1|Page
NLN MEDICATION EXAM 2024 WITH
ACTUAL CORRECT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED DETAILED ANSWERS
|FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS |ALREADY GRADED A+
|NEWEST|GUARANTEED PASS |LATEST
UPDATE
Hepatitis A
Cause: enterovirus
At risk: young children, institutionalized people, healthcare personnel
Transmission: fecal-oral, ingestion of food or liquids contaminated, person-to-person contact
Incubation: 3-5 weeks
Infectious: usually 2 weeks before the onset of jaundice and 1 week after onset of jaundice
S/S: may have no symptoms initially
Complications: fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis B
At risk: IV drug users, people on hemodialysis, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 6-24 weeks
S/S: progression of symptoms is more insidious and prolonged than Hepatitis A virus; initially
asymptomatic
1 week to 2 months of prodromal symptoms - fatigue, anorexia, transient fever, abdominal discomfort,
N/V, HA and then expanding to hepatic S/S, photophobia, angioedema, rash, vasculitis, jaundice in
icteric phase
Complications: cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis C
At Risk: IV drug users; people receiving frequent transfusions, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 5-10 weeks
S/S: like Hep B but less severe (fatigue, anorexia, transient fever, abdominal discomfort, N/V, HA and
then expanding to hepatic S/S, photophobia, angioedema, rash, vasculitis, jaundice in icteric phase)
Complications: chronic liver disease, cirrhosis
Hepatitis D
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Causes: occurs only with hepatitis B and only causes problems with an acute Hep B infection
At risk: common in Middle East, South Africa, and Mediterranean; IV drug users; people on
hemodialysis, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 7-8 weeks
Hep D along with Hep B causes superinfection and worsening of condition and rapid progression of
cirrhosis
Complications: cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis E
Cause: waterborne virus
At risk: travel to areas where sewage disposal is inadequate and/or people bathe in contmainated rivers;
higher risk with higher mortality - women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy
Transmission: fecal-oral, ingestion of food or liquids contaminated, person-to-person contact
Incubation: 3-5 weeks
Incubation: 2-9 weeks
Complications: maternal and fetal demise
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Antiviral (used for HSV,Herpes Zoster, and Varicella)
Oral, IV, Topical
HSV - does not eradicate latent herpes. Reduces shedding and formation of new lesions and speeds
healing over time
Decreases symptoms with varicella zoster
Side Effects: HA, dizziness, seizure, N/V, diarrhea, acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia purpura,
hemolytic uremia syndrome
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: nephrotoxicity
Even after HSV is controlled, latent virus can be activated by stress, trauma,fever, exposure to sunlight,
and sexual intercourse
Refrain from sex if s/s of herpes
Alteplase Recombinant (Activase)
Thrombolytic agent
Dissovles or breaks down clots to reestablish perfusion
Indicated for those at risk of developing thrombus w/ resultant ischemia like MI, ischemic stroke, arterial
thrombosis, DVT, and PE
Also for occlusion of catheters
Side Effects: Hemorrhage, N/V, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias
- Mostly dose-related
,3|Page
Watch for s/s of bleeding, VS changes, & s/s of impending shock
If bleeding is occurring stop treatment and notify doctor - may start on FFP and PRBC
Aminocarponic acid (Amicar) may be ordered for OD or excess bleeding
Do not give with pregnancy, active bleeding, recent hx of CVA, and uncontrolled HTN
IM medication route is contraindicated
Do not take NSAIDs or Aspirin because of enhanced bleeding
Cath-flo Activase
for occluded catheters
Aminocarponic Acid (Amicar)
Used for overdose of alteplase recombinant or excessive bleeding
Aluminum Hydroxide (Amphogel)
Antacid - neutralizes gastric acid
Antiflatulent to alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating
Side Effects: increases gastric pH, decreases absorption of other drugs like dig, antibiotics, and iron
supplements
Toxicity: dementia, hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, worsening of HTN, HF from increased intake
Given 2 hours apart from other drugs where interaction may occur.
Observe for s/s altered PO4 levels, anorexia, muscle weakness, malaise
Increase fluid, exercise, and fiber to prevent constipation
Contraindications: abdominal pain, N/V, diarrhea, severe renal dysfunction, fecal impaction, rectal
bleeding, colostomy, ileostomy, dehydration, hpercalcemia, and hypercalciuria
Ampicillin (Ampicin)
IV, PO, IM antibiotic (aminopenicillin)
Treats bacterial infections
- Commonly used with shigella, salmonella, E. coli, H. influenza, N. gonorrhea, N. meningitis, and gram
positive organisms
Allergic Rxn: skin rash, utricaria, swelling, pruritus, angioedema
Severe Allergy: hives, wheezing, anaphylaxsis
Side Effects: GI, N/V, abdominal pain , pruritus rash like measles
Do not give with fruit juice, milk, or caronated beverages (poor absorption)
Watch for hypokalemia
, 4|Page
Take on empty stomach
May not be necessary to stop tx if mild diarrhea develops
Give yogurt or buttermilk to restore normal flora
Contraindications:
- HS to any penicillin's (use cautiously if hx of HS to cephalosporins)
- Exfoliated dermatitis
- Loop diuretics - exacerbate hypokalemia and rash
- K-sparing Diuretics - may contribute to hyperkalemia
Atropine Sulfate
Anticholinergic (Parkinson's) and for ophthalmic use
Systemic effect is more pronounced in infants and children w/ blue eyes/blonde hair
Increased risk of toxicity w/ Down Syndrome
Used to increase HR, decreases involuntary movement/rigidity in PD
Given pre-op to decrease secretions and prevent aspiration of secretions while under anesthesia
Used for inflammation of the iris and uveal tract
Side Effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention/hesitancy, HA, dizziness
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: paralytic ileus
- Tx overdose (resp. depression and circulatory collapse) symptomatically
Adverse Effects w/ eye use: transient stinging, increases IOP, photophobia
Monitor dosage of meds carefully - overdoses easily
Assess constipation and urinary retention - increase fluids & bulk, exercise; assess bowel sounds to r/o
paralytic ileus
Avoid driving or other hazardous activities - drowsiness can occur
Acute glaucoma can be precipitated by papillary dilation - if not recognized and treated acute glaucoma
can --> blindness
Wear dark sunglasses and avoid bright light for photophobia
Monitor intraocular pressure and vision
Beclomethasone Diproprionate (Beclovent)
Inhaled corticosteriod medication (also nasal inhalant - Beconase)
Used in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis
Side Effects: pharyngeal irritation and sore throat, coughing, dry mouth, oral fungal infections and
sinusitis
- Increased susceptibility to infection, dermatological effects and osteoporosis, diarrhea, N/V, HA, fever,
dizziness, angioedema, rash, utricaria, and paradoxical bronchospasm
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: adrenocortical insufficiency, f/e disturbances, nervous system effects and
endocrine effects if absorbed systemically
NLN MEDICATION EXAM 2024 WITH
ACTUAL CORRECT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED DETAILED ANSWERS
|FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS |ALREADY GRADED A+
|NEWEST|GUARANTEED PASS |LATEST
UPDATE
Hepatitis A
Cause: enterovirus
At risk: young children, institutionalized people, healthcare personnel
Transmission: fecal-oral, ingestion of food or liquids contaminated, person-to-person contact
Incubation: 3-5 weeks
Infectious: usually 2 weeks before the onset of jaundice and 1 week after onset of jaundice
S/S: may have no symptoms initially
Complications: fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis B
At risk: IV drug users, people on hemodialysis, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 6-24 weeks
S/S: progression of symptoms is more insidious and prolonged than Hepatitis A virus; initially
asymptomatic
1 week to 2 months of prodromal symptoms - fatigue, anorexia, transient fever, abdominal discomfort,
N/V, HA and then expanding to hepatic S/S, photophobia, angioedema, rash, vasculitis, jaundice in
icteric phase
Complications: cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis C
At Risk: IV drug users; people receiving frequent transfusions, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 5-10 weeks
S/S: like Hep B but less severe (fatigue, anorexia, transient fever, abdominal discomfort, N/V, HA and
then expanding to hepatic S/S, photophobia, angioedema, rash, vasculitis, jaundice in icteric phase)
Complications: chronic liver disease, cirrhosis
Hepatitis D
,2|Page
Causes: occurs only with hepatitis B and only causes problems with an acute Hep B infection
At risk: common in Middle East, South Africa, and Mediterranean; IV drug users; people on
hemodialysis, healthcare personnel
Transmission: blood and bodily fluids; contaminated needles, parenteral; sexual activity
Incubation: 7-8 weeks
Hep D along with Hep B causes superinfection and worsening of condition and rapid progression of
cirrhosis
Complications: cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis
Hepatitis E
Cause: waterborne virus
At risk: travel to areas where sewage disposal is inadequate and/or people bathe in contmainated rivers;
higher risk with higher mortality - women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy
Transmission: fecal-oral, ingestion of food or liquids contaminated, person-to-person contact
Incubation: 3-5 weeks
Incubation: 2-9 weeks
Complications: maternal and fetal demise
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Antiviral (used for HSV,Herpes Zoster, and Varicella)
Oral, IV, Topical
HSV - does not eradicate latent herpes. Reduces shedding and formation of new lesions and speeds
healing over time
Decreases symptoms with varicella zoster
Side Effects: HA, dizziness, seizure, N/V, diarrhea, acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia purpura,
hemolytic uremia syndrome
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: nephrotoxicity
Even after HSV is controlled, latent virus can be activated by stress, trauma,fever, exposure to sunlight,
and sexual intercourse
Refrain from sex if s/s of herpes
Alteplase Recombinant (Activase)
Thrombolytic agent
Dissovles or breaks down clots to reestablish perfusion
Indicated for those at risk of developing thrombus w/ resultant ischemia like MI, ischemic stroke, arterial
thrombosis, DVT, and PE
Also for occlusion of catheters
Side Effects: Hemorrhage, N/V, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias
- Mostly dose-related
,3|Page
Watch for s/s of bleeding, VS changes, & s/s of impending shock
If bleeding is occurring stop treatment and notify doctor - may start on FFP and PRBC
Aminocarponic acid (Amicar) may be ordered for OD or excess bleeding
Do not give with pregnancy, active bleeding, recent hx of CVA, and uncontrolled HTN
IM medication route is contraindicated
Do not take NSAIDs or Aspirin because of enhanced bleeding
Cath-flo Activase
for occluded catheters
Aminocarponic Acid (Amicar)
Used for overdose of alteplase recombinant or excessive bleeding
Aluminum Hydroxide (Amphogel)
Antacid - neutralizes gastric acid
Antiflatulent to alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating
Side Effects: increases gastric pH, decreases absorption of other drugs like dig, antibiotics, and iron
supplements
Toxicity: dementia, hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, worsening of HTN, HF from increased intake
Given 2 hours apart from other drugs where interaction may occur.
Observe for s/s altered PO4 levels, anorexia, muscle weakness, malaise
Increase fluid, exercise, and fiber to prevent constipation
Contraindications: abdominal pain, N/V, diarrhea, severe renal dysfunction, fecal impaction, rectal
bleeding, colostomy, ileostomy, dehydration, hpercalcemia, and hypercalciuria
Ampicillin (Ampicin)
IV, PO, IM antibiotic (aminopenicillin)
Treats bacterial infections
- Commonly used with shigella, salmonella, E. coli, H. influenza, N. gonorrhea, N. meningitis, and gram
positive organisms
Allergic Rxn: skin rash, utricaria, swelling, pruritus, angioedema
Severe Allergy: hives, wheezing, anaphylaxsis
Side Effects: GI, N/V, abdominal pain , pruritus rash like measles
Do not give with fruit juice, milk, or caronated beverages (poor absorption)
Watch for hypokalemia
, 4|Page
Take on empty stomach
May not be necessary to stop tx if mild diarrhea develops
Give yogurt or buttermilk to restore normal flora
Contraindications:
- HS to any penicillin's (use cautiously if hx of HS to cephalosporins)
- Exfoliated dermatitis
- Loop diuretics - exacerbate hypokalemia and rash
- K-sparing Diuretics - may contribute to hyperkalemia
Atropine Sulfate
Anticholinergic (Parkinson's) and for ophthalmic use
Systemic effect is more pronounced in infants and children w/ blue eyes/blonde hair
Increased risk of toxicity w/ Down Syndrome
Used to increase HR, decreases involuntary movement/rigidity in PD
Given pre-op to decrease secretions and prevent aspiration of secretions while under anesthesia
Used for inflammation of the iris and uveal tract
Side Effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention/hesitancy, HA, dizziness
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: paralytic ileus
- Tx overdose (resp. depression and circulatory collapse) symptomatically
Adverse Effects w/ eye use: transient stinging, increases IOP, photophobia
Monitor dosage of meds carefully - overdoses easily
Assess constipation and urinary retention - increase fluids & bulk, exercise; assess bowel sounds to r/o
paralytic ileus
Avoid driving or other hazardous activities - drowsiness can occur
Acute glaucoma can be precipitated by papillary dilation - if not recognized and treated acute glaucoma
can --> blindness
Wear dark sunglasses and avoid bright light for photophobia
Monitor intraocular pressure and vision
Beclomethasone Diproprionate (Beclovent)
Inhaled corticosteriod medication (also nasal inhalant - Beconase)
Used in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis
Side Effects: pharyngeal irritation and sore throat, coughing, dry mouth, oral fungal infections and
sinusitis
- Increased susceptibility to infection, dermatological effects and osteoporosis, diarrhea, N/V, HA, fever,
dizziness, angioedema, rash, utricaria, and paradoxical bronchospasm
Adverse Effects/Toxicity: adrenocortical insufficiency, f/e disturbances, nervous system effects and
endocrine effects if absorbed systemically
