Saudi Prometric Nursing Pharmacology and Drug Calculations 2

Question 1

A nurse is administering IV potassium chloride (KCl) to correct hypokalemia. What is the maximum safe rate for IV KCl administration in a peripheral line?

Accepted Answer

10 mEq/hour

Answer

The maximum safe rate for peripheral IV KCl administration is 10 mEq/hour in a concentration of no more than 40 mEq/L. Faster rates can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Central line administration allows higher rates with continuous cardiac monitoring.

Question 2

A patient weighing 60 kg is prescribed IV aminophylline at a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg/kg/hr. The available solution is 250 mg in 250 mL. What is the infusion rate in mL/hr?

Accepted Answer

30 mL/hr

Answer

Dose per hour = 0.5 mg/kg/hr × 60 kg = 30 mg/hr. Concentration = 250 mg/250 mL = 1 mg/mL. Rate = 30 mg/hr ÷ 1 mg/mL = 30 mL/hr.

Question 3

A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which medication interaction significantly increases the risk of bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin and NSAIDs

Answer

Aspirin and NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and can also inhibit warfarin metabolism, significantly increasing anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk. The combination of warfarin anticoagulation plus antiplatelet effect is particularly dangerous for GI bleeding.

Question 4

The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving IV vancomycin. Which adverse effect requires serum drug level monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity

Answer

Vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity (renal damage) and ototoxicity (hearing loss) at elevated serum levels. Trough levels are monitored to ensure therapeutic efficacy while preventing toxicity. AUC/MIC-guided dosing is the current standard.

Question 5

A nurse is preparing oral medications. The prescription reads: 'amoxicillin 750 mg PO. Available: 250 mg/5 mL suspension.' How many mL should be administered?

Accepted Answer

15 mL

Answer

Volume = (desired dose / available dose) × volume = (750 mg / 250 mg) × 5 mL = 3 × 5 = 15 mL. This is a standard oral liquid calculation.

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Pharmacology and Drug Calculations 2