Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Flashcards
7 cards from real NACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies flashcards as text
A patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) develops sudden shortness of breath and chest pain after the central line is repositioned. What should the nurse suspect first?
Answer: Air embolism
Sudden dyspnea and chest pain after central line manipulation are classic signs of air embolism, a life-threatening complication.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with prolonged loop diuretic therapy such as furosemide?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics inhibit potassium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, making hypokalemia the most common electrolyte complication.
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin 5,000 units subcutaneously. Which action is correct?
Answer: Do not rub the injection site after administration
Rubbing a subcutaneous heparin injection site can cause bruising and hematoma formation, so it should be avoided.
A patient is receiving IV vancomycin and develops flushing, erythema, and hypotension during the infusion. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Red man syndrome
Red man syndrome is a rate-related reaction to rapid vancomycin infusion causing histamine release, resulting in flushing, erythema, and hypotension.
Which assessment finding in a patient taking lithium carbonate requires immediate intervention?
Answer: Serum lithium level of 2.5 mEq/L
A serum lithium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates severe toxicity (therapeutic range 0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and requires immediate intervention.
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin therapy. Which food should the patient be instructed to consume consistently rather than avoid entirely?
Answer: Green leafy vegetables
Patients on warfarin should keep vitamin K intake (from green leafy vegetables) consistent rather than eliminating it, as abrupt changes alter INR.
When administering a peripheral IV infusion, the nurse notices the site is cool, pale, and swollen. What is the priority action?
Answer: Discontinue the IV and restart at a new site
Coolness, pallor, and swelling indicate infiltration; the IV must be discontinued immediately and restarted at a new site to prevent tissue damage.