NCAS Pharmacology and Medication Administration 3

Question 1

A nurse is providing discharge medication teaching to a patient with heart failure. Which instruction is most critical for medication safety at home?

Accepted Answer

Never stop a prescribed medication without consulting the provider first

Answer

Abruptly stopping certain medications, such as beta-blockers or corticosteroids, can cause serious adverse effects, making provider consultation essential before any changes.

Question 2

Which pharmacokinetic process refers to the biotransformation of a drug into active or inactive metabolites?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism

Answer

Drug metabolism (biotransformation) primarily occurs in the liver, where enzymatic reactions convert drugs into metabolites that are more easily excreted.

Question 3

A patient is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which monitoring parameters are most critical due to this medication's narrow therapeutic index?

Accepted Answer

Serum lithium levels and renal function tests

Answer

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and is primarily renally excreted; serum lithium levels and kidney function must be monitored to prevent toxicity.

Question 4

Which antihypertensive medication class is considered first-line therapy for patients with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes due to its additional renal protective effects?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

ACE inhibitors reduce intraglomerular pressure and proteinuria, making them preferred antihypertensives for diabetic patients to slow progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Question 5

While preparing a sterile injection using aseptic technique, the nurse accidentally touches the needle against a non-sterile surface. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the contaminated needle and obtain a new sterile one

Answer

Any item that contacts a non-sterile surface is considered contaminated and must be discarded to maintain aseptic technique and prevent patient infection.

NCAS - Nursing Community Assessment Service Practice Test

NCAS - Nursing Community Assessment Service Practice Test

NCAS Pharmacology and Medication Administration 3