RN Registered Nurse: Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies 5

Question 1

A nurse is reviewing a medication order that reads 'morphine sulfate 4 mg IV q4h PRN pain.' The nurse should clarify which missing element?

Accepted Answer

Pain scale threshold or indication for use

Answer

A complete PRN order requires a specific indication or pain threshold (e.g., 'for pain >5/10') to guide administration.

Question 2

Which action is correct when administering a subcutaneous heparin injection?

Accepted Answer

Inject into the abdomen 2 inches from the umbilicus without aspiration

Answer

Subcutaneous heparin is injected into the abdomen without aspiration; massaging increases bruising risk.

Question 3

A patient on lithium therapy complains of tremors, confusion, and has a serum level of 2.1 mEq/L. The nurse anticipates:

Accepted Answer

Holding the dose and preparing for supportive treatment of toxicity

Answer

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.

Question 4

A patient is started on lisinopril for hypertension and calls reporting a new persistent dry cough. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Document and notify the provider, as this is a common ACE inhibitor side effect

Answer

A persistent dry cough is a common ACE inhibitor side effect caused by bradykinin accumulation and should be reported.

Question 5

When reconstituting a powdered medication for IV administration, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Use the diluent specified on the package insert and gently swirl until dissolved

Answer

Package insert instructions specify the correct diluent and volume; gentle swirling prevents foaming or degradation.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test