LVN Pharmacology & Medication Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An LVN is administering a subcutaneous injection of insulin. At what angle should the needle be inserted for a patient with average adipose tissue?
- 15 degrees
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees
- Either 45 or 90 degrees depending on tissue depth (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Either 45 or 90 degrees depending on tissue depth
For subcutaneous injections, a 45-degree angle is used for thin patients and 90 degrees for patients with adequate adipose tissue.
Question 2: Which adverse effect is most associated with long-term corticosteroid use?
- Hypoglycemia
- Osteoporosis (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia
- Hyponatremia
Correct answer: Osteoporosis
Chronic corticosteroid therapy inhibits calcium absorption and bone formation, leading to osteoporosis over time.
Question 3: A patient is prescribed a nitroglycerin patch for angina. The LVN knows to rotate application sites to prevent:
- Drug tolerance
- Skin irritation and dermatitis
- Systemic toxicity
- Both A and B (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both A and B
Rotating nitroglycerin patch sites prevents both skin irritation from prolonged contact and development of nitrate tolerance.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean in a medication order?
- Every morning
- By mouth
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Before meals
Correct answer: As needed
PRN stands for 'pro re nata,' a Latin term meaning 'as needed,' indicating the medication is given based on patient need.
Question 5: A patient taking metformin for type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a contrast dye procedure. The LVN anticipates the metformin will be:
- Increased in dose before the procedure
- Held before and after the procedure (Correct answer)
- Continued without change
- Replaced with insulin permanently
Correct answer: Held before and after the procedure
Metformin is held before iodinated contrast procedures and withheld for 48 hours after due to the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and lactic acidosis.
Question 6: Which observation indicates a therapeutic response to a bronchodilator like albuterol?
- Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds (Correct answer)
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduced urinary output
- Decreased white blood cell count
Correct answer: Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds
A therapeutic response to albuterol includes improved airflow, indicated by decreased respiratory rate and clearer breath sounds.
Question 7: Which electrolyte imbalance is a common side effect of loop diuretics such as furosemide?
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypernatremia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics cause increased excretion of potassium in the urine, leading to hypokalemia.
LVN Pharmacology & Medication Administration 3
An LVN is administering a subcutaneous injection of insulin.
At what angle should the needle be inserted for a patient with average adipose tissue?