Infusion-Related Pharmacology Flashcards
7 cards from real CRNI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infusion-Related Pharmacology flashcards as text
A patient receiving vancomycin develops flushing, erythema, and pruritus on the face and upper torso during the infusion. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Red man syndrome due to rapid infusion rate
Red man syndrome is a non-immune-mediated reaction caused by rapid vancomycin infusion that triggers histamine release, and slowing the infusion rate typically resolves symptoms.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with amphotericin B infusion therapy?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Amphotericin B causes renal tubular dysfunction leading to potassium wasting and hypokalemia, requiring routine electrolyte monitoring and replacement.
A nurse is preparing to administer IV phenytoin. Which solution is compatible for dilution?
Answer: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Phenytoin is only compatible with normal saline; dextrose solutions cause precipitation due to the drug's alkaline pH and poor aqueous solubility.
When administering a continuous heparin infusion, the patient's aPTT is 3.5 times the control value. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Hold the infusion and notify the prescriber per protocol
An aPTT greater than 3 times the control indicates supratherapeutic anticoagulation; the infusion should be held and the prescriber notified per institutional protocol.
A patient is receiving a dopamine infusion at 15 mcg/kg/min. The nurse notes the patient's urine output has decreased significantly. What pharmacological effect is most likely occurring?
Answer: Alpha-adrenergic renal vasoconstriction at high doses
At doses above 10 mcg/kg/min, dopamine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors causing renal vasoconstriction, which can decrease renal perfusion and urine output.
Which monitoring parameter is MOST critical when administering IV magnesium sulfate for eclampsia prevention?
Answer: Patellar deep tendon reflexes
Loss of patellar deep tendon reflexes is an early sign of magnesium toxicity and occurs before respiratory depression, making it the most critical monitoring parameter.
A patient receiving IV insulin is ordered to have blood glucose checks every hour. At what blood glucose level should the infusion be stopped and dextrose administered per standard protocol?
Answer: Below 70 mg/dL
A blood glucose below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia; the insulin infusion should be stopped and dextrose administered to prevent serious neurological complications.