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 with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to its use?
Answer: Stage 3b chronic kidney disease (GFR < 45 mL/min)
Metformin is contraindicated in significant renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min and used cautiously below 45) due to risk of lactic acidosis.
A nurse is administering potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. Which practice is safest?
Answer: Dilute in at least 100 mL and infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hour
IV potassium must be diluted and infused slowly (≤10 mEq/hr peripherally) to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias; IV push is never acceptable.
A patient taking phenytoin for seizure disorder has a serum level of 25 mcg/mL. Which symptom should the nurse assess for?
Answer: Nystagmus, ataxia, and confusion
Phenytoin toxicity (therapeutic range 10–20 mcg/mL) commonly manifests as nystagmus, ataxia, and mental status changes.
Which nursing action is most important before administering the first dose of an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as gentamicin?
Answer: Obtain baseline hearing assessment and renal function tests
Aminoglycosides are ototoxic and nephrotoxic; baseline hearing and renal function must be established before initiating therapy.
A patient receiving morphine for post-operative pain has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and is difficult to arouse. What is the priority intervention?
Answer: Administer naloxone (Narcan) per protocol
Respiratory depression with altered consciousness is opioid toxicity requiring immediate naloxone administration to reverse the effect.
A patient is receiving IV amphotericin B. Which assessment finding is most expected and requires ongoing monitoring?
Answer: Rising serum creatinine
Nephrotoxicity is the most significant dose-limiting adverse effect of amphotericin B, requiring frequent monitoring of renal function.
The nurse is preparing to administer insulin glargine (Lantus) to a patient. Which action is correct?
Answer: Administer subcutaneously at the same time each day
Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin given subcutaneously once daily at the same time; it must never be mixed or given IV.