OSCE Pharmacology and Medication Administration 3

Question 1

A patient is receiving morphine via PCA pump and is difficult to arouse with a respiratory rate of 8/min. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone and prepare for resuscitation

Answer

Naloxone reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression and is the priority intervention for this life-threatening emergency.

Question 2

Which medication requires protection from light during IV administration?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Nitroglycerin degrades when exposed to light, requiring amber or foil-wrapped tubing and bottles during administration.

Question 3

A nurse is teaching a patient about transdermal nitroglycerin patches. Which instruction is most important?

Accepted Answer

Remove the old patch before applying a new one

Answer

Failing to remove the old patch before applying a new one can cause nitroglycerin toxicity due to double dosing.

Question 4

When reconstituting a powdered medication, the nurse should inject the diluent at which angle into the vial?

Accepted Answer

Along the side of the vial wall

Answer

Injecting diluent along the vial wall prevents excessive foaming and ensures complete dissolution of the powder.

Question 5

A patient is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which lab value requires the nurse to hold the medication and notify the physician?

Accepted Answer

Serum lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L

Answer

A lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L is at the upper therapeutic limit and approaching toxic range (>1.5 mEq/L), requiring immediate notification.

OSCE Practice Test