Pharmacology & Medication Administration Flashcards

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

Answer: Right documentation

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

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

Answer: Apical pulse for a full minute

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.

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

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

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

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

Answer: Ventrogluteal (hip)

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.

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

Answer: 45–90 degrees

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.

A patient who is taking warfarin reports starting a daily aspirin supplement. The practical nurse should notify the RN because this combination may:

Answer: Increase bleeding risk significantly

Both warfarin and aspirin inhibit clotting mechanisms via different pathways; combined use significantly increases the risk of serious bleeding.