,Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process in LPN
Practice
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is preparing to administer a scheduled antibiotic
to a patient. Which action by the LPN best demonstrates the
"implementation" phase of the nursing process as it relates to
pharmacology?
Options:
A) Verifying the patient's allergy status before preparing the
medication.
B) Documenting the time and dose administered in the
medication record.
C) Assessing the patient's IV site for signs of inflammation or
infiltration.
D) Notifying the charge nurse that the patient reported new-
onset diarrhea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Implementation involves carrying out the planned
intervention, which, in pharmacology, is the act of
administering the drug and then immediately documenting the
administration to ensure an accurate record. Verifying allergies
(A) is part of assessment and preparation. Assessing the IV site
(C) is also an assessment activity. Notifying the charge nurse of
,a new symptom (D) is part of evaluation and reporting.
Teaching Point: Documentation of drug administration is a
critical legal and safety function within the implementation
phase.
2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: According to the Clinical Judgment Model, which action
by an LPN demonstrates "recognizing cues" when caring for a
patient started on a new antihypertensive medication?
Options:
A) Prioritizing the patient's postural dizziness as a potential side
effect.
B) Taking the patient's blood pressure and noting a reading of
90/50 mm Hg.
C) Creating a plan to assist the patient with ambulation to
prevent falls.
D) Evaluating the effectiveness of fall precautions after
implementation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Recognizing cues involves gathering and identifying
important data from available sources, such as obtaining and
noting a vital sign. Prioritizing the cue (A) is part of analyzing
cues. Creating a plan (C) is generating solutions. Evaluating
outcomes (D) is part of taking action and evaluating.
Teaching Point: Recognizing cues is the foundational step of
data collection upon which clinical judgment is built.
, 3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is reviewing a new medication order. The LPN's
primary responsibility in ensuring safety during this "right of
medication administration" is to confirm which of the
following?
Options:
A) The right patient is identified using two identifiers.
B) The right dose is appropriate for the patient's condition.
C) The right route is the most effective for the drug.
D) The right time is convenient for the unit's schedule.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: While all options are "rights," the LPN's most critical
and direct responsibility is to correctly identify the patient using
two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) to prevent
medication errors. Determining dose appropriateness (B) and
route efficacy (C) typically requires higher-level analysis and is a
collaborative responsibility with the RN and pharmacist.
Administering at the right time (D) refers to the prescribed
schedule, not unit convenience.
Teaching Point: Verifying patient identity with two unique
identifiers is the paramount safety check to prevent wrong-
patient errors.
4.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Practice
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is preparing to administer a scheduled antibiotic
to a patient. Which action by the LPN best demonstrates the
"implementation" phase of the nursing process as it relates to
pharmacology?
Options:
A) Verifying the patient's allergy status before preparing the
medication.
B) Documenting the time and dose administered in the
medication record.
C) Assessing the patient's IV site for signs of inflammation or
infiltration.
D) Notifying the charge nurse that the patient reported new-
onset diarrhea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Implementation involves carrying out the planned
intervention, which, in pharmacology, is the act of
administering the drug and then immediately documenting the
administration to ensure an accurate record. Verifying allergies
(A) is part of assessment and preparation. Assessing the IV site
(C) is also an assessment activity. Notifying the charge nurse of
,a new symptom (D) is part of evaluation and reporting.
Teaching Point: Documentation of drug administration is a
critical legal and safety function within the implementation
phase.
2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: According to the Clinical Judgment Model, which action
by an LPN demonstrates "recognizing cues" when caring for a
patient started on a new antihypertensive medication?
Options:
A) Prioritizing the patient's postural dizziness as a potential side
effect.
B) Taking the patient's blood pressure and noting a reading of
90/50 mm Hg.
C) Creating a plan to assist the patient with ambulation to
prevent falls.
D) Evaluating the effectiveness of fall precautions after
implementation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Recognizing cues involves gathering and identifying
important data from available sources, such as obtaining and
noting a vital sign. Prioritizing the cue (A) is part of analyzing
cues. Creating a plan (C) is generating solutions. Evaluating
outcomes (D) is part of taking action and evaluating.
Teaching Point: Recognizing cues is the foundational step of
data collection upon which clinical judgment is built.
, 3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
Stem: An LPN is reviewing a new medication order. The LPN's
primary responsibility in ensuring safety during this "right of
medication administration" is to confirm which of the
following?
Options:
A) The right patient is identified using two identifiers.
B) The right dose is appropriate for the patient's condition.
C) The right route is the most effective for the drug.
D) The right time is convenient for the unit's schedule.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: While all options are "rights," the LPN's most critical
and direct responsibility is to correctly identify the patient using
two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) to prevent
medication errors. Determining dose appropriateness (B) and
route efficacy (C) typically requires higher-level analysis and is a
collaborative responsibility with the RN and pharmacist.
Administering at the right time (D) refers to the prescribed
schedule, not unit convenience.
Teaching Point: Verifying patient identity with two unique
identifiers is the paramount safety check to prevent wrong-
patient errors.
4.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1: Pharmacology and the Nursing
Process in LPN Practice
