PSB-PN Pharmacology & Medication Administration

Question 1

The 'six rights' of medication administration include the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and:

Accepted Answer

Right documentation

Answer

The sixth right is right documentation — recording the medication after administration ensures accurate medical records and prevents duplicate dosing.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Before administering the dose, the practical nurse must assess which parameter?

Accepted Answer

Apical pulse for a full minute

Answer

Digoxin slows the heart rate; the apical pulse must be counted for a full minute and if it is below 60 bpm, the dose is withheld and the RN is notified.

Question 3

Which medication route provides the fastest onset of action in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous (IV)

Answer

The intravenous route delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, providing immediate systemic absorption and the fastest onset of action.

Question 4

A practical nurse is administering an intramuscular injection to an adult patient. The preferred site for most IM injections in adults is the:

Accepted Answer

Ventrogluteal (hip)

Answer

The ventrogluteal site is currently the preferred IM injection site in adults because it is free of major nerves and blood vessels and has a large muscle mass.

Question 5

When a patient is ordered to receive a subcutaneous heparin injection, the practical nurse should administer it at which angle?

Accepted Answer

45–90 degrees

Answer

Subcutaneous injections are given at 45–90 degrees depending on body fat, ensuring the medication is deposited in the subcutaneous tissue rather than muscle or skin.

PSB-PN Exam Practice Test

PSB-PN Exam Practice Test

PSB-PN Pharmacology & Medication Administration