,Chapter 01 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is preparing to administer a newly prescribed oral
antihypertensive to a patient. Which initial action best reflects
the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Explain expected side effects to the patient.
B. Check the patient's current blood pressure and heart rate.
C. Administer the medication as ordered.
D. Document medication given and time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: B. Checking current blood pressure and heart rate
gathers baseline clinical data needed before medication
administration and is a core assessment action linking
pharmacologic effect to patient status.
• A. Explaining side effects is patient education
(implementation), not the initial assessment.
• C. Administering medication is an implementation step and
inappropriate before assessment.
• D. Documentation occurs after intervention; it does not
substitute baseline assessment.
Teaching Point: Always assess baseline vitals before
administering drugs that affect cardiovascular status.
, 2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS
Title: USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem: A patient reports new-onset tinnitus after starting high-
dose aspirin. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the
nurse’s best next action?
A. Continue medication and reassess next week.
B. Notify the prescriber and hold the next dose pending
instructions.
C. Document the complaint and administer PRN pain
medication.
D. Tell the patient tinnitus is a normal expectation and provide
reassurance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: B. New-onset tinnitus suggests aspirin toxicity or
adverse effect; communicating with the prescriber and
holding the dose demonstrates clinical judgment and
patient safety.
• A. Waiting risks harm if the symptom indicates toxicity.
, • C. Documentation is necessary but insufficient; immediate
action and communication are required.
• D. Minimizing a possibly toxic sign is unsafe and neglects
clinical judgment.
Teaching Point: Report and hold doses when new adverse
effects suggest potential toxicity.
3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS
Title: USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem: During medication reconciliation, the LPN notes a patient
takes an OTC herbal supplement that may potentiate warfarin.
Applying clinical judgment, the nurse should:
A. Instruct the patient to stop all supplements immediately.
B. Document the supplement and inform the prescriber of
potential interaction.
C. Assume OTC supplements are harmless and ignore the
finding.
D. Double the warfarin dose to maintain therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is preparing to administer a newly prescribed oral
antihypertensive to a patient. Which initial action best reflects
the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Explain expected side effects to the patient.
B. Check the patient's current blood pressure and heart rate.
C. Administer the medication as ordered.
D. Document medication given and time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: B. Checking current blood pressure and heart rate
gathers baseline clinical data needed before medication
administration and is a core assessment action linking
pharmacologic effect to patient status.
• A. Explaining side effects is patient education
(implementation), not the initial assessment.
• C. Administering medication is an implementation step and
inappropriate before assessment.
• D. Documentation occurs after intervention; it does not
substitute baseline assessment.
Teaching Point: Always assess baseline vitals before
administering drugs that affect cardiovascular status.
, 2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS
Title: USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem: A patient reports new-onset tinnitus after starting high-
dose aspirin. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the
nurse’s best next action?
A. Continue medication and reassess next week.
B. Notify the prescriber and hold the next dose pending
instructions.
C. Document the complaint and administer PRN pain
medication.
D. Tell the patient tinnitus is a normal expectation and provide
reassurance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: B. New-onset tinnitus suggests aspirin toxicity or
adverse effect; communicating with the prescriber and
holding the dose demonstrates clinical judgment and
patient safety.
• A. Waiting risks harm if the symptom indicates toxicity.
, • C. Documentation is necessary but insufficient; immediate
action and communication are required.
• D. Minimizing a possibly toxic sign is unsafe and neglects
clinical judgment.
Teaching Point: Report and hold doses when new adverse
effects suggest potential toxicity.
3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS
Title: USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem: During medication reconciliation, the LPN notes a patient
takes an OTC herbal supplement that may potentiate warfarin.
Applying clinical judgment, the nurse should:
A. Instruct the patient to stop all supplements immediately.
B. Document the supplement and inform the prescriber of
potential interaction.
C. Assume OTC supplements are harmless and ignore the
finding.
D. Double the warfarin dose to maintain therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
