Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies Flashcards
7 cards from real RN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies flashcards as text
A nurse is reviewing a medication order that reads 'morphine sulfate 4 mg IV q4h PRN pain.' The nurse should clarify which missing element?
Answer: Pain scale threshold or indication for use
A complete PRN order requires a specific indication or pain threshold (e.g., 'for pain >5/10') to guide administration.
Which action is correct when administering a subcutaneous heparin injection?
Answer: Inject into the abdomen 2 inches from the umbilicus without aspiration
Subcutaneous heparin is injected into the abdomen without aspiration; massaging increases bruising risk.
A patient on lithium therapy complains of tremors, confusion, and has a serum level of 2.1 mEq/L. The nurse anticipates:
Answer: Holding the dose and preparing for supportive treatment of toxicity
The therapeutic lithium range is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L; a level of 2.1 indicates severe toxicity requiring the dose to be held.
A patient is started on lisinopril for hypertension and calls reporting a new persistent dry cough. The nurse should:
Answer: Document and notify the provider, as this is a common ACE inhibitor side effect
A persistent dry cough is a common ACE inhibitor side effect caused by bradykinin accumulation and should be reported.
When reconstituting a powdered medication for IV administration, the nurse should:
Answer: Use the diluent specified on the package insert and gently swirl until dissolved
Package insert instructions specify the correct diluent and volume; gentle swirling prevents foaming or degradation.
A patient receiving chemotherapy is prescribed ondansetron (Zofran) and dexamethasone. The nurse understands the dexamethasone is given to:
Answer: Enhance the antiemetic effect of ondansetron
Dexamethasone has antiemetic properties that act synergistically with serotonin antagonists like ondansetron to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea.
A nurse is double-checking a high-alert medication with another RN before administration. This practice is designed to prevent harm from:
Answer: Medications with a low therapeutic index
High-alert medications (e.g., insulin, anticoagulants, chemotherapy) have a narrow therapeutic index and can cause significant harm if errors occur.