NCLEX-RN Gastrointestinal
Pharmacology Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales |
Original NGN & ATI-Style Medication
Safety MCQs
Nursing Exam Review Study Guide PDF
Question 16
Clinical Scenario
A 63-year-old man with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis is
prescribed mesalamine 800 mg orally three times daily. Before
administering the first dose, the nurse reviews the client's
history. The client reports an allergy to aspirin that caused
generalized hives and facial swelling several years ago.
Question Stem
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer the medication because aspirin allergy does not
affect mesalamine therapy.
, B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
before administration.
C. Administer the medication with an antihistamine.
D. Instruct the client to take the medication only if abdominal
pain develops.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. Hold the medication and notify the
healthcare provider before administration.
Detailed Rationale
Mesalamine is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivative used to
reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Because it is
chemically related to salicylates, patients with a history of
aspirin hypersensitivity may be at increased risk for allergic
reactions, including bronchospasm, urticaria, or anaphylaxis. A
history of facial swelling and generalized hives suggests a
potentially significant hypersensitivity reaction. The nurse
should withhold the medication and notify the healthcare
provider before administration to determine whether an
alternative treatment is appropriate.
Option A is incorrect because ignoring a significant allergy may
place the client at risk for a serious adverse reaction.
Pharmacology Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales |
Original NGN & ATI-Style Medication
Safety MCQs
Nursing Exam Review Study Guide PDF
Question 16
Clinical Scenario
A 63-year-old man with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis is
prescribed mesalamine 800 mg orally three times daily. Before
administering the first dose, the nurse reviews the client's
history. The client reports an allergy to aspirin that caused
generalized hives and facial swelling several years ago.
Question Stem
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer the medication because aspirin allergy does not
affect mesalamine therapy.
, B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
before administration.
C. Administer the medication with an antihistamine.
D. Instruct the client to take the medication only if abdominal
pain develops.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. Hold the medication and notify the
healthcare provider before administration.
Detailed Rationale
Mesalamine is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivative used to
reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Because it is
chemically related to salicylates, patients with a history of
aspirin hypersensitivity may be at increased risk for allergic
reactions, including bronchospasm, urticaria, or anaphylaxis. A
history of facial swelling and generalized hives suggests a
potentially significant hypersensitivity reaction. The nurse
should withhold the medication and notify the healthcare
provider before administration to determine whether an
alternative treatment is appropriate.
Option A is incorrect because ignoring a significant allergy may
place the client at risk for a serious adverse reaction.
