TEST BANK ROSENTHAL LEHNE'S PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS 1ST EDITIONTable of Contents
Chapter 1: Prescriptive Authority ....................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Rational Drug Selection and Prescription Writing ........................................................... 5 Chapter 3: Promoting Positive Outcomes of Drug Therapy ................................................................7 Chapter 4: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Interactions .....................................10 Chapter 5: Adverse Drug Reactions and Medication Errors.............................................................. 15 Chapter 6: Individual Variation in Drug Responses ......................................................................... 20 Chapter 7: Drug Therapy During Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding .................................................... 24 Chapter 8: Drug Therapy in Pediatric Patients ................................................................................. 27 Chapter 9: Drug Therapy in Geriatric Patients .................................................................................. 31 Chapter 10: Basic Principles of Neuropharmacology ....................................................................... 36 Chapter 11: Physiology of the Peripheral Nervous System ............................................................... 39 Chapter 12: Muscarinic Agonists and Antagonists ........................................................................... 42 Chapter 13: Adrenergic Agonists ...................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 14: Adrenergic Antagonists ................................................................................................. 49 Chapter 15: Indirect-Acting Antiadrenergic Agents ......................................................................... 55 Chapter 16: Introduction to Central Nervous System Pharmacology ............................................... 59 Chapter 17: Drugs for Parkinson's Disease ....................................................................................... 62 Chapter 18: Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease ....................................................................................... 65 Chapter 19: Drugs for Epilepsy ......................................................................................................... 69 Chapter 20: Drugs for Muscle Spasm and Spasticity ....................................................................... 73 Chapter 21: Local Anesthetics ........................................................................................................... 76 Chapter 22: Opioid Analgesics, Opioid Antagonists, and Nonopioid Centrally Acting Analgesics . 80 Chapter 23: Drugs for Headache ...................................................................................................... 85 Chapter 24: Antipsychotic Agents and Their Use in Schizophrenia................................................. 90 Chapter 25: Antidepressants ............................................................................................................ 95 Chapter 26: Drugs for Bipolar Disorder ........................................................................................... 99 Chapter 27: Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs ............................................................................................ 104 Chapter 28: Management of Anxiety Disorders .............................................................................. 107 Chapter 29: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 111 Chapter 30: Drug Abuse I: Basic Considerations ............................................................................ 115 Chapter 31: Drug Abuse II: Alcohol ................................................................................................. 118 Chapter 32: Drug Abuse III: Nicotine and Smoking ....................................................................... 122 Chapter 33: Drug Abuse IV: Major Drugs of Abuse Other Than Alcohol and Nicotine .................. 126 Chapter 34: Review of Hemodynamics ............................................................................................ 132 Chapter 35: Diuretics ....................................................................................................................... 135 Chapter 36: Drugs Acting on the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System ..................................... 138 Chapter 37: Calcium Channel Blockers ........................................................................................... 143 1 | P a g eChapter 38: Vasodilators ................................................................................................................. 145
Chapter 39: Drugs for Hypertension ............................................................................................... 149
Chapter 40: Drugs for Heart Failure ............................................................................................... 156
Chapter 41: Antidysrhythmic Drugs ................................................................................................ 163
Chapter 42: Prophylaxis of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Drugs That Help Normalize
Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels ................................................................................................. 170
Chapter 43: Drugs for Angina Pectoris ............................................................................................ 176
Chapter 44: Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic Drugs ................................................. 182
Chapter 45: Drugs for Deficiency Anemias .....................................................................................189
Chapter 46: Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus ......................................................................................... 194
Chapter 47: Drugs for Thyroid Disorders ........................................................................................ 199
Chapter 48: Estrogens and Progestins: Basic Pharmacology and Noncontraceptive Applications
......................................................................................................................................................... 204
Chapter 49: Birth Control ............................................................................................................... 207
Chapter 50: Androgens .................................................................................................................... 212
Chapter 51: Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia .............................. 216
Chapter 52: Review of the Immune System .................................................................................... 218
Chapter 53: Childhood Immunization ............................................................................................ 222
Chapter 54: Antihistamines ............................................................................................................ 227
Chapter 55: Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and
Acetaminophen ................................................................................................................................ 231
Chapter 56: Glucocorticoids in Nonendocrine Disorders ............................................................... 236
Chapter 57: Drug Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis ........................................................................ 241
Chapter 58: Drug Therapy of Gout ................................................................................................. 244
Chapter 59: Drugs Affecting Calcium Levels and Bone Mineralization ......................................... 247
Chapter 60: Drugs for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ................................ 252
Chapter 61: Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, and Colds ............................................................ 259
Chapter 62: Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease .................................................................................... 264
Chapter 63: Laxatives ..................................................................................................................... 268
Chapter 64: Other Gastrointestinal Drugs ...................................................................................... 273
Chapter 65: Vitamins ...................................................................................................................... 279
Chapter 66: Drugs for Weight Loss ................................................................................................. 284
Chapter 67: Complementary and Alternative Therapies ................................................................ 288
Chapter 68: Basic Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy .................................................................. 291
Chapter 69: Drugs That Weaken the Bacterial Cell Wall I: Penicillins........................................... 295
Chapter 70: Drugs That Weaken the Bacterial Cell Wall II: Other Drugs ...................................... 300
Chapter 71: Bacteriostatic Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis ............................................................. 304
Chapter 72: Aminoglycosides: Bactericidal Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis ...................................310
Chapter 73: Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim ................................................................................. 316
Chapter 74: Drug Therapy of Urinary Tract Infections .................................................................. 320
Chapter 75: Antimycobacterial Agents ........................................................................................... 325
2 | P a g eChapter 76: Miscellaneous Antibacterial Drugs .............................................................................. 331
Chapter 77: Antifungal Agents ........................................................................................................ 334
Chapter 78: Antiviral Agents I: Drugs for Non-HIV Viral Infections .............................................. 341
Chapter 79: Antiviral Agents II: Drugs for HIV Infection and Related Opportunistic Infections .. 346
Chapter 80: Drug Therapy of Sexually Transmitted Diseases ........................................................ 350
Chapter 81: Anthelmintics, Antiprotozoal Drugs, and Ectoparasiticides ....................................... 354
Chapter 82: Supportive Care of Patients Receiving Anticancer Drugs ............................................ 357
Chapter 83: Drugs for Cancer Pain ................................................................................................. 362
Chapter 84: Drugs for the Eye ........................................................................................................ 368
Chapter 85: Drugs for the Skin ....................................................................................................... 372
Chapter 86: Drugs for the Ear......................................................................................................... 379
Chapter 87: Agents Affecting the Volume and Ion Content of Body Fluids ................................... 383
Chapter 88: Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction ................................................. 387
Chapter 89: Additional Acute Care Drugs ....................................................................................... 391
Chapter 1: Prescriptive Authority
Multiple Choice
1. An APRN works in a urology clinic under the supervision of a physician who does not restrict
the types of medications the APRN is allowed to prescribe. State law does not require the
APRN to practice under physician supervision. How would the APRN’s prescriptive authority
be described?
a. Full authority
b. Independent
c. Without limitation
d. Limited authority
ANS: B
The APRN has independent prescriptive authority because the regulating body does not require
that the APRN work under physician supervision. Full prescriptive authority gives the provider
the right to prescribe independently and without limitation. Limited authority places
restrictions on the types of drugs that can be prescribed.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ComprehensionREF: p. 1TOP: Nursing Process: I MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
2. Which factors increase the need for APRNs to have full prescriptive authority?
a. More patients will have access to health care.
b. Enrollment in medical schools is predicted to decrease.
c. Physician’s assistants are being utilized less often.
d. APRN education is more complex than education for physicians.
ANS: A
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has increased the number of individuals with health
3 | P a g ecare coverage, and thus the number who have access to health care services. The increase in the
number of patients creates the need for more providers with prescriptive authority. APRNs can
fill this practice gap.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF: p. 2TOP: Nursing Process:
Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and
Parenteral Therapies
3. Which factors could be attributed to limited prescriptive authority for
APRNs? Select all that apply.
a. Inaccessibility of patient care
b. Higher health care costs
c. Higher quality medical treatment
d. Improved collaborative care
e. Enhanced health literacy
ANS: A , B
Limiting prescriptive authority for APRNs can create barriers to quality, affordable, and accessible
patient care. It may also lead to poor collaboration among providers and higher health care
costs. It would not directly impact patient’s health literacy.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ComprehensionREF:
p. 2TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
4. Which aspects support the APRN’s provision for full prescriptive authority?
Select all that apply.
a. Clinical education includes prescription of medications and disease processes.
b. Federal regulations support the provision of full authority for APRNs.
c. National examinations provide validation of the APRN’s ability to provide safe care.
d. Licensure ensures compliance with health care and safety standards.
e. Limiting provision can decrease health care affordability.
ANS: A , C , D
APRNs are educated to practice and prescribe independently without supervision. National
examinations validate the ability to provide safe and competent care. Licensure ensures
compliance with standards to promote public health and safety. Limited prescriptive authority
creates numerous barriers to quality, affordable, and accessible patient care.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ComprehensionREF: pp. 1-2TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
5. Which aspects support the APRN’s provision for full prescriptive authority?
Select all that apply.
a. Clinical education includes prescription of medications and disease processes.
b. Federal regulations support the provision of full authority for APRNs.
c. National examinations provide validation of the APRN’s ability to provide safe care.
d. Licensure ensures compliance with health care and safety standards.
ANS: A , C , D
APRNs are educated to practice and prescribe independently without supervision. National
4 | P a g eexaminations validate the ability to provide safe and competent care. Licensure ensures
compliance with standards to promote public health and safety. Limited prescriptive authority
creates numerous barriers to quality, affordable, and accessible patient care.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ComprehensionREF: pp. 1-2TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
6. A family nurse practitioner practicing in Maine is hired at a practice across state lines
in Virginia. Which aspect of practice may change for the APRN?
a. The APRN will have less prescriptive authority in the new position.
b. The APRN will have more prescriptive authority in the new position.
c. The APRN will have equal prescriptive authority in the new position.
d. The APRN’s authority will depend on federal regulations.
ANS: A
Virginia allows limited prescriptive authority, while Maine gives full authority to certified nurse
practitioners. The federal government does not regulate prescriptive authority.DIF: Cognitive
Level: ComprehensionREF: p. 3TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
Chapter 2: Rational Drug Selection and Prescription Writing
Multiple Choice
7. How can collaboration with a pharmacist improve positive outcomes for
patients? Select all that apply.
a. Pharmacists can suggest foods that will help with the patient’s condition.
b. Pharmacists have additional information on drug interactions.
c. The pharmacist can suggest adequate medication dosing.
d. Pharmacists have firsthand knowledge of the facility formulary.
e. Pharmacy can alter prescriptions when necessary to prevent patient harm.
ANS: B , C , D
Providers should collaborate with pharmacists because they will likely have additional
information on formulary, drug interactions, and suggestions for adequate medication dosing.
Dietitians can make foods recommendations to treat the patient’s condition. The pharmacist can
contact the prescriber about questionable prescriptions, but cannot alter the prescription
without notification of and approval by the provider.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF:
p. 9TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
8. A patient presents with delirium tremens requiring Ativan administration. The provider of
care is not in the facility. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Obtain a telephone order.
b. Contact the on-call hospitalist.
c. Obtain an order from the charge nurse.
d. Wait for a written Ativan order.
ANS: A
5 | P a g eIn an emergency situation, such as delirium tremens with seizure activity, it is acceptable to
provide a telephone order. Contacting the on-call hospitalist or waiting for a written order would
take more time than available for a patient with high seizure risk. Writing an order is outside the
scope of practice for the charge nurse.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 7TOP: Nursing
Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction
of Risk Potential
9. A patient with chronic pain calls the provider’s office to request a refill on their oxycontin.
Which action is most appropriate?
a. Fax an order to the pharmacy.
b. Schedule an appointment with the patient.
c. Verify the patient’s adherence to drug regimen.
d. Determine the patient’s current medication dosage.
ANS: B
Schedule II medications are not eligible for refills, and prescriptions must be handwritten. It is
important to verify the patient’s adherence to the drug regimen and determine the current
dosage of medication; however, this can be accomplished by scheduling an appointment and
evaluating the patient in person.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 8TOP: Nursing
Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction
of Risk Potential
10. A patient prescribed amoxicillin for streptococcal pharyngitis reports new onset of a flat, itchy
red rash on the chest and neck. Which action is most important?
a. Provide a different prescription.
b. Discontinue the medication.
c. Prescribe an antihistamine cream.
d. Assess for respiratory compromise.
ANS: B
The priority action is to discontinue the medication to prevent worsening of the patient’s
symptoms. A different prescription would be provided, topical antihistamine may be
administered, and the patient would be assessed for respiratory involvement, but these
actions would not be
performed first.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 6TOP: Nursing Process:
Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk
Potential
11. A patient taking three medications for hypertension is diagnosed with COPD. Which action
should be taken prior to prescribing medications to treat COPD?
a. Obtain baseline laboratory values.
b. Obtain a complete medication history.
c. Assess liver enzyme levels.
d. Determine if patient has insurance coverage.
ANS: B
Prior to adding medications to the treatment regimen, it is essential to assess for any potential
6 | P a g edrug- drug interactions through a complete medical history. Baseline laboratory values are not
necessary for COPD treatment. Liver enzyme levels may give insight into the possibility of
altered metabolism but would not be the first action. The presence of insurance coverage would
affect the patient’s access to treatment but may not affect the type of medication prescribed.DIF:
Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 6TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX
Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
12. A patient with diabetes reports losing their job and an inability to purchase required
medications. Which action is most appropriate?
a. Provide a 7-day sample pack.
b. Decrease the daily dose by half.
c. Contact a different pharmacy.
d. Prescribe a different medication.
ANS: C
Providing a 7-day sample will address the patient’s immediate need, but will not help with the
patient’s long-term need for medication. Decreasing the daily dose will diminish the effectiveness
of the medication. Selecting a different pharmacy could decrease the cost of the medication, as
costs vary based on the location and the pharmacy dispensing the medication. Prescribing a
different medication would be the last option.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 5TOP:
Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Reduction of Risk Potential
13. A patient recently prescribed hydrocodone calls to report they are unable to fill the
prescription. Which factors could contribute to the inability to fill the prescription?
Select all that apply.
a. DEA number missing from prescription
b. Prescription sent via electronic messenger
c. Dose higher than typically prescribed
d. Prescriber license number not included
e. Patient name and date of birth were handwritten
ANS: A , B , D
In order to fill a hydrocodone prescription, the prescriber name, license number, DEA number,
and contact information must be included. Schedule II medications, such as narcotics, must be
prescribed using written prescriptions. Though the pharmacist may question the high dosing,
that would not prevent filling the prescription. The patient’s name and date of birth must be
included on the prescription, but there are no regulations that the name cannot be
handwritten.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF: pp. 6-8TOP: Nursing Process:
Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk
Potential
Chapter 3: Promoting Positive Outcomes of Drug Therapy
Multiple Choice
14. A patient reports that a medication prescribed for recurrent migraine headaches is not
working. Which action should be taken first?
7 | P a g ea. Ask the patient about the number and frequency of tablets taken.
b. Assess the patient’s headache pain on a scale from 1 to 10.
c. Report the patient’s complaint to the prescriber.
d. Suggest biofeedback as an adjunct to drug therapy.
ANS: A
When evaluating the effectiveness of a drug, it is important to determine whether the patient is
using the drug as ordered. Asking the patient to tell the nurse how many tablets are taken and
how often helps the nurse determine compliance. Assessing current pain does not yield
information about how well the medication is working unless the patient is currently taking it. The
nurse should gather as much information about compliance, symptoms, and drug effectiveness
as possible before contacting the prescriber. Biofeedback may be an effective adjunct to
treatment, but it should not be recommended without complete information about drug
effectiveness.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: pp. 15-16TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral
Therapies
15. A patient is prescribed metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis. Which patient history finding
would be most concerning?
a. Recent yeast infection
b. Family history of cervical cancer
c. Drinks two glasses of wine every night
d. Patient is currently unemployed
ANS: C
Patients taking metronidazole should be educated not to drink alcohol to prevent adverse
reactions. It would be concerning that the patient drinks wine daily. History of a yeast infection
may indicate increased risk for recurrence with administration of an antimicrobial. A family
history of cervical cancer is not related to administration of metronidazole. Unemployment can
indicate lack of insurance coverage, which may limit the patient’s ability to purchase
medications, but is not the most concerning patient finding.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ApplicationREF: p. 12TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
16. A patient is using a metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol for asthma. The medication
label instructs the patient to administer “two puffs every 4 hours as needed for coughing or
wheezing.” The patient reports feeling jittery sometimes when taking the medication, and
she doesn’t feel that the medication is always effective. Which action is most appropriate?
a. Asking the patient to demonstrate use of the inhaler
b. Assessing the patient’s exposure to tobacco smoke
c. Auscultating lung sounds and obtaining vital signs
d. Suggesting that the patient use one puff to reduce side effects
ANS: C
Asking the patient to demonstrate inhaler use helps to evaluate the patient’s ability to
administer the medication properly and is part of the nurse’s evaluation, but is not a priority
intervention based on the patient’s current report. Assessing tobacco smoke exposure helps the
nurse determine whether nondrug therapies, such as smoke avoidance, can be used as an
adjunct to drug therapy, but does not relate to the patient’s current problem. Performing a
8 | P a g ephysical assessment helps the nurse evaluate the patient’s response to the medication and
identify the presence of other side effects.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 13TOP:
Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
17. A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes is to be discharged from the hospital. Which action
should be taken first during medication education?
a. Asking the patient to demonstrate how to measure and administer insulin
b. Discussing methods of storing insulin and discarding syringes
c. Giving information about how diet and exercise affect insulin requirements
d. Teaching the patient about the long-term consequences of poor diabetes control
ANS: A
Because insulin must be given correctly to control symptoms and because an overdose can be fatal,
it is most important for the patient to know how to administer it. Asking for a demonstration of
technique is the best way to determine whether the patient has understood the teaching. When a
patient is receiving a lot of new information, the information presented first is the most likely to
be remembered. The other teaching points are important as well, but they are not as critical and
can be taught later.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 11TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
18. The drug manual states that older adult patients are at increased risk for hepatic side
effects. Which action is most important when prescribing this medication to an 80-year-old
patient?
a. Obtain pretreatment laboratory work.
b. Ensure that the drug is given in the correct dose at the correct time to minimize the risk
of adverse effects.
c. Discontinue the order; the drug is contraindicated for this patient.
d. Give the medication intravenously so that the drug does not pass through the liver.
ANS: A
The drug manual indicates that this drug should be given with caution to elderly patients.
Getting information about liver function before giving the drug establishes baseline data that can
be compared with post-treatment data to determine whether the drug is affecting the liver.
Giving the correct dose at the correct interval helps to minimize risk, but without baseline
information, the effects cannot be determined. The drug is not contraindicated.DIF: Cognitive
Level: AnalysisREF:
p. 12TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
19. A patient recently diagnosed with HIV is prescribed several medications to treat the
condition. Which factors could impact the patient’s adherence to the treatment regimen?
Select all that apply.
a. The patient is uninsured
b. The patient works three part-time jobs
c. The medication regimen includes six different pills
d. Patient has an eighth-grade reading comprehension level
e. Medication regimen requires medication be taken at regular 4-hour intervals.
9 | P a g eANS: A , B , C , E
Lack of insurance coverage can inhibit the patient from purchasing the medications, limiting his
access to treatment. Having three part-time jobs indicates that the patient has a busy schedule,
which contributes to forgetfulness and poor adherence. The more complex the medication
regimen, the more difficult it is to maintain patient adherence. Although a patient with an
eighth-grade reading comprehension level may have difficulty understanding professional
medical language, medication teaching can be adjusted to meet the patient’s learning
needs.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ComprehensionREF: pp. 13-14TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
20. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is prescribed daily lithium. Which action is most
important to determine if the therapeutic level is maintained?
a. Obtain preadministration blood work.
b. Administer medication at regular intervals.
c. Ensure periodic laboratory testing is completed.
d. Assess the patient for adverse effects.
ANS: C
Therapeutic serum levels are determined through periodic laboratory testing. Preadministration
blood work may be necessary to determine the patient’s physical condition but will not
determine therapeutic levels. Scheduling medication administration at regular intervals will help
to ensure medication is absorbed and metabolized predictably, but will not determine
therapeutic blood levels. Assessing the patient for physical signs of adverse effects does not
determine if a therapeutic level has been obtained.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p.
12TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Reduction of Risk Potential
Chapter 4: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug
Interactions
Multiple Choice
21. The nurse administers naloxone [Narcan] to a patient who has received a toxic dose of
morphine sulfate. The nurse understands that the naloxone is effective because of which
action?
a. Countering the effects of morphine sulfate by agonist actions
b. Increasing the excretion of morphine sulfate by altering serum pH
c. Preventing activation of opioid receptors through antagonist actions
d. Regulating the sensitivity of opioid receptors by neurochemical alterations
ANS: C
Naloxone acts by blocking the action of opioids at opioid receptors. An opioid agonist would
increase the effects of morphine. Naloxone does not affect serum pH or excretion of opioids.
Naloxone does not alter the sensitivity of opioid receptors.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p.
31TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
22. A patient is taking drug X and receives a new prescription for drug Y, which is listed as an
10 | P a g einducing agent. The nurse caring for this patient understands that this patient may require
doses of drug .
a. lower; X
b. lower; Y
c. higher; X
d. higher; Y
ANS: C
An inducing agent stimulates the synthesis of CYP isoenzymes, which may increase the
metabolism of other drugs as much as two- to threefold, thereby lowering the level of those
drugs in the body and requiring higher doses to maintain drug effectiveness.DIF: Cognitive
Level: ApplicationREF: p. 36TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
23. The nurse is preparing to administer penicillin G intramuscularly to a child. The child’s
parents ask why the drug cannot be given in an oral liquid form. What is the nurse’s reply?
a. “This drug causes severe gastric upset if given orally.”
b. “This drug has a narrow therapeutic range, and the dose must be tightly controlled.”
c. “This drug is absorbed much too quickly in an oral form.”
d. “This drug would be inactivated by enzymes in the stomach.”
ANS: D
Penicillin G is inactivated by digestive enzymes in the stomach and cannot be given orally. It does
not have a narrow therapeutic range.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 20TOP: Nursing
Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
24. Which statement about food and drug interactions is true?
a. Foods alter drug absorption and metabolism but not drug action.
b. Medications are best absorbed on an empty stomach.
c. Patient discomfort is the food and drug interaction of most concern.
d. Some foods can inhibit CYP isoenzymes and alter drug metabolism.
ANS: D
Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4, which lowers the metabolism of some drugs, leading to toxic
effects of drugs affected by these isoenzymes. Foods can alter all pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic processes. Not all medications are absorbed better on an empty stomach;
some require certain foods to enhance absorption. Patient comfort is a concern, but it is not as
important as more severe and possibly life-threatening food and drug interactions.DIF:
Cognitive Level:
AnalysisREF: p. 39TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
25. A nurse is teaching a patient about a drug that induces P-glycoprotein. The nurse will
explain that this drug may cause which effect on other drugs?
a. Decreased absorption in the intestines
11 | P a g eb. Decreased elimination through the kidneys
c. Increased brain exposure
d. Increased fetal absorption
ANS: B
Drugs that induce PGP can increase drug export from cells of the intestinal epithelium into the
intestinal lumen, thus decreasing absorption of the drug. PGP inducers also increase drug
elimination and decrease brain and fetal drug exposure.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p.
36TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
26. A patient claims to get better effects with a tablet of Brand X of a drug than with a tablet of
Brand Y of the same drug. Both brands contain the same amount of the active ingredient.
What does the nurse know to be most likely?
a. Advertising by pharmaceutical companies can enhance patient expectations of one
brand over another, leading to a placebo effect.
b. Because the drug preparations are chemically equivalent, the effects of the two brands
must be identical.
c. Tablets can differ in composition and can have differing rates of disintegration and
dissolution, which can alter the drug’s effects in the body.
d. The bioavailability of a drug is determined by the amount of the drug in each dose.
ANS: C
Even if two brands of a drug are chemically equivalent (i.e., they have identical amounts of the
same chemical compound), they can have different effects in the body if they differ in
bioavailability. Tablets made by different manufacturers contain different binders and fillers,
which disintegrate and dissolve at different rates and affect the bioavailability of the drug. Two
brands may be chemically equivalent and still differ in bioavailability, which is not determined by
the amount of drug in the dose.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 19TOP: Nursing
Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic
and Parenteral Therapies
27. Two nurses are discussing theories of drug-receptor interaction. Which statements are true
regarding the affinity of a drug and its receptor?
Select all that apply.
a. Affinity and intrinsic activity are dependent properties.
b. Affinity refers to the strength of the attraction between a drug and its receptor.
c. Drugs with high affinity are strongly attracted to their receptors.
d. Drugs with low affinity are strongly attracted to their receptors.
e. The affinity of a drug for its receptors is reflected in its potency.
ANS: B , C , E
Affinity refers to the strength of the attraction between a drug and its receptor. Drugs with high
affinity are strongly attracted to their receptors, and the affinity of a drug and its receptors is
reflected in its potency. Affinity and intrinsic activity are independent properties. Drugs with
low affinity are weakly attracted to their receptors.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF: pp.
30- 31TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
12 | P a g e28. A patient receives a drug that has a narrow therapeutic range. The nurse administering
this medication will expect to do what?
a. Administer the drug at intervals longer than the drug half-life.
b. Administer this medication intravenously.
c. Monitor plasma drug levels.
d. Teach the patient that maximum drug effects will occur within a short period.
ANS: C
A drug with a narrow therapeutic range is more difficult to administer safely, because the
difference between the minimum effective concentration and the toxic concentration is small.
Patients taking these medications must have their plasma drug levels monitored closely to
ensure that they are getting an effective dose that is not toxic. Administering medications at
longer intervals only increases the time required to reach effective plasma drug levels. Drugs
that have a narrow therapeutic range may be given by any route and do not differ from other
medications in the amount of time it takes for them to take effect, which is a function of a drug’s
half-life and dosing frequency.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 25TOP: Nursing
Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of
Risk Potential
29. What occurs when a drug binds to a receptor in the body?
a. It alters the receptor to become nonresponsive to its usual endogenous molecules.
b. It increases or decreases the activity of that receptor.
c. It gives the receptor a new function.
d. It prevents the action of the receptor by altering its response to chemical mediators.
ANS: B
When a drug binds to a receptor, it mimics or blocks the actions of the usual endogenous
regulatory molecules, either increasing or decreasing the rate of the physiologic activity normally
controlled
by that receptor. It does not alter the activity of the receptor and does not give the receptor a
new function.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p. 29TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC:
NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
30. A patient is receiving intravenous gentamicin. A serum drug test reveals toxic levels. The
dosing is correct, and this medication has been tolerated by this patient in the past. Which
could be a probable cause of the test result?
a. A loading dose was not given.
b. The drug was not completely dissolved in the IV solution.
c. The patient is taking another medication that binds to serum albumin.
d. The medication is being given at a frequency that is longer than its half-life.
ANS: C
Gentamicin binds to albumin, but only weakly, and in the presence of another drug that binds to
albumin, it can rise to toxic levels in blood serum. A loading dose increases the initial amount of
a drug and is used to bring drug levels to the desired plateau more quickly. A drug that is not
completely dissolved carries a risk of causing embolism. A drug given at a frequency longer than
the drug half-life will likely be at subtherapeutic levels and not at toxic levels.DIF: Cognitive
13 | P a g eLevel: AnalysisREF: p. 21TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
31. A patient reports becoming “immune” to a medication because it no longer works to alleviate
symptoms. The nurse recognizes that this decreased effectiveness is likely caused by:
a. antagonists produced by the body that compete with the drug for receptor sites.
b. decreased selectivity of receptor sites, resulting in a variety of effects.
c. desensitization of receptor sites by continual exposure to the drug.
d. synthesis of more receptor sites in response to the medication.
ANS: C
Continual exposure to an agonist would cause the cell to become less responsive or desensitized.
The body does not produce antagonists as a response to a medication. Receptor site selectivity is
determined by physiologic factors and not by the substances that bind to them. Medications do
not cause more receptors to be produced.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p. 32-33TOP:
Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
32. A patient who is taking morphine for pain asks the nurse how a pain medication can also
cause constipation. What does the nurse know about morphine?
a. It binds to different types of receptors in the body.
b. It can cause constipation in toxic doses.
c. It causes only one type of response, and the constipation is coincidental.
d. It is selective to receptors that regulate more than one body process.
ANS: D
Morphine is a medication that is selective to receptor type that regulates more than one process.
Because it is selective to receptor type, it does not bind to different types of receptors. Constipation
is a normal side effect and is not significant for toxicity.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p.
35TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
33. The nurse is administering morning medications. The nurse gives a patient multiple
medications, two of which compete for plasma albumin receptor sites. As a result of this
concurrent administration, the nurse can anticipate that what might occur?
Select all that apply.
a. Binding of one or both agents will be reduced.
b. Plasma levels of free drug will rise.
c. Plasma levels of free drug will fall.
d. The increase in free drug will intensify effects.
e. The increase in bound drug will intensify effects.
ANS: A , B , D
When two drugs bind to the same site on plasma albumin, coadministration of those drugs
produces competition for binding. As a result, binding of one or both agents is reduced, causing
plasma levels of free drug to rise. The increase in free drug can intensify the effect, but it usually
undergoes rapid elimination. The increase in plasma levels of free drug is rarely sustained.DIF:
14 | P a g eCognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p. 36TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
34. When administering medications to infants, it is important to remember which of the
following?
Select all that apply.
a. Breast-feeding infants are more likely to develop toxicity when given lipid-soluble drugs.
b. Immaturity of renal function in infancy causes infants to excrete drugs less efficiently.
c. Infants have immature livers, which slows drug metabolism.
d. Infants are more sensitive to medications that act on the central nervous system (CNS).
e. Oral medications are contraindicated in infants, because PO administration requires
a cooperative patient.
ANS: B , C , D
Immature renal function causes infants to excrete drugs more slowly, and infants are at risk for
toxicity until renal function is well developed. Infants’ livers are not completely developed, and
they are less able to metabolize drugs efficiently. Because the blood-brain barrier is not well
developed in infants, caution must be used when administering CNS drugs. Lipid-soluble drugs
may be excreted in breast milk if the mother is taking them, but breastfeeding does not affect
medications given directly to the infant. Oral medications may be given safely to infants as long
as they are awake and can swallow the drug.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF: "pp.
20,22,24"TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Chapter 5: Adverse Drug Reactions and Medication Errors
Multiple Choice
35. A nursing student is preparing to give a medication that has a boxed warning. The student
asks the nurse what this means. What will the nurse explain about boxed warnings?
a. They indicate that a drug should not be given except in life-threatening circumstances.
b. They provide detailed information about the adverse effects of the drug.
c. They alert prescribers to measures to mitigate potential harm from side effects.
d. They provide information about antidotes in the event that toxicity occurs.
ANS: C
Boxed warnings (also known as black box warnings) are used to alert providers to potential side
effects and to ways to prevent or reduce harm from these side effects. A boxed warning is placed
on any drug that, although useful, has serious side effects; this is a way to keep drugs on the
market while protecting patients. Many of these drugs are used in situations that are not life-
threatening. The boxed warning provides a concise summary and not a detailed explanation of
drug side effects. The boxed warning does not include antidotes to toxicity.DIF: Cognitive Level:
AnalysisREF: p. 45TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
36. A nurse is preparing to administer a drug. Upon reading the medication guide, the nurse
notes that the drug has been linked to symptoms of Parkinson disease in some patients. What
will the nurse do?
15 | P a g ea. Ask the patient to report these symptoms, which are known to be teratogenic effects.
b. Observe the patient closely for such symptoms and prepare to treat them if needed.
c. Request an order to evaluate the patient’s genetic predisposition to this effect.
d. Warn the patient about these effects and provide reassurance that this is expected.
ANS: B
A drug that causes disease-like symptoms is known to be iatrogenic. Nurses should be prepared
for this possibility and be prepared to withdraw the drug if necessary and treat the symptoms.
Such
effects are not teratogenic, since teratogenic effects affect the fetus. Patients with a genetic
predisposition to respond differently to drugs are known to have idiosyncratic effects. Iatrogenic
effects, even when known, are not typically expected side effects.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ApplicationREF: pp. 41-42TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
37. Which patients are at increased risk for adverse drug
events? Select all that apply.
a. A 2-month-old infant taking a medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease
b. A 23-year-old female taking an antibiotic for the first time
c. A 40-year-old male who is intubated in the intensive care unit and taking antibiotics
and cardiac medications
d. A 7-year-old female receiving insulin for diabetes
e. An 80-year-old male taking medications for COPD
ANS: A , C , E
Patients at increased risk for adverse drug events include the very young, the very old, and those
who have serious illnesses. Females, children, and young adults taking single medications do not
have increased risk for adverse events.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: "pp. 42,46"TOP:
Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Reduction of Risk Potential
38. A nurse provides teaching to a patient who will begin taking a drug with a known risk of
hepatotoxicity. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a. “I should avoid taking acetaminophen while taking this drug.”
b. “I will need periodic evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine
aminotransferase levels.”
c. “If I experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, I should call my provider.”
d. “Routine testing and early detection of problems will prevent liver failure.”
ANS: D
Drug-induced liver injury can progress from undetectable to advanced between routine tests;
therefore, routine testing does not always prevent liver failure. Patients taking known
hepatotoxic drugs should avoid other drugs, such as acetaminophen, that can cause liver
damage. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are liver
enzymes that are routinely monitored when a patient is taking hepatotoxic drugs. Nausea,
vomiting, and abdominal pain are signs of liver injury and should be reported.DIF: Cognitive
Level: ApplicationREF: p. 44TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs
Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
16 | P a g e39. A nurse is reviewing a medication administration record before administering medications.
Which order will the nurse implement?
a. Furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg QD PO
b. Furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg qd PO
c. Furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg daily
d. Furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg PO daily
ANS: D
The correct answer is a complete order; it contains the medication, dose, route, and time. “qd” is
no longer an accepted abbreviation; it should be written out as “daily” or “every day.” The order
of “20 mg daily” does not specify the route to be used.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: p.
48TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Reduction of Risk Potential
40. A patient is given a new medication and reports nausea within an hour after taking the drug.
The nurse consults the drug information manual and learns that nausea is not an expected
adverse effect of this drug. When the next dose is due, what will the nurse do?
a. Administer the drug and tell the patient to report further nausea.
b. Hold the drug and notify the provider of the patient’s symptoms.
c. Report the symptoms of nausea to the MEDWATCH program.
d. Request an order for an antiemetic to counter this drug’s effects.
ANS: A
Not all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can be detected during clinical trials, and nurses should
be alert to any effects that may result from drug administration. Because nausea is not a serious
effect and because it is not yet known whether the drug is the cause of this patient’s nausea, the
nurse should administer the medication and observe the patient for recurrence of the symptom.
It is not necessary to hold the drug, because nausea is not a serious side effect. The MEDWATCH
program should be notified when there is a greater suspicion that the drug may have caused the
nausea if the nausea occurs with subsequent doses. Until there is greater suspicion that the drug
actually caused this patient’s nausea, giving an antiemetic is not indicated.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ApplicationREF: p. 42TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
41. A nurse is preparing to give an antibiotic to a patient who reports being allergic to
antibiotics. Before giving the medication, what will the nurse do first?
a. Ask whether the patient has taken this antibiotic for other infections
b. Question the patient about allergies to other medications
c. Request an order for a lower dose of the antibiotic
d. Request an order for an antihistamine
ANS: A
The nurse needs to assess whether the patient is truly allergic to this drug. Allergic reactions
require previous exposure to the drug, so the nurse should ask whether the patient has taken this
antibiotic before. If a patient is allergic to a drug, lowering the dose will not decrease the risk of
allergic reaction. Antihistamines sometimes are given when patients must take a drug to which
they are allergic.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 41TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
17 | P a g e42. A patient is taking sertraline [Zoloft] for depression, and the provider orders azithromycin
[Zithromax] to treat an infection. What will the nurse do?
a. Contact the provider to discuss an alternative to azithromycin.
b. Request an order for a different antidepressant medication.
c. Request an order to reduce the dose of sertraline.
d. Withhold the sertraline while giving the azithromycin.
ANS: A
Both sertraline and azithromycin prolong the QT interval, and when taken together, they
increase the risk of fatal dysrhythmias. Because the antibiotic is used for a short time, it is correct to
consider using a different antibiotic. Reducing the dose of sertraline does not alter the combined
effects of two drugs that lengthen the QT interval. Sertraline should not be stopped abruptly, so
withholding it during antibiotic therapy is not indicated.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF:
p. 44TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
43. A patient is given a drug for the first time and develops shortness of breath. The patient’s
heart rate is 76 beats/minute, the respiratory rate is 20 breaths/minute, and the blood
pressure is 120/70 mm Hg. The nurse checks a drug administration manual to make sure the
correct dose was given and learns that some patients taking the drug experience shortness of
breath. The nurse will contact the provider to report what?
a. An allergic reaction
b. An idiosyncratic effect
c. An iatrogenic response
d. A side effect
ANS: D
A side effect is a secondary drug effect produced at therapeutic doses. This patient received the
correct dose of the drug and developed shortness of breath, which, in this case, is a drug side effect.
To experience an allergic reaction, a patient must have prior exposure to a drug and
sensitization of the immune response. An idiosyncratic effect results from a genetic
predisposition to an uncommon drug response. An iatrogenic response occurs when a drug
causes symptoms of a disease.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 41TOP: Nursing
Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction
of Risk Potential
44. Which are effective ways to help prevent medication errors?
Select all that apply.
a. Developing non-punitive approaches to track errors
b. Focusing on caregivers who make errors
c. Helping patients to be active, informed members of the healthcare team
d. Naming, blaming, and shaming those who make errors
e. Using electronic medical order entry systems
ANS: A , C , E
To help prevent medication errors, it is important to create an environment for tracking errors
that is non-punitive so that caregivers can learn from mistakes and work together to change
18 | P a g esystems appropriately. Helping patients be active, informed members of the healthcare team is a
useful tool in this process. Using electronic order entry helps eliminate confusion from poor
handwriting and allows built-in systems to warn caregivers about possible overdoses, side
effects, and drug interactions; it also helps ensure the right dose at the right time to the right
patient. An approach that focuses on those who make mistakes by naming, blaming, and
shaming is not productive and often results in personnel who cover up mistakes instead of
working to make things better.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: pp. 46-47TOP: Nursing
Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic
and Parenteral Therapies
45. A patient is taking a drug that has known toxic side effects. What will the nurse do?
a. Discontinue the drug at the first signs of toxicity.
b. Ensure that complete blood counts are ordered periodically.
c. Monitor the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug.
d. Teach the patient how to treat the symptoms if they develop.
ANS: C
When a drug is administered that has known toxic side effects, the nurse is responsible for
monitoring all organ systems potentially affected by the drug. Not all toxic side effects warrant
discontinuation of the drug, and a nurse cannot discontinue a drug without an order from the
provider. Complete blood counts are indicated only for drugs that affect the blood. Some drugs
need to be discontinued, so teaching a patient to treat symptoms is not correct in all cases.DIF:
Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: pp. 42-43TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX
Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
46. A patient is being discharged after surgery. During the admission history, the nurse learned
that the patient normally consumes two or three glasses of wine each day. The prescriber has
ordered hydrocodone with acetaminophen [Lortab] for pain. What will the nurse do?
a. Request an order for acetaminophen without hydrocodone for pain.
b. Suggest that the patient use ibuprofen for pain.
c. Tell the patient not to drink wine while taking Lortab.
d. Tell the patient to limit wine intake to one or two glasses per day.
ANS: C
Combining a hepatotoxic drug with certain other drugs may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
When even therapeutic doses of acetaminophen are taken with alcohol, the acetaminophen can
cause liver damage. Patients should be cautioned not to drink alcohol; even two drinks with
acetaminophen can produce this effect. Hydrocodone does not contribute to hepatotoxicity.
Ibuprofen is not indicated for post-operative pain unless the pain is mild. Limiting wine to one
or two glasses per day still increases the risk of hepatotoxicity.DIF: Cognitive Level:
ApplicationREF: p. 42TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
47. Which actions occur in 90% of fatal medication
errors? Select all that apply.
a. Confusing drugs with similar packaging
b. Giving a drug intravenously instead of intramuscularly
19 | P a g ec. Giving Nasarel instead of Nizoral
d. Using an infusion device that malfunctions
e. Writing a prescription illegibly
ANS: B , C , E
Ninety percent of fatal medication errors fall into three categories: human factors,
communication mistakes, and name confusion. Giving a drug IV (intravenously) instead of IM
(intramuscularly) is an example of a human factor; writing a prescription so that it is illegible is
an example of a communication mistake; and giving a drug with a name that sounds like the
name of another drug is an example of name confusion. Confusion of drugs with similar
packaging and using a faulty device also can cause fatal drug errors, but these factors do not fall
into the categories that account for 90% of fatal errors.DIF: Cognitive Level: AnalysisREF: pp.
45-46TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic
Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
Chapter 6: Individual Variation in Drug Responses
Multiple Choice
48. A nurse is caring for a woman with breast cancer who is receiving tamoxifen. A review of this
patient’s chart reveals a deficiency of the CYP2D6 gene. The nurse will contact the provider
to suggest:
a. a different medication.
b. an increased dose.
c. a reduced dose.
d. serum drug levels.
ANS: A
Women with a deficiency of the CYP2D6 gene lack the ability to convert tamoxifen to its active
form, endoxifen, and will not benefit from this drug. Another drug should be used to treat this
patient’s breast cancer. Increasing the dose, reducing the dose, or monitoring serum drug levels
will not make this drug more effective in these women.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p.
53TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity:
Reduction of Risk Potential
49. Which groups of people are especially sensitive to medication effects?
Select all that apply.
a. Older adults
b. Caucasians
c. Infants
d. Minorities
e. Women
ANS: A , C
Older adults and infants are the two groups most sensitive to drugs because of differences in
organs that absorb, metabolize, and excrete drugs. In the older adult, organ degeneration
accounts for these differences, whereas in infants the differences are related to organ
immaturity. Racial and gender differences tend to be related to genetic differences and not race
and gender per se. These groups are more sensitive to drug effects in some cases and less
sensitive in other cases.DIF: Cognitive Level: ComprehensionREF: p. 51TOP: Nursing Process:
Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and
20 | P a g eParenteral Therapies
50. A post-operative patient who is worried about pain control will be discharged several days
after surgery. The nurse providing discharge teaching tells the patient that the prescribed
Lortab is not as strong as the morphine the patient was given in the immediate post-
operative period. Which response is the patient likely to experience?
a. A decreased likelihood of filling the prescription for the drug
b. A negative placebo effect when taking the medication
c. An increased compliance with the drug regimen
d. Optimistic, realistic expectations about the drug
ANS: B
The full extent of placebo effects, if they truly occur, is not well documented or understood,
although a decrease in pain as a placebo effect has been demonstrated to some extent. To foster
a beneficial placebo effect, it is important for all members of the healthcare team to present an
optimistic and realistic assessment of the effects of the drug the patient is taking. If the nurse
tells an anxious patient that the medication being given is not as strong as what has been given,
the patient is likely to have lowered expectations of the effectiveness of the drug, causing a
negative placebo effect. Lowered expectations do not mean that the patient will give up on the
drug entirely; in fact, the patient may actually fill the prescription and then take more drug than
what is prescribed to get a better effect.DIF: Cognitive Level: ApplicationREF: p. 52TOP: Nursing
Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic
and Parenteral Therapies
51. A patient has been taking narcotic analgesics for chronic pain for several months. The nurse
caring for this patient notes that the prescribed dose is higher than the recommended dose.
The patient has normal vital signs, is awake and alert, and reports mild pain. What does the
nurse recognize about this patient?
a. This patient exhibits a negative placebo effect with a reduced response to the drug.
b. This patient has developed a reaction known as tachyphylaxis because of repeated
exposure to the drug.
c. This patient has developed pharmacodynamic tolerance, which has increased the
minimal effective concentration (MEC) needed for analgesic effect.
d. This patient produces higher than normal hepatic enzymes as a result of prolonged
exposure to the drug.
ANS: C
Pharmacodynamic tolerance results when a patient takes a drug over a period of time. Adaptive
processes occur in response to chronic receptor occupation. The result is that the body requires
increased drug, or an increased MEC, to achieve the same effect. This patient is getting adequate
pain relief,
