GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
NUR 155 — Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR 155 — Exam 4 Review Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank
Question 1
What system is used in KY for tracking controlled substances?
A. CASPER
B. KASPER
C. ASPEN
D. TRACER
CORRECT ANSWER A. CASPER
RATIONALE
CASPER is the system used in Kentucky for tracking controlled substances. It allows healthcare
providers to monitor prescription drug use and prevent abuse. The other options are not
associated with Kentucky's tracking system.
, Question 2
Who writes medication orders?
A. Nurses
B. Physicians
C. Pharmacists
D. Physical therapists
CORRECT ANSWER B. Physicians
RATIONALE
Physicians (and other authorized providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants)
write medication orders. Nurses administer medications but do not write orders. Pharmacists
dispense but do not prescribe.
Question 3
What are drug side effects?
A. Unexpected, deadly reactions
B. Secondary effects that are expected and may be harmless or potentially harmful
C. Harmful effects from overdose
D. Allergic reactions
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Secondary effects that are expected and may be harmless or potentially harmful
RATIONALE
Side effects are secondary effects of a drug that are expected and can be treated. They may be
harmless or potentially harmful. Adverse reactions are unexpected and may justify discontinuation,
while drug toxicity results from overdose or buildup.
, Question 4
What is the process by which a drug is converted to a less active form, mostly in the
liver?
A. Absorption
B. Distribution
C. Biotransformation (metabolism)
D. Excretion
CORRECT ANSWER C. Biotransformation (metabolism)
RATIONALE
Biotransformation, or metabolism, is the process by which a drug is converted to a less active
form, primarily in the liver. The products are called metabolites. Absorption is the first step,
distribution transports the drug, and excretion eliminates it.
Question 5
Which route of medication administration is considered the safest and most
convenient?
A. Intravenous
B. Subcutaneous
C. Oral
D. Intramuscular
CORRECT ANSWER C. Oral
RATIONALE
The oral route is the safest and most convenient because it does not break the skin barrier, is non-
invasive, and is easily self-administered. It is the preferred route when possible. IV, IM, and SubQ
are parenteral routes that are more invasive.
, Question 6
When administering a transdermal patch, what should you do with the old patch?
A. Discard it in the regular trash
B. Wrap it in a glove and put it in a sharps container
C. Flush it down the toilet
D. Leave it on the patient's skin
CORRECT ANSWER B. Wrap it in a glove and put it in a sharps container
RATIONALE
Used transdermal patches still contain medication and should be disposed of properly. Wrap the
patch in a glove and place it in a sharps container to prevent accidental exposure. Rotate
application sites to prevent skin irritation.
Question 7
What does a STAT medication order mean?
A. As needed
B. One time only
C. Within 15 minutes, as soon as possible
D. At the next scheduled time
CORRECT ANSWER C. Within 15 minutes, as soon as possible
RATIONALE
A STAT order means the medication should be given within 15 minutes, as soon as possible. This is
used for urgent situations. PRN means as needed, single order is one time only, and standing
order is used in emergencies.
NUR 155 — Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR 155 — Exam 4 Review Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank
Question 1
What system is used in KY for tracking controlled substances?
A. CASPER
B. KASPER
C. ASPEN
D. TRACER
CORRECT ANSWER A. CASPER
RATIONALE
CASPER is the system used in Kentucky for tracking controlled substances. It allows healthcare
providers to monitor prescription drug use and prevent abuse. The other options are not
associated with Kentucky's tracking system.
, Question 2
Who writes medication orders?
A. Nurses
B. Physicians
C. Pharmacists
D. Physical therapists
CORRECT ANSWER B. Physicians
RATIONALE
Physicians (and other authorized providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants)
write medication orders. Nurses administer medications but do not write orders. Pharmacists
dispense but do not prescribe.
Question 3
What are drug side effects?
A. Unexpected, deadly reactions
B. Secondary effects that are expected and may be harmless or potentially harmful
C. Harmful effects from overdose
D. Allergic reactions
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Secondary effects that are expected and may be harmless or potentially harmful
RATIONALE
Side effects are secondary effects of a drug that are expected and can be treated. They may be
harmless or potentially harmful. Adverse reactions are unexpected and may justify discontinuation,
while drug toxicity results from overdose or buildup.
, Question 4
What is the process by which a drug is converted to a less active form, mostly in the
liver?
A. Absorption
B. Distribution
C. Biotransformation (metabolism)
D. Excretion
CORRECT ANSWER C. Biotransformation (metabolism)
RATIONALE
Biotransformation, or metabolism, is the process by which a drug is converted to a less active
form, primarily in the liver. The products are called metabolites. Absorption is the first step,
distribution transports the drug, and excretion eliminates it.
Question 5
Which route of medication administration is considered the safest and most
convenient?
A. Intravenous
B. Subcutaneous
C. Oral
D. Intramuscular
CORRECT ANSWER C. Oral
RATIONALE
The oral route is the safest and most convenient because it does not break the skin barrier, is non-
invasive, and is easily self-administered. It is the preferred route when possible. IV, IM, and SubQ
are parenteral routes that are more invasive.
, Question 6
When administering a transdermal patch, what should you do with the old patch?
A. Discard it in the regular trash
B. Wrap it in a glove and put it in a sharps container
C. Flush it down the toilet
D. Leave it on the patient's skin
CORRECT ANSWER B. Wrap it in a glove and put it in a sharps container
RATIONALE
Used transdermal patches still contain medication and should be disposed of properly. Wrap the
patch in a glove and place it in a sharps container to prevent accidental exposure. Rotate
application sites to prevent skin irritation.
Question 7
What does a STAT medication order mean?
A. As needed
B. One time only
C. Within 15 minutes, as soon as possible
D. At the next scheduled time
CORRECT ANSWER C. Within 15 minutes, as soon as possible
RATIONALE
A STAT order means the medication should be given within 15 minutes, as soon as possible. This is
used for urgent situations. PRN means as needed, single order is one time only, and standing
order is used in emergencies.
