Chapter 04: Drug Calculation: Preparing and Giving Drugs Visovsky: Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology, 9th Edition

1. Which of the following is an example of a drug given in units instead of milligrams? a. Insulin b. Furosemide c. Normal saline d. Nitroglycerine ANS: A Insulin is a parenteral drug that is given in units, not milligrams. Insulin is drawn up using a unit-based syringe DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 37 2. When calculating the dose of a drug to be given to a child, Clark’s rule is used. What measure is Clark’s rule based upon? a. The age of the child b. The weight of the child c. One-half of the adult dose d. The international standardized ratio ANS: B The Joint Commission now recommends that all dosages for children be weight-based. Clark’s rule: Pediatric child dose = (weight of child/150 lbs x adult dose). DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 39 3. Which statement is true regarding giving drugs by the IV route? a. Intravenous drugs must go through first-pass metabolism to be absorbed. b. Intravenous drugs are deposited directly into the blood stream. c. Intravenous drugs have lower rates of adverse events. d. Intravenous drugs are less effective than oral drugs. ANS: B Drugs administered by the intravenous route are deposited directly into the bloodstream and have a higher incidence of chance for adverse events. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p. 39 4. Which represents the proper way to give an oral capsule? a. Crush and dilute it in warm water. b. Tell the patient to swallow it whole. c. Tell the patient to chew it completely. d. Pierce it with a needle and squeeze into the mouth. ANS: B This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :18:41 GMT -06:00 Remain at the patient’s bedside until the drug is swallowed. Do not crush tablets or break capsules without checking with the pharmacist. Many drugs have special coatings that are essential for proper absorption. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p. 41 5. An elderly patient is scheduled to take six drugs each morning. What action should you take when giving these drugs? a. Allow extra time to give all of the drugs. b. Crush all the drugs before giving them. c. Allow the patient to take only the drugs she can swallow. d. Leave the drugs at the bedside so the patient can take them slowly. ANS: A Allow extra time to give drug to the elderly. These individuals often are slower at swallowing drugs and water. The nurse must be present for the administration of every drug. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 41 6. When giving a drug through a nasogastric (NG) tube, which will you do first? a. Take the vital signs. b. Check placement of the tube. c. Flush the tube with 30 mL of water. d. Ask the patient if the tube is painful. ANS: B Make certain that the NG tube is in the stomach. Aspirate (take out) stomach contents with a syringe and test the pH of the stomach contents. If the pH is 0-5, the NG tube is most likely in the stomach. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p. 42 7. Which is done a