CMT CMT Adverse Drug Reactions and Side Effects 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the definition of an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?
- A desired therapeutic effect of a medication
- An unintended, harmful response to a medication given at a normal dose (Correct answer)
- A medication error caused by incorrect dosing
- A patient's refusal to take a medication
Correct answer: An unintended, harmful response to a medication given at a normal dose
An adverse drug reaction is an unintended and harmful response occurring at a normal therapeutic dose, distinguishing it from errors or intentional effects.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of an allergic reaction to a medication?
- Drowsiness from an antihistamine
- Hives (urticaria) after taking penicillin (Correct answer)
- Dry mouth from an anticholinergic
- Increased urination from a diuretic
Correct answer: Hives (urticaria) after taking penicillin
Hives after penicillin represent an immune-mediated allergic reaction, which is a type of adverse drug reaction.
Question 3: What should a medication technician do if a resident shows signs of anaphylaxis after medication administration?
- Document the reaction and continue the medication schedule
- Call 911 and notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Administer another medication to counteract the reaction
- Wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own
Correct answer: Call 911 and notify the nurse immediately
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate activation of emergency services and nursing notification without delay.
Question 4: Which medication class is most commonly associated with causing gastrointestinal upset as a side effect?
- Antihistamines
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (Correct answer)
- Antihypertensives
- Antifungals
Correct answer: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen commonly irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, abdominal pain, and increased bleeding risk.
Question 5: What is the difference between a side effect and a toxic effect of a medication?
- They are the same thing
- Side effects are mild and expected at normal doses; toxic effects are dangerous and typically occur from excessive doses (Correct answer)
- Toxic effects are always allergic reactions
- Side effects only occur with controlled substances
Correct answer: Side effects are mild and expected at normal doses; toxic effects are dangerous and typically occur from excessive doses
Side effects are predictable, mild effects at therapeutic doses, while toxic effects are dangerous reactions from overdose or drug accumulation.
Question 6: A resident taking warfarin develops unusual bruising. What should the medication technician do?
- Ignore it since bruising is common in elderly residents
- Document and report the finding to the supervising nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the medication without consulting staff
- Assume it is from a fall and not medication-related
Correct answer: Document and report the finding to the supervising nurse immediately
Unusual bruising in a resident on anticoagulants is a potential adverse effect that must be documented and promptly reported to the nurse.
CMT CMT Adverse Drug Reactions and Side Effects 1
What is the definition of an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?