@PROFDOCDIGITALLIBRARIES
TEST BANK
Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants
Laura D. Rosenthal , Jacqueline Rosenjack Burchum
3rd Edition
Chapter 1-89 (Questions and Answers with Rationales)
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,@PROFDOCDIGITALLIBRARIES
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers,3rd Ed.
Chapter 1: Prescriptive Authority
Test Bank
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
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b. Independent
c. Without limitation
d. Limited authority
ANS: B
The APRN has independent prescriptive authority because the regulating body does not require
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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:
FD
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?
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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.
C
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
care 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.
, 2
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
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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.
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d. Licensure ensures compliance with health care and safety standards.
e. Limiting provision can decrease health care affordability.
FD
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
O
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
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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
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:
, 3
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
PR
Level: ComprehensionREF: p. 3TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
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Chapter 2: Rational Drug Selection and Prescription Writing
Test Bank
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Multiple Choice
7. How can collaboration with a pharmacist improve positive outcomes for patients?
Select all that apply.
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a. Pharmacists can suggest foods that will help with the patient’s condition.
b. Pharmacists have additional information on drug interactions.
C
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
, 4
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
In 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
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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.
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b. Schedule an appointment with the patient.
c. Verify the patient’s adherence to drug regimen.
d. Determine the patient’s current medication dosage.
FD
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:
O
Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk
Potential
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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
, 5
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 drug-
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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
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12. A patient with diabetes reports losing their job and an inability to purchase required
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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.
O
ANS: C
Providing a 7-day sample will address the patient’s immediate need, but will not help with the
C
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
, 6
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
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
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Chapter 3: Promoting Positive Outcomes of Drug Therapy
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
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14. A patient reports that a medication prescribed for recurrent migraine headaches is not working.
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Which action should be taken first?
a. 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.
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ANS: A
When evaluating the effectiveness of a drug, it is important to determine whether the patient is
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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?
, 7
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
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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?
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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
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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
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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 physical assessment helps the
nurse evaluate the patient’s response to the medication and identify the presence of other side
C
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
, 8
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
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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
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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
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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.
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Which factors could impact the patient’s adherence to the treatment regimen?
Select all that apply.
C
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.
ANS: 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:
, 9
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
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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
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Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
Chapter 4: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Interactions
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Test Bank
Multiple Choice
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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?
C
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
TEST BANK
Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants
Laura D. Rosenthal , Jacqueline Rosenjack Burchum
3rd Edition
Chapter 1-89 (Questions and Answers with Rationales)
PR
O
FD
O
C
,@PROFDOCDIGITALLIBRARIES
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers,3rd Ed.
Chapter 1: Prescriptive Authority
Test Bank
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
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b. Independent
c. Without limitation
d. Limited authority
ANS: B
The APRN has independent prescriptive authority because the regulating body does not require
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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:
FD
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?
O
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.
C
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
care 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.
, 2
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
PR
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.
O
d. Licensure ensures compliance with health care and safety standards.
e. Limiting provision can decrease health care affordability.
FD
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
O
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
C
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
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:
, 3
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
PR
Level: ComprehensionREF: p. 3TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client
Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
O
Chapter 2: Rational Drug Selection and Prescription Writing
Test Bank
FD
Multiple Choice
7. How can collaboration with a pharmacist improve positive outcomes for patients?
Select all that apply.
O
a. Pharmacists can suggest foods that will help with the patient’s condition.
b. Pharmacists have additional information on drug interactions.
C
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
, 4
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
In 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
PR
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.
O
b. Schedule an appointment with the patient.
c. Verify the patient’s adherence to drug regimen.
d. Determine the patient’s current medication dosage.
FD
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:
O
Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk
Potential
C
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
, 5
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 drug-
PR
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
O
12. A patient with diabetes reports losing their job and an inability to purchase required
FD
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.
O
ANS: C
Providing a 7-day sample will address the patient’s immediate need, but will not help with the
C
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
, 6
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
Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
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Chapter 3: Promoting Positive Outcomes of Drug Therapy
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
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14. A patient reports that a medication prescribed for recurrent migraine headaches is not working.
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Which action should be taken first?
a. 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.
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ANS: A
When evaluating the effectiveness of a drug, it is important to determine whether the patient is
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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?
, 7
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
PR
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?
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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
FD
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
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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 physical assessment helps the
nurse evaluate the patient’s response to the medication and identify the presence of other side
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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
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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
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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
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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
FD
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.
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Which factors could impact the patient’s adherence to the treatment regimen?
Select all that apply.
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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.
ANS: 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:
, 9
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
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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
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Rosenthal: Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Providers, 1st Ed.
Chapter 4: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Interactions
FD
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
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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?
C
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
