CPNRE Safe Medication Administration 5

Question 1

A practical nurse is preparing to administer two IV medications that are known to be incompatible. What is the safest approach?

Accepted Answer

Flush the IV line with normal saline between each medication

Answer

Flushing with compatible solution (e.g., normal saline) between incompatible IV medications prevents precipitation and adverse chemical reactions.

Question 2

A client has a prescription for morphine 4–8 mg IV PRN for pain. The client rates pain as 7/10. What dose should the practical nurse consider administering first?

Accepted Answer

4 mg, the minimum dose, and reassess response

Answer

Starting with the lowest effective dose and reassessing follows safe opioid prescribing principles and reduces the risk of adverse effects.

Question 3

After administering a transdermal nitroglycerin patch, the practical nurse discovers a previous patch still in place on the client's back. What action should be taken first?

Accepted Answer

Remove the old patch, document the error, and notify the supervising nurse or physician

Answer

The old patch must be removed immediately to prevent nitroglycerin toxicity, and the error must be documented and reported according to facility policy.

Question 4

The practical nurse is administering an oral liquid medication to a client with dysphagia. Which action best promotes safe administration?

Accepted Answer

Position the client upright or at a 45-degree angle before administration

Answer

Upright or semi-upright positioning uses gravity to facilitate swallowing and significantly reduces the risk of aspiration.

Question 5

A practical nurse draws up insulin glargine and discovers the solution appears cloudy with visible particles. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Discard the vial and obtain a new one before administering

Answer

Insulin glargine is normally clear; cloudiness or particulate matter indicates contamination or degradation, and the vial must be discarded.

CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Practice Test

CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Practice Test

CPNRE Safe Medication Administration 5