Pharmacology and Medication Administration Flashcards
7 cards from real NCAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacology and Medication Administration flashcards as text
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient. What is the most important assessment to perform before administration?
Answer: Apical pulse for one full minute
Digoxin is withheld and the provider notified if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm, as the medication slows cardiac conduction.
Which of the following medications requires routine monitoring of serum potassium levels due to its effect on electrolyte balance?
Answer: Furosemide
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes urinary potassium excretion, increasing the risk of hypokalemia.
A patient is receiving IV heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effect?
Answer: aPTT
The aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) monitors the intrinsic coagulation pathway and reflects heparin's anticoagulant effect.
A nurse is administering metformin to a newly admitted patient. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for this medication?
Answer: Renal impairment
Metformin is contraindicated in significant renal impairment because decreased clearance leads to drug accumulation and risk of lactic acidosis.
Which route of medication administration provides the fastest onset of drug action?
Answer: Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into systemic circulation, bypassing all absorption barriers for immediate effect.
A patient is prescribed warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation. What dietary instruction should the nurse emphasize regarding vitamin K?
Answer: Eat consistent amounts of vitamin K-containing foods
Consistent vitamin K intake is recommended because fluctuations in dietary vitamin K significantly alter warfarin's anticoagulant effect and INR values.
A patient presents to the emergency department with acetaminophen overdose. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as an antidote?
Answer: N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine replenishes hepatic glutathione stores, preventing the toxic acetaminophen metabolite from causing liver damage.
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