ADMINISTERING
MEDICATIONS: 2025 RELEASE
• AUTHOR(S)DONNA
GAUWITZ
TEST BANK
1
Reference: Ch. 1 — Definition of Terms / Pharmacology
Stem: A 72-year-old patient asks why the nurse uses the term
pharmacokinetics when discussing his medication regimen. The
patient is receiving an oral antihypertensive and wonders how it
“gets to work.” Which nursing explanation best applies
pharmacology terminology to the patient’s question?
A. “Pharmacokinetics means how your body absorbs,
distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates the drug.”
,B. “Pharmacokinetics means how the drug acts on your blood
pressure receptors to lower it.”
C. “Pharmacokinetics is why brand-name drugs are stronger
than generics.”
D. “Pharmacokinetics is the legal classification that decides if
you need a prescription.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): This option accurately describes
pharmacokinetics (ADME). Explaining absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion helps the patient
understand onset, duration, and factors affecting drug
effect, aligning with patient education and safety.
• Incorrect (B): Describes pharmacodynamics (drug action
on receptors), not pharmacokinetics; it confuses
mechanisms of action with drug movement through the
body.
• Incorrect (C): Incorrectly links pharmacokinetics to brand-
versus-generic strength; bioequivalence relates to
pharmacokinetics but the statement is misleading.
• Incorrect (D): Drug scheduling/legislation determines
prescription status; this does not define pharmacokinetics.
Teaching Point: Pharmacokinetics = ADME — explains how the
body handles drugs.
,Citation: Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
2
Reference: Ch. 1 — Drug Sources / Drug Uses
Stem: A newly graduated nurse prepares to administer an
antineoplastic derived from a plant source. Which nursing
consideration best reflects understanding of drug source and
clinical implications?
A. Assume plant-derived agents have fewer adverse effects than
synthetic drugs.
B. Consult the drug reference for preparation, handling
precautions, and therapeutic class.
C. Document the botanical source in the MAR instead of the
generic name.
D. Substitute the drug with an herbal supplement if the patient
requests “natural” alternatives.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Consulting a reputable drug reference is
appropriate to identify handling precautions (e.g.,
cytotoxic precautions), administration routes, and
therapeutic monitoring—essential for safety with plant-
derived chemotherapeutics.
, • Incorrect (A): Source does not predict safety profile; many
plant-derived drugs (e.g., vinca alkaloids) are highly toxic.
• Incorrect (C): Documentation must use the medication’s
generic/brand name and dosage; botanical origin is
irrelevant in the MAR and may cause confusion.
• Incorrect (D): Substituting prescription antineoplastics
with unproven herbal supplements is unsafe and violates
standards of care.
Teaching Point: Check drug references for source-related
handling and administration precautions.
Citation: Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
3
Reference: Ch. 1 — Drug Standards / Drug Names
Stem: During a medication reconciliation, a nurse notes that the
hospital formulary lists a medication by its generic name while
the patient’s home medication container shows a different
brand name. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Tell the patient the brand name is wrong and discard the
home supply.
B. Explain that the hospital will use the generic equivalent and
confirm the active ingredient and dose.
C. Keep the brand-name tablet from home and instruct the
pharmacy to dispense the exact brand.
MEDICATIONS: 2025 RELEASE
• AUTHOR(S)DONNA
GAUWITZ
TEST BANK
1
Reference: Ch. 1 — Definition of Terms / Pharmacology
Stem: A 72-year-old patient asks why the nurse uses the term
pharmacokinetics when discussing his medication regimen. The
patient is receiving an oral antihypertensive and wonders how it
“gets to work.” Which nursing explanation best applies
pharmacology terminology to the patient’s question?
A. “Pharmacokinetics means how your body absorbs,
distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates the drug.”
,B. “Pharmacokinetics means how the drug acts on your blood
pressure receptors to lower it.”
C. “Pharmacokinetics is why brand-name drugs are stronger
than generics.”
D. “Pharmacokinetics is the legal classification that decides if
you need a prescription.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): This option accurately describes
pharmacokinetics (ADME). Explaining absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion helps the patient
understand onset, duration, and factors affecting drug
effect, aligning with patient education and safety.
• Incorrect (B): Describes pharmacodynamics (drug action
on receptors), not pharmacokinetics; it confuses
mechanisms of action with drug movement through the
body.
• Incorrect (C): Incorrectly links pharmacokinetics to brand-
versus-generic strength; bioequivalence relates to
pharmacokinetics but the statement is misleading.
• Incorrect (D): Drug scheduling/legislation determines
prescription status; this does not define pharmacokinetics.
Teaching Point: Pharmacokinetics = ADME — explains how the
body handles drugs.
,Citation: Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
2
Reference: Ch. 1 — Drug Sources / Drug Uses
Stem: A newly graduated nurse prepares to administer an
antineoplastic derived from a plant source. Which nursing
consideration best reflects understanding of drug source and
clinical implications?
A. Assume plant-derived agents have fewer adverse effects than
synthetic drugs.
B. Consult the drug reference for preparation, handling
precautions, and therapeutic class.
C. Document the botanical source in the MAR instead of the
generic name.
D. Substitute the drug with an herbal supplement if the patient
requests “natural” alternatives.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Consulting a reputable drug reference is
appropriate to identify handling precautions (e.g.,
cytotoxic precautions), administration routes, and
therapeutic monitoring—essential for safety with plant-
derived chemotherapeutics.
, • Incorrect (A): Source does not predict safety profile; many
plant-derived drugs (e.g., vinca alkaloids) are highly toxic.
• Incorrect (C): Documentation must use the medication’s
generic/brand name and dosage; botanical origin is
irrelevant in the MAR and may cause confusion.
• Incorrect (D): Substituting prescription antineoplastics
with unproven herbal supplements is unsafe and violates
standards of care.
Teaching Point: Check drug references for source-related
handling and administration precautions.
Citation: Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
3
Reference: Ch. 1 — Drug Standards / Drug Names
Stem: During a medication reconciliation, a nurse notes that the
hospital formulary lists a medication by its generic name while
the patient’s home medication container shows a different
brand name. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Tell the patient the brand name is wrong and discard the
home supply.
B. Explain that the hospital will use the generic equivalent and
confirm the active ingredient and dose.
C. Keep the brand-name tablet from home and instruct the
pharmacy to dispense the exact brand.
