PCCN Medical Treatments & Medications

Question 1

Which medication is typically administered to reverse the effects of opioid overdose?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist specifically used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. It is a life-saving medication that can quickly restore respiratory function in patients experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression. Its rapid action makes it the drug of choice for opioid overdose emergencies.

Question 2

A patient with atrial fibrillation is started on warfarin. What is the primary lab value used to monitor its therapeutic effect?

Accepted Answer

INR

Answer

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin. It measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and helps ensure the patient's blood is adequately thinned to prevent clots without increasing the risk of bleeding. Maintaining the INR within the therapeutic range is crucial for patient safety and efficacy.

Question 3

Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for when a patient is receiving furosemide?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to increased excretion of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Therefore, hypokalemia (low potassium) is a common and significant adverse effect that nurses must monitor for. Potassium supplementation may be required to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 4

What is the primary goal of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI)?

Accepted Answer

Dissolve the existing blood clot

Answer

The primary goal of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (MI) is to dissolve the blood clot (thrombus) that is obstructing blood flow in the coronary artery. By restoring blood flow (reperfusion) to the ischemic myocardial tissue, thrombolytics aim to limit infarct size, preserve cardiac function, and improve patient outcomes.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril?

Accepted Answer

Dry cough

Answer

A persistent, dry cough is a common and well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. This cough is thought to be related to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that ACE inhibitors prevent from breaking down. While generally benign, it can be bothersome enough to warrant a change in medication.

PCCN Exam Practice Test

PCCN Exam Practice Test

PCCN Medical Treatments & Medications