MSNCB Pharmacology & Medication Management 5

Question 1

A patient is prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. Which laboratory value requires the most frequent monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Platelet count

Answer

Platelet counts must be monitored with enoxaparin to detect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which can occur with low molecular weight heparins.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing to give oral medications to a patient with a new nasogastric tube. Which medication should NOT be crushed?

Accepted Answer

Omeprazole delayed-release capsule

Answer

Omeprazole is an enteric-coated delayed-release formulation that should not be crushed as this destroys the protective coating and inactivates the drug in the stomach.

Question 3

Which intervention is most important when administering IV potassium chloride?

Accepted Answer

Infuse at a rate no faster than 10–20 mEq/hour

Answer

IV potassium must be infused slowly (≤10–20 mEq/hour via peripheral line) because rapid administration can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.

Question 4

A patient prescribed tamsulosin (Flomax) for benign prostatic hyperplasia is about to undergo cataract surgery. The nurse should alert the surgical team because tamsulosin is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS)

Answer

Alpha-1 blockers like tamsulosin relax the iris dilator muscle, causing IFIS during cataract surgery and increasing the risk of serious intraoperative complications.

Question 5

A patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder presents with tremors, confusion, and vomiting. Serum lithium level is 2.2 mEq/L. The nurse anticipates which treatment?

Accepted Answer

Hemodialysis to rapidly remove lithium

Answer

Lithium levels >2.0 mEq/L indicate severe toxicity with neurologic symptoms; hemodialysis is the most effective method to rapidly eliminate lithium.

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test

MSNCB Pharmacology & Medication Management 5