102 Pharmacology Exam with
Complete Solutions
Acetaminophen action and effects - ANSWER-Prohibits prostaglandin synthesis
(decreases pain) and inhibits heat regulator center (decreases fever).
Acetaminophen uses - ANSWER-Eliminating mild to moderate pain and headaches,
and lowering fever.
Acetaminophen rectal use - ANSWER-May be inhibited due to fecal material or
decreased blood flow to colon.
How often can acetaminophen be administered? - ANSWER--Every 4 hours as needed
-Duration of action is 6 hours
Maximum acetaminophen dose - ANSWER-4 g/day
Acetaminophen half-life - ANSWER-2-3 hours
Acetaminophen therapeutic range - ANSWER-10 to 25 mcg/mL
Things to assess prior to giving acetaminophen - ANSWER--Medical history of liver
disfunction
-Assess for fever
-Assess for alcohol usage
Acetaminophen Contraindications - ANSWER-Severe liver disease or impairment
Acetaminophen effect increasors - ANSWER-Caffeine and diflunisal (Dolobid)
Acetaminophen dosing - ANSWER-Adults/children over 12: 325-650 mg q4-6 hrs
OR
1 g 3-4 times per day
Acetaminophen dosing for children - ANSWER-Under the age of 12: 10-15 mg/kg q4-6
hrs
Maximum: 75 mg/kg/day
Acetaminophen side effects - ANSWER--Olgiuria (decreased urine output)
-Urticaria (hives)
-Elevated liver enzymes
, Normal serum liver enzyme labs - ANSWER-5 to 25 mcg/mL
Toxic: greater than 200 mcg/mL
Acetaminaphen antidote - ANSWER-Acetylcysteine
A patient exhibits severe nausea and vomiting and is not able to take oral medications,
but has spiked a fever and the health care provider has ordered that acetaminophen be
given rectally. The nurse understands that the medication may not be absorbed properly
in a patient with which condition? - ANSWER-Constipation
Acetaminophen can be used to treat which problems? - ANSWER-Fever
Headaches
Mild to moderate pain
Which are questions the nurse should ask a patient who is using acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-How often do you drink alcohol?
Do you have any history of liver disease?
Which statement correctly identifies pharmacologic properties of acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-Acetaminophen is a nonopioid drug but is not an NSAID.
Because acetaminophen has a short half-life, it can be administered every... -
ANSWER-4 hours for pain relief
Opioids primarily activate the mu receptors, causing which effects? - ANSWER-
Sedation
Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression may be a side effect of activation of which CNS receptors? -
ANSWER-Mu
A patient is in severe pain but is not able to swallow and does not have IV access.
Which would be the best action by the nurse? - ANSWER-Administer morphine rectally
What pharmacokinetic trait is most important to consider with oral morphine
administration? - ANSWER-Undergoes first hepatic pass
Which are questions the nurse should ask a patient who is using acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-How often do you drink alcohol?
Do you have any history of liver disease?
Complete Solutions
Acetaminophen action and effects - ANSWER-Prohibits prostaglandin synthesis
(decreases pain) and inhibits heat regulator center (decreases fever).
Acetaminophen uses - ANSWER-Eliminating mild to moderate pain and headaches,
and lowering fever.
Acetaminophen rectal use - ANSWER-May be inhibited due to fecal material or
decreased blood flow to colon.
How often can acetaminophen be administered? - ANSWER--Every 4 hours as needed
-Duration of action is 6 hours
Maximum acetaminophen dose - ANSWER-4 g/day
Acetaminophen half-life - ANSWER-2-3 hours
Acetaminophen therapeutic range - ANSWER-10 to 25 mcg/mL
Things to assess prior to giving acetaminophen - ANSWER--Medical history of liver
disfunction
-Assess for fever
-Assess for alcohol usage
Acetaminophen Contraindications - ANSWER-Severe liver disease or impairment
Acetaminophen effect increasors - ANSWER-Caffeine and diflunisal (Dolobid)
Acetaminophen dosing - ANSWER-Adults/children over 12: 325-650 mg q4-6 hrs
OR
1 g 3-4 times per day
Acetaminophen dosing for children - ANSWER-Under the age of 12: 10-15 mg/kg q4-6
hrs
Maximum: 75 mg/kg/day
Acetaminophen side effects - ANSWER--Olgiuria (decreased urine output)
-Urticaria (hives)
-Elevated liver enzymes
, Normal serum liver enzyme labs - ANSWER-5 to 25 mcg/mL
Toxic: greater than 200 mcg/mL
Acetaminaphen antidote - ANSWER-Acetylcysteine
A patient exhibits severe nausea and vomiting and is not able to take oral medications,
but has spiked a fever and the health care provider has ordered that acetaminophen be
given rectally. The nurse understands that the medication may not be absorbed properly
in a patient with which condition? - ANSWER-Constipation
Acetaminophen can be used to treat which problems? - ANSWER-Fever
Headaches
Mild to moderate pain
Which are questions the nurse should ask a patient who is using acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-How often do you drink alcohol?
Do you have any history of liver disease?
Which statement correctly identifies pharmacologic properties of acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-Acetaminophen is a nonopioid drug but is not an NSAID.
Because acetaminophen has a short half-life, it can be administered every... -
ANSWER-4 hours for pain relief
Opioids primarily activate the mu receptors, causing which effects? - ANSWER-
Sedation
Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression may be a side effect of activation of which CNS receptors? -
ANSWER-Mu
A patient is in severe pain but is not able to swallow and does not have IV access.
Which would be the best action by the nurse? - ANSWER-Administer morphine rectally
What pharmacokinetic trait is most important to consider with oral morphine
administration? - ANSWER-Undergoes first hepatic pass
Which are questions the nurse should ask a patient who is using acetaminophen? -
ANSWER-How often do you drink alcohol?
Do you have any history of liver disease?
