, it is narrower than a full
,reconciliation and not the highest priority for detecting
interactions.
C: Teaching about vitamin K is important but belongs in
planning/teaching after assessment.
D: Scheduling labs is appropriate but depends on assessment
findings and provider orders; it is not the first priority.
Teaching Point
Complete medication reconciliation first to identify interaction
risks.
2.
Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the Nursing Process in LPN
Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
A patient reports new lightheadedness after starting a
prescribed antihypertensive. Using the clinical judgment model
(recognize cues → interpret → respond → reflect), which
immediate action best reflects correct interpreting of the cue?
Options
A. Document the complaint in the chart and notify the RN.
B. Measure orthostatic vital signs and compare with baseline.
C. Instruct the patient to get up slowly next time.
D. Withhold the antihypertensive and inform the prescriber.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct — B: Measuring orthostatic vitals translates the
subjective cue into objective data for interpretation and helps
determine if hypotension is present. It is an evidence-based
step in clinical judgment.
A: Documentation and notifying are appropriate but come after
gathering objective data to interpret the cue.
C: Teaching to move slowly is preventive but assumes cause
without assessment.
D: Withholding medication without assessment or prescriber
direction could be unsafe and exceeds typical LPN independent
authority.
Teaching Point
Convert subjective cues into objective data to inform safe
decisions.
3.
Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the Nursing Process in LPN
Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
During planning, an LPN is setting a goal for a patient newly
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
An LPN admits an older adult who takes warfarin daily. During
the initial data collection, which action should the LPN prioritize
to support safe medication management?
Options
A. Ask the patient whether they always take the warfarin at the
same time each day.
B. Obtain a full medication reconciliation including OTCs and
herbal supplements.
C. Teach the patient about foods high in vitamin K that affect
warfarin.
D. Schedule the patient’s next INR lab for 2 weeks.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct — B: A complete medication reconciliation identifies
potential interactions (e.g., OTCs, herbals) that alter warfarin
effect, and is a priority during assessment to prevent harm. This
links assessment to safe pharmacologic decision-making.
A: While timing adherence is relevant, it is narrower than a full
,reconciliation and not the highest priority for detecting
interactions.
C: Teaching about vitamin K is important but belongs in
planning/teaching after assessment.
D: Scheduling labs is appropriate but depends on assessment
findings and provider orders; it is not the first priority.
Teaching Point
Complete medication reconciliation first to identify interaction
risks.
2.
Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the Nursing Process in LPN
Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
A patient reports new lightheadedness after starting a
prescribed antihypertensive. Using the clinical judgment model
(recognize cues → interpret → respond → reflect), which
immediate action best reflects correct interpreting of the cue?
Options
A. Document the complaint in the chart and notify the RN.
B. Measure orthostatic vital signs and compare with baseline.
C. Instruct the patient to get up slowly next time.
D. Withhold the antihypertensive and inform the prescriber.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct — B: Measuring orthostatic vitals translates the
subjective cue into objective data for interpretation and helps
determine if hypotension is present. It is an evidence-based
step in clinical judgment.
A: Documentation and notifying are appropriate but come after
gathering objective data to interpret the cue.
C: Teaching to move slowly is preventive but assumes cause
without assessment.
D: Withholding medication without assessment or prescriber
direction could be unsafe and exceeds typical LPN independent
authority.
Teaching Point
Convert subjective cues into objective data to inform safe
decisions.
3.
Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the Nursing Process in LPN
Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
During planning, an LPN is setting a goal for a patient newly
