ADMINISTERING
MEDICATIONS: 2025 RELEASE
• AUTHOR(S)DONNA
GAUWITZ
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Definition of Terms / Pharmacology
Stem
A 68-year-old patient admitted for pneumonia has a new
medication order that lists "metoprolol tartrate 25 mg PO
q12h." The patient asks what "tartrate" means and whether it
affects how the drug works. As the nurse, which response best
demonstrates accurate pharmacologic counseling and supports
medication safety?
,A. Explain that "tartrate" identifies the salt form and may affect
absorption; confirm the order matches the pharmacy label
before administration.
B. Tell the patient the tartrate means the drug is extended-
release and should not be crushed.
C. Reassure the patient that "tartrate" is the brand name and
that it doesn’t matter which manufacturer produced it.
D. Say that "tartrate" refers to an inactive filler and it can be
ignored for teaching or documentation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale — Correct (A)
Explaining the salt form (tartrate) accurately addresses
pharmacologic terminology and potential effects on absorption.
Confirming the order against the pharmacy label before giving
the drug reinforces verification practices that prevent
administration errors and ensures the correct formulation is
used.
Rationale — Incorrect (B)
Assuming tartrate equals extended-release is incorrect and may
lead to crushing a formulation that is not designed for it, risking
overdose or altered efficacy.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Tartrate is not a brand name; presenting it as such misinforms
the patient and could allow unnoticed substitutions.
,Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Calling it an inactive filler minimizes potentially relevant
formulation differences and undermines proper teaching and
documentation.
Teaching Point:
Salt forms can affect absorption; always verify formulation with
pharmacy before administration.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Sources / Drug Uses
Stem
A 5-year-old with asthma is prescribed albuterol inhaler. The
parent asks whether herbal supplements could replace the
inhaler because their cousin used herbs successfully. Which
nursing action best reflects evidence-based medication teaching
and patient safety?
A. Encourage the parent to stop the inhaler and try the herbal
supplement for 2 weeks, then follow up.
B. Explain that some complementary remedies exist but
emphasize the inhaler is evidence-based; advise continuing
prescribed therapy and consulting the provider before adding
supplements.
,C. Advise substituting the inhaler with the herbal remedy only
at night to reduce daytime symptoms.
D. Tell the parent that herbal supplements are equivalent to
prescription drugs and are safe to use interchangeably.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
This response acknowledges patient values while prioritizing
evidence-based therapy and safety. It instructs continuing the
prescribed medication and consulting the provider before
combining treatments, preventing withdrawal of effective
therapy or risky interactions.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Stopping evidence-based therapy in favor of an unverified
remedy risks asthma exacerbation and is unsafe.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Recommending partial substitution without evidence may
produce inadequate control and is arbitrary.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Equating supplements with prescription drugs is inaccurate and
may harm the child through inappropriate substitution or
interactions.
Teaching Point:
Prioritize evidence-based medications; verify complementary
therapies with the prescriber.
,Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Standards / Drug Legislation
Stem
A nurse receives a verbal order for an antibiotic during an
emergency. The order is unclear about dose and route. The
provider is busy but insists the antibiotic be started
immediately. Which nursing action aligns with legal and safety
responsibilities?
A. Administer a standard adult dose IV, document the
administration, and clarify details later.
B. Hold administration until the prescriber clarifies dose and
route and document the inability to administer.
C. Ask another nurse to choose a dose based on experience and
co-sign the record after giving it.
D. Call pharmacy for a recommended dose and proceed based
on the pharmacist's suggestion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Holding administration until the prescriber clarifies respects
legal responsibility to accept only clear orders and prevents
,medication errors. Documenting inability to administer both
communicates patient status and protects the nurse legally.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Administering without a clear order risks incorrect dosing and
violates legal and professional standards.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Delegating dose selection to another nurse without an order
shares the same legal risk and does not resolve lack of a valid
order.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Pharmacists can recommend dosing, but a pharmacist’s
suggestion does not replace a prescriber’s order; the nurse
must obtain a clear prescriber order.
Teaching Point:
Never administer medications from unclear orders — obtain
prescriber clarification first.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
4
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Names / Brand-Name versus Generic-Name Drugs
Stem
An order reads "acetaminophen 650 mg PO PRN." The unit
,stock contains both Tylenol® 325 mg tablets and a generic 500
mg tablet. The patient asks why their previous hospital always
gave Tylenol®. How should the nurse proceed to ensure correct
and safe dosing?
A. Give one 500 mg generic tablet now and a second 150 mg
from the 325 mg Tylenol® to reach 650 mg.
B. Administer two 325 mg Tylenol® tablets and document the
brand used.
C. Call the prescriber to change the order to a standard
available strength before administering.
D. Offer a 500 mg generic tablet and document that the dose
differs from the order.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale — Correct (C)
Because available tablet strengths do not match the ordered
650 mg exactly, clarifying with the prescriber ensures correct
dosing and avoids arithmetic/compounding errors. It prevents
under- or overdosing and aligns with safe medication practices.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Splitting and combining tablets from different manufacturers to
reach 650 mg risks dosing errors, formulation differences, and is
poor practice without prescriber approval.
Rationale — Incorrect (B)
Two 325 mg tablets equal 650 mg, which is correct numerically;
however, using brand Tylenol® when generic is available is
,unnecessary if the order does not specify brand—this option
could be acceptable, but the nurse should first confirm available
supply and the prescriber’s intent. (This makes B inferior to
clarifying.)
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Administering a 500 mg tablet when the order specifies 650 mg
is underdosing and unsafe; documentation does not correct the
clinical error.
Teaching Point:
If ordered strength is unavailable, verify with prescriber rather
than altering or guessing doses.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
5
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug References / Utilizing eMAR Technology
Stem
While preparing medications, a nurse notes the hospital eMAR
lists a recently dispensed brand-name insulin (Humalog®) but
the pharmacy label indicates "insulin lispro." The patient is
scheduled for bedside glucose monitoring and an insulin dose.
What is the nurse’s best immediate action?
,A. Administer the insulin because the generic and brand names
are equivalent and proceed with glucose monitoring.
B. Contact pharmacy to verify that insulin lispro is the same as
Humalog® and confirm that the eMAR reflects the actual
dispensed product before administration.
C. Cancel the insulin dose because the eMAR and label
mismatch suggests a transcription error.
D. Substitute with a different short-acting insulin listed in the
eMAR to avoid brand/generic confusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Verifying with pharmacy confirms equivalence and that the
medication dispensed matches the order. This prevents wrong-
drug administration due to labeling discrepancies and uses
eMAR as a tool for confirmation.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Assuming equivalence without verification risks errors if a
different insulin formulation or concentration was dispensed.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Prematurely canceling the dose delays necessary treatment;
verification is more appropriate unless unsafe.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Substituting another insulin without prescriber/pharmacy
authorization risks inappropriate insulin kinetics and
hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
, Teaching Point:
Confirm brand/generic equivalence and dispensed product on
discrepancy before administering high-risk meds.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
6
Reference
Ch. 1 — Coping with Technical Language / Drug References
Stem
A newly licensed nurse must provide discharge teaching about
warfarin. The patient asks for "simple words" because he is
overwhelmed by the technical pamphlet. Which teaching
approach best applies principles for coping with technical
language while ensuring safe medication use?
A. Use plain language to explain indications and critical safety
points (diet, interactions, INR monitoring), and provide a
pharmacist-reviewed handout.
B. Read the technical pamphlet verbatim to ensure accuracy
and ask the patient if he understood.
C. Tell the patient all technical details are unnecessary and only
instruct him to take the medication as prescribed.
D. Direct the patient to research warfarin online and return with
questions at follow-up.
Correct Answer: A
MEDICATIONS: 2025 RELEASE
• AUTHOR(S)DONNA
GAUWITZ
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Definition of Terms / Pharmacology
Stem
A 68-year-old patient admitted for pneumonia has a new
medication order that lists "metoprolol tartrate 25 mg PO
q12h." The patient asks what "tartrate" means and whether it
affects how the drug works. As the nurse, which response best
demonstrates accurate pharmacologic counseling and supports
medication safety?
,A. Explain that "tartrate" identifies the salt form and may affect
absorption; confirm the order matches the pharmacy label
before administration.
B. Tell the patient the tartrate means the drug is extended-
release and should not be crushed.
C. Reassure the patient that "tartrate" is the brand name and
that it doesn’t matter which manufacturer produced it.
D. Say that "tartrate" refers to an inactive filler and it can be
ignored for teaching or documentation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale — Correct (A)
Explaining the salt form (tartrate) accurately addresses
pharmacologic terminology and potential effects on absorption.
Confirming the order against the pharmacy label before giving
the drug reinforces verification practices that prevent
administration errors and ensures the correct formulation is
used.
Rationale — Incorrect (B)
Assuming tartrate equals extended-release is incorrect and may
lead to crushing a formulation that is not designed for it, risking
overdose or altered efficacy.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Tartrate is not a brand name; presenting it as such misinforms
the patient and could allow unnoticed substitutions.
,Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Calling it an inactive filler minimizes potentially relevant
formulation differences and undermines proper teaching and
documentation.
Teaching Point:
Salt forms can affect absorption; always verify formulation with
pharmacy before administration.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Sources / Drug Uses
Stem
A 5-year-old with asthma is prescribed albuterol inhaler. The
parent asks whether herbal supplements could replace the
inhaler because their cousin used herbs successfully. Which
nursing action best reflects evidence-based medication teaching
and patient safety?
A. Encourage the parent to stop the inhaler and try the herbal
supplement for 2 weeks, then follow up.
B. Explain that some complementary remedies exist but
emphasize the inhaler is evidence-based; advise continuing
prescribed therapy and consulting the provider before adding
supplements.
,C. Advise substituting the inhaler with the herbal remedy only
at night to reduce daytime symptoms.
D. Tell the parent that herbal supplements are equivalent to
prescription drugs and are safe to use interchangeably.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
This response acknowledges patient values while prioritizing
evidence-based therapy and safety. It instructs continuing the
prescribed medication and consulting the provider before
combining treatments, preventing withdrawal of effective
therapy or risky interactions.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Stopping evidence-based therapy in favor of an unverified
remedy risks asthma exacerbation and is unsafe.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Recommending partial substitution without evidence may
produce inadequate control and is arbitrary.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Equating supplements with prescription drugs is inaccurate and
may harm the child through inappropriate substitution or
interactions.
Teaching Point:
Prioritize evidence-based medications; verify complementary
therapies with the prescriber.
,Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Standards / Drug Legislation
Stem
A nurse receives a verbal order for an antibiotic during an
emergency. The order is unclear about dose and route. The
provider is busy but insists the antibiotic be started
immediately. Which nursing action aligns with legal and safety
responsibilities?
A. Administer a standard adult dose IV, document the
administration, and clarify details later.
B. Hold administration until the prescriber clarifies dose and
route and document the inability to administer.
C. Ask another nurse to choose a dose based on experience and
co-sign the record after giving it.
D. Call pharmacy for a recommended dose and proceed based
on the pharmacist's suggestion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Holding administration until the prescriber clarifies respects
legal responsibility to accept only clear orders and prevents
,medication errors. Documenting inability to administer both
communicates patient status and protects the nurse legally.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Administering without a clear order risks incorrect dosing and
violates legal and professional standards.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Delegating dose selection to another nurse without an order
shares the same legal risk and does not resolve lack of a valid
order.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Pharmacists can recommend dosing, but a pharmacist’s
suggestion does not replace a prescriber’s order; the nurse
must obtain a clear prescriber order.
Teaching Point:
Never administer medications from unclear orders — obtain
prescriber clarification first.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
4
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug Names / Brand-Name versus Generic-Name Drugs
Stem
An order reads "acetaminophen 650 mg PO PRN." The unit
,stock contains both Tylenol® 325 mg tablets and a generic 500
mg tablet. The patient asks why their previous hospital always
gave Tylenol®. How should the nurse proceed to ensure correct
and safe dosing?
A. Give one 500 mg generic tablet now and a second 150 mg
from the 325 mg Tylenol® to reach 650 mg.
B. Administer two 325 mg Tylenol® tablets and document the
brand used.
C. Call the prescriber to change the order to a standard
available strength before administering.
D. Offer a 500 mg generic tablet and document that the dose
differs from the order.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale — Correct (C)
Because available tablet strengths do not match the ordered
650 mg exactly, clarifying with the prescriber ensures correct
dosing and avoids arithmetic/compounding errors. It prevents
under- or overdosing and aligns with safe medication practices.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Splitting and combining tablets from different manufacturers to
reach 650 mg risks dosing errors, formulation differences, and is
poor practice without prescriber approval.
Rationale — Incorrect (B)
Two 325 mg tablets equal 650 mg, which is correct numerically;
however, using brand Tylenol® when generic is available is
,unnecessary if the order does not specify brand—this option
could be acceptable, but the nurse should first confirm available
supply and the prescriber’s intent. (This makes B inferior to
clarifying.)
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Administering a 500 mg tablet when the order specifies 650 mg
is underdosing and unsafe; documentation does not correct the
clinical error.
Teaching Point:
If ordered strength is unavailable, verify with prescriber rather
than altering or guessing doses.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
5
Reference
Ch. 1 — Drug References / Utilizing eMAR Technology
Stem
While preparing medications, a nurse notes the hospital eMAR
lists a recently dispensed brand-name insulin (Humalog®) but
the pharmacy label indicates "insulin lispro." The patient is
scheduled for bedside glucose monitoring and an insulin dose.
What is the nurse’s best immediate action?
,A. Administer the insulin because the generic and brand names
are equivalent and proceed with glucose monitoring.
B. Contact pharmacy to verify that insulin lispro is the same as
Humalog® and confirm that the eMAR reflects the actual
dispensed product before administration.
C. Cancel the insulin dose because the eMAR and label
mismatch suggests a transcription error.
D. Substitute with a different short-acting insulin listed in the
eMAR to avoid brand/generic confusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Verifying with pharmacy confirms equivalence and that the
medication dispensed matches the order. This prevents wrong-
drug administration due to labeling discrepancies and uses
eMAR as a tool for confirmation.
Rationale — Incorrect (A)
Assuming equivalence without verification risks errors if a
different insulin formulation or concentration was dispensed.
Rationale — Incorrect (C)
Prematurely canceling the dose delays necessary treatment;
verification is more appropriate unless unsafe.
Rationale — Incorrect (D)
Substituting another insulin without prescriber/pharmacy
authorization risks inappropriate insulin kinetics and
hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
, Teaching Point:
Confirm brand/generic equivalence and dispensed product on
discrepancy before administering high-risk meds.
Citation:
Gauwitz, D. (2025). Administering Medications. Ch. 1.
6
Reference
Ch. 1 — Coping with Technical Language / Drug References
Stem
A newly licensed nurse must provide discharge teaching about
warfarin. The patient asks for "simple words" because he is
overwhelmed by the technical pamphlet. Which teaching
approach best applies principles for coping with technical
language while ensuring safe medication use?
A. Use plain language to explain indications and critical safety
points (diet, interactions, INR monitoring), and provide a
pharmacist-reviewed handout.
B. Read the technical pamphlet verbatim to ensure accuracy
and ask the patient if he understood.
C. Tell the patient all technical details are unnecessary and only
instruct him to take the medication as prescribed.
D. Direct the patient to research warfarin online and return with
questions at follow-up.
Correct Answer: A
