,Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
An 82-year-old resident is ordered digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily.
The LPN reviews the order, checks the MAR, and notes the
apical pulse is 58 bpm. Which action best demonstrates the
LPN’s role in the assessment step of the nursing process?
A. Give the medication and record the pulse.
B. Hold the dose and immediately inform the RN.
C. Re-check the pulse in 30 min and then decide.
D. Ask the patient if she feels dizzy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An apical pulse <60 bpm is a contraindication for
digoxin; withholding the dose and promptly notifying the RN
upholds patient safety and the LPN’s assessment
responsibility.
A. Giving the drug ignores the bradycardia and violates safe
practice.
C. Delaying action while re-checking the pulse wastes critical
time.
D. Subjective data alone do not override objective vital-sign
contraindications.
Teaching Point: Always assess objective data before
administering cardiac glycosides.
,1. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
During the planning step, the LPN is prioritizing
interventions for a patient newly prescribed warfarin.
Which outcome statement is most appropriate for the
LPN to document?
A. “Patient will list three signs of bleeding within 24 h.”
B. “Patient will maintain an INR of 3.5–4.5.”
C. “Patient will never experience bruising.”
D. “Nurse will teach about warfarin today.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patient-focused, measurable, and achievable
outcomes are hallmarks of effective planning; listing signs
of bleeding is within the LPN’s teaching scope.
B. Target INR is set by the provider, not the LPN.
C. Absolute prevention of bruising is unrealistic.
D. Focuses on nurse activity, not patient outcome.
Teaching Point: Plan outcomes that are patient-centered,
measurable, and realistic.
2. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
An LPN is administering morning medications. Which
action best represents the implementation phase?
A. Comparing the MAR with the original order.
B. Recording a patient’s pain rating after analgesic.
C. Giving metformin with breakfast.
D. Evaluating blood glucose trends.
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Implementation is the actual delivery of the
planned intervention—administering the medication.
A. Occurs during the planning/validation step.
B. & D. Belong to the evaluation phase.
Teaching Point: Implementation = doing the planned
intervention.
3. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
While evaluating the effectiveness of furosemide, the LPN
notices the patient’s weight has increased 1.5 kg since
yesterday. What is the LPN’s priority evaluation action?
A. Document the finding and continue the plan.
B. Inform the RN promptly.
C. Re-weigh the patient in 2 h.
D. Restrict fluids without an order.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weight gain signals ineffective diuresis,
requiring RN assessment and possible physician
notification.
A. Ignores a significant change.
C. Delays necessary communication.
D. Exceeds LPN scope.
Teaching Point: Report unexpected outcomes promptly.
4. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
NGN-Style Question
An 82-year-old resident is ordered digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily.
The LPN reviews the order, checks the MAR, and notes the
apical pulse is 58 bpm. Which action best demonstrates the
LPN’s role in the assessment step of the nursing process?
A. Give the medication and record the pulse.
B. Hold the dose and immediately inform the RN.
C. Re-check the pulse in 30 min and then decide.
D. Ask the patient if she feels dizzy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An apical pulse <60 bpm is a contraindication for
digoxin; withholding the dose and promptly notifying the RN
upholds patient safety and the LPN’s assessment
responsibility.
A. Giving the drug ignores the bradycardia and violates safe
practice.
C. Delaying action while re-checking the pulse wastes critical
time.
D. Subjective data alone do not override objective vital-sign
contraindications.
Teaching Point: Always assess objective data before
administering cardiac glycosides.
,1. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
During the planning step, the LPN is prioritizing
interventions for a patient newly prescribed warfarin.
Which outcome statement is most appropriate for the
LPN to document?
A. “Patient will list three signs of bleeding within 24 h.”
B. “Patient will maintain an INR of 3.5–4.5.”
C. “Patient will never experience bruising.”
D. “Nurse will teach about warfarin today.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patient-focused, measurable, and achievable
outcomes are hallmarks of effective planning; listing signs
of bleeding is within the LPN’s teaching scope.
B. Target INR is set by the provider, not the LPN.
C. Absolute prevention of bruising is unrealistic.
D. Focuses on nurse activity, not patient outcome.
Teaching Point: Plan outcomes that are patient-centered,
measurable, and realistic.
2. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
An LPN is administering morning medications. Which
action best represents the implementation phase?
A. Comparing the MAR with the original order.
B. Recording a patient’s pain rating after analgesic.
C. Giving metformin with breakfast.
D. Evaluating blood glucose trends.
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Implementation is the actual delivery of the
planned intervention—administering the medication.
A. Occurs during the planning/validation step.
B. & D. Belong to the evaluation phase.
Teaching Point: Implementation = doing the planned
intervention.
3. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
While evaluating the effectiveness of furosemide, the LPN
notices the patient’s weight has increased 1.5 kg since
yesterday. What is the LPN’s priority evaluation action?
A. Document the finding and continue the plan.
B. Inform the RN promptly.
C. Re-weigh the patient in 2 h.
D. Restrict fluids without an order.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weight gain signals ineffective diuresis,
requiring RN assessment and possible physician
notification.
A. Ignores a significant change.
C. Delays necessary communication.
D. Exceeds LPN scope.
Teaching Point: Report unexpected outcomes promptly.
4. Chapter 1 – Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
NGN-Style Question
