Pharmacology and Medication Administration Flashcards
6 cards from real BSN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacology and Medication Administration flashcards as text
A patient is receiving a continuous IV infusion of regular insulin. The nurse notes the blood glucose is 58 mg/dL and the patient is diaphoretic. What is the nurse's first action?
Answer: Stop the insulin infusion and notify the provider
The insulin infusion must be stopped immediately to prevent further hypoglycemia before other corrective measures are taken.
A nurse is preparing to give a patient their daily dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which instruction best supports proper absorption?
Answer: Give it in the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast
Levothyroxine absorption is maximized when taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food or other medications.
A patient with a penicillin allergy is prescribed cefazolin. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Answer: Administer with caution and monitor closely for cross-reactivity reactions
There is a small but real cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins; cautious administration with close monitoring is recommended.
The nurse is performing a medication reconciliation on a newly admitted patient who takes MAOIs at home. Which over-the-counter medication poses the greatest danger for this patient?
Answer: Pseudoephedrine (decongestant)
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic that can trigger a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
A patient is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to detect an adverse effect of this medication?
Answer: Creatine kinase (CK)
Elevated creatine kinase levels indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, the most serious musculoskeletal adverse effect of statins.
Which patient statement about using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer device indicates the need for further teaching?
Answer: 'I should inhale as fast and hard as I can right after pressing the canister.'
Patients should inhale slowly and deeply (not fast) to allow medication to deposit in the lower airways rather than the throat.