BSN Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Question 1

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the provider?

Accepted Answer

Apical pulse of 58 bpm

Answer

Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in adults, as bradycardia may indicate toxicity.

Question 2

Which electrolyte imbalance increases a patient's risk for digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity because low potassium levels increase myocardial sensitivity to the drug.

Question 3

A patient is receiving IV heparin and the aPTT result is 120 seconds (normal therapeutic range 60–100 seconds). What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the provider and anticipate a dose reduction

Answer

An aPTT above the therapeutic range indicates supratherapeutic anticoagulation, so the nurse must notify the provider to adjust the dose.

Question 4

The nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin therapy. Which food should the patient be instructed to consume consistently rather than avoid entirely?

Accepted Answer

Foods high in vitamin K such as leafy green vegetables

Answer

Patients on warfarin should maintain a consistent vitamin K intake rather than eliminating it, because sudden changes alter INR.

Question 5

A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to metformin use?

Accepted Answer

Renal impairment with GFR below 30 mL/min

Answer

Severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) contraindicates metformin because the drug accumulates and causes lactic acidosis.

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN Pharmacology and Medication Administration