RN Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies 4

Question 1

A patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line. The nurse should assess for which complication?

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia and infection at insertion site

Answer

TPN's high dextrose content can cause hyperglycemia, and the central line is a significant infection risk.

Question 2

Which medication classification requires the nurse to assess the patient's apical pulse for one full minute before administration?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)

Answer

Digoxin slows conduction through the AV node; it is withheld if the apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving IV aminophylline. Which finding indicates toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, tremors, and seizures

Answer

Aminophylline (theophylline) toxicity manifests as tachycardia, tremors, seizures, and arrhythmias.

Question 4

A patient prescribed a fentanyl transdermal patch needs to be educated that the patch should be:

Accepted Answer

Placed on non-irritated, non-hairy skin and changed every 72 hours

Answer

Fentanyl patches are applied to intact, non-hairy skin and replaced every 72 hours; heat increases absorption dangerously.

Question 5

Which lab value is the priority to check before administering an aminoglycoside antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine and BUN

Answer

Aminoglycosides are nephrotoxic; baseline and ongoing renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) are essential.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test