Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 2

Question 1

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg PO to a client with heart failure. Before administering the medication, which assessment is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Assess the client's apical heart rate for one full minute

Answer

Check the client's blood pressure

Answer

Verify the client's last bowel movement

Answer

Assess the client's lung sounds

Question 2

A nurse is administering heparin as a continuous IV infusion. The order reads: Heparin 25,000 units in 250 mL D5W, infuse at 1,000 units/hour. At what rate should the nurse set the infusion pump (mL/hour)?

Accepted Answer

10 mL/hour

Answer

4 mL/hour

Answer

8 mL/hour

Answer

25 mL/hour

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a client receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with pinpoint pupils

Answer

Pain rating of 4/10 one hour after PCA initiation

Answer

Mild nausea reported 30 minutes after PCA initiation

Answer

Heart rate of 72 bpm and blood pressure 118/76 mmHg

Question 4

A nurse is administering a peripheral IV infusion of potassium chloride (KCl) 40 mEq in 100 mL normal saline. The client reports burning and pain at the IV site. Which action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

Assess the IV site for signs of infiltration

Answer

Slow the infusion rate

Answer

Apply a warm compress to the IV site

Answer

Dilute the potassium with more normal saline

Question 5

A nurse is preparing to administer insulin. The physician order reads: Regular insulin 10 units subcutaneously and NPH insulin 20 units subcutaneously. How should the nurse prepare this combined dose?

Accepted Answer

Draw up regular insulin first, then NPH insulin into the same syringe

Answer

Draw up NPH first, then regular insulin into the same syringe

Answer

Administer each insulin in a separate syringe at separate sites

Answer

Mix both insulins in a vial and draw from the mixed vial

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a client receiving vancomycin IV. The infusion is running over 60 minutes. Thirty minutes into the infusion, the client develops flushing, erythema, and pruritus of the face, neck, and upper torso. Which action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

Slow the infusion rate

Answer

Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as prescribed

Answer

Stop the infusion and notify the provider immediately

Answer

Assess for anaphylaxis and prepare epinephrine