Medication Concepts and Calculations Flashcards

A medication order reads 'furosemide 40 mg IV push.' The vial contains 10 mg/mL. How many mL should be drawn up?

Answer: 4 mL

40 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 4 mL to be drawn into the syringe.

Which of the following is the primary purpose of 'five rights' verification in medication administration?

Answer: To prevent medication errors and ensure resident safety

The five rights (right resident, drug, dose, route, time) are a safety checklist designed to prevent medication administration errors.

A resident is prescribed sustained-release morphine 30 mg PO q12h. What action by the medication aide is CONTRAINDICATED?

Answer: Crushing the tablet for easier swallowing

Crushing extended-release morphine destroys the controlled-release mechanism, potentially causing a dangerous dose dump.

Which drug-drug interaction occurs when two medications together produce a greater effect than either drug alone?

Answer: Synergism

Synergism (potentiation) occurs when two drugs together produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.

A medication label indicates the drug should be stored at 2–8°C. Where should this medication be kept?

Answer: In the refrigerator

2–8°C corresponds to standard refrigerator temperature (approximately 36–46°F), the required storage condition for this medication.

Which term describes a diminished drug response after repeated administration, requiring higher doses for the same effect?

Answer: Tolerance

Tolerance is the phenomenon where repeated drug exposure leads to a decreased effect, requiring dose escalation to achieve the original response.

When preparing to administer eye drops, which technique is correct?

Answer: Pull down the lower eyelid to create a conjunctival pocket and instill the drops there

Creating a conjunctival pocket in the lower eyelid is the correct technique to instill eye drops without touching the eye surface.