RPN Safe Medication Administration 5

Question 1

A patient is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. The nurse notes the aPTT result is 3.5 times the control value. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Decrease or hold the infusion and notify the prescriber

Answer

An aPTT greater than 3 times the control indicates supratherapeutic anticoagulation and bleeding risk; the infusion should be decreased or held and the prescriber notified.

Question 2

Before administering a new medication, the RPN is uncertain about the correct dose. What is the safest action?

Accepted Answer

Consult a current drug reference or contact the pharmacist before administration

Answer

Using a current drug reference or consulting the pharmacist ensures the nurse has accurate, evidence-based information before administration.

Question 3

Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin?

Accepted Answer

I should swallow the tablet with a full glass of water

Answer

Sublingual nitroglycerin must dissolve under the tongue, not be swallowed, as swallowing bypasses the rapid sublingual absorption route.

Question 4

When administering oral medications through a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Flush the tube with 15–30 mL of water before and after each medication

Answer

Flushing the NG tube before and after each medication prevents clogging and ensures the full dose reaches the stomach and medications are not mixed.

Question 5

A nurse is teaching a newly hired RPN about medication reconciliation. Which statement best describes its purpose?

Accepted Answer

It compares a patient's current medication orders to all medications the patient has been taking to prevent discrepancies

Answer

Medication reconciliation compares the patient's complete medication list against new orders at transitions of care to identify and resolve discrepancies.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Safe Medication Administration 5