Safe Medication Administration Flashcards
7 cards from real RPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safe Medication Administration flashcards as text
Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of action in an emergency situation?
Answer: Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, producing the fastest onset of action.
A nurse is about to administer morphine 4 mg IV. The patient's respiratory rate is 10 breaths per minute. What should the nurse do?
Answer: Hold the medication and notify the prescriber
A respiratory rate below 12 is a contraindication to opioid administration; the nurse must withhold the dose and contact the prescriber.
When reconstituting a powdered medication, what should the nurse do immediately after adding diluent?
Answer: Roll the vial gently between the palms and inspect for complete dissolution
Gently rolling ensures complete dissolution without creating excessive bubbles, and visual inspection confirms the solution is clear before use.
A patient with a documented penicillin allergy is prescribed amoxicillin. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer: Withhold the medication and clarify the order with the prescriber
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic; administering it to a patient with a documented penicillin allergy is unsafe and requires prescriber clarification.
Which statement about the administration of enteric-coated tablets is correct?
Answer: They must be swallowed whole to protect the stomach lining
Enteric-coated tablets must not be crushed or chewed because the coating protects the stomach or ensures the drug releases in the intestine.
The RPN is administering an eye drop to a patient. Which technique is correct?
Answer: Pull down the lower eyelid to create a conjunctival sac and instill the drop
Instilling drops into the conjunctival sac avoids corneal irritation and allows proper absorption of the medication.
A high-alert medication label on a medication indicates that the nurse should:
Answer: Obtain an independent double-check from another nurse before administration
High-alert medications require an independent double-check by a second licensed nurse to reduce the risk of serious patient harm.
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