Pharmacological Therapies Flashcards
7 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacological Therapies flashcards as text
A patient is prescribed oral potassium chloride (KCl) supplements. What is the most important nursing instruction?
Answer: Dissolve or dilute the supplement and take with food or a full glass of water
Oral potassium must be taken with plenty of water and food to prevent GI irritation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Which assessment is essential before administering an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as gentamicin?
Answer: Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels
Aminoglycosides are nephrotoxic; BUN and creatinine must be assessed before administration to detect impaired renal function requiring dose adjustment.
A nurse administers a medication and the patient immediately reports difficulty breathing, hives, and hypotension. What is the nurse's first action?
Answer: Stop the medication and call for emergency assistance
These signs indicate anaphylaxis; stopping the offending agent and activating emergency response is the immediate priority before any other intervention.
A patient is receiving morphine via PCA pump. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?
Answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
A respiratory rate of 8 or below indicates opioid-induced respiratory depression, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate intervention.
Which statement is accurate about the enteral (NG tube) administration of medications?
Answer: Extended-release and enteric-coated tablets should never be crushed
Crushing extended-release or enteric-coated tablets destroys their delivery mechanism and can cause toxicity or loss of therapeutic effect.
A patient is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which dietary teaching is most important?
Answer: Avoid potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes containing potassium
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; adding dietary potassium or potassium-containing salt substitutes can cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
When is it appropriate for an LPN to refuse to administer a prescribed medication?
Answer: When the nurse believes the dose is too high based on clinical assessment and safety concerns
The nurse has both the professional and ethical responsibility to question and refuse medication orders that appear unsafe, notifying the provider and documenting the concern.