Pharmacology & Medication Administration Flashcards

A practical nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a patient who is having difficulty swallowing. The FIRST action should be to:

Answer: Contact the prescribing provider to request an alternative form

Crushing tablets or altering dosage forms can change absorption and is contraindicated for many medications; the provider must be contacted for a safe alternative form.

A patient is receiving IV potassium chloride. The practical nurse knows that IV potassium must NEVER be administered:

Answer: Undiluted as a direct IV push

IV potassium given undiluted as a direct push causes fatal cardiac arrhythmias; it must always be diluted and infused slowly.

Which of the following is a sign of narcotic (opioid) overdose that the practical nurse should recognize and report immediately?

Answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute

A respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute (respiratory depression) is the hallmark sign of opioid overdose and requires immediate intervention with naloxone.

The nurse is reviewing a medication administration record (MAR). The abbreviation 'PRN' means the medication should be given:

Answer: As needed, based on patient condition

PRN (Latin: pro re nata) means 'as needed' — the medication is given based on the patient's specific condition or complaint rather than on a fixed schedule.

A patient is allergic to penicillin. The practical nurse should be aware that there is a potential cross-reactivity with which class of antibiotics?

Answer: Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin)

Penicillins and cephalosporins share a beta-lactam ring structure; patients allergic to penicillin have a small but significant risk of cross-reactivity to cephalosporins.

When applying a nitroglycerin transdermal patch, the practical nurse should:

Answer: Remove the old patch and rotate to a new hairless skin site

Removing the old patch prevents cumulative drug buildup, and rotating sites prevents skin irritation and ensures consistent absorption.