FREE Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is admitted to the medical unit for alcohol withdrawal and detoxification who has a history of serious alcohol misuse. The individual acknowledges consuming alcohol two hours prior to admission. Which drug from the list below will the healthcare professional (HCP) recommend for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is the drug of choice for managing acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It helps to reduce central nervous system hyperexcitability, alleviate symptoms like tremors, agitation, and anxiety, and prevent seizures, which are common and dangerous during alcohol detoxification.

Question 2

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and lipids should be administered to a patient with an acute aggravation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which of these treatments should be given top priority while treating this patient?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the patient's blood glucose per protocol

Answer

TPN solutions are highly concentrated with dextrose, which can cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose per protocol is crucial to prevent complications like osmotic diuresis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, making it a top priority.

Question 3

A 3-year-old patient with acute otitis media is given the medication amoxicillin suspension 200 mg PO every 8 hours by the pediatrician. The youngster is 38 pounds (17.2 kg). For kids up to 40 kg, the suggested dose range is 20–40 mg/kg/day, divided into eight-hour intervals. What is the nurse's BEST course of action when following the 10 Rights of Medication Administration?

Accepted Answer

Administer the medication as prescribed

Answer

First, calculate the child's weight in kg (38 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 17.2 kg). Then, calculate the recommended daily dose range: 17.2 kg * 20 mg/kg/day = 344 mg/day to 17.2 kg * 40 mg/kg/day = 688 mg/day. The prescribed dose is 200 mg every 8 hours, which totals 600 mg/day (200 mg x 3 doses). Since 600 mg/day falls within the safe range of 344-688 mg/day, the nurse should administer the medication as prescribed.

Question 4

The healthcare professional gives NPH insulin to a diabetic patient at 6:00 a.m. How soon might the patient exhibit hypoglycemic symptoms?

Accepted Answer

10:00 AM

Answer

NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of action typically 1-2 hours after administration and a peak effect occurring 4-12 hours later. If administered at 6:00 AM, the patient is most likely to experience hypoglycemic symptoms around the peak time, which would be 10:00 AM (4 hours after administration).

Question 5

To treat primary hypertension, a patient is given a prescription for a calcium channel blocker. Which of these foods will the healthcare professional advise the patient to avoid while explaining the medication?

Accepted Answer

Grapefruit

Answer

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are known to interact with many medications, including calcium channel blockers, by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme in the gut. This inhibition can lead to increased blood levels of the medication, potentially causing enhanced effects and adverse reactions, making it crucial to avoid.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

FREE Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies Questions and Answers