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A patient who was prescribed an oral medication to be taken four times per day returns to the
clinic for a follow-up visit. The patient tells the nurse that he forgets to take two or three doses of
the medication each day. What is the most appropriate action that the nurse can take?
A. Arranging for the patient to have a home healthcare nurse
B. Re-educating the patient about the medication and how it should be taken
C. Determining whether the patient is experiencing any adverse effects
D. Telling the patient to set an alarm as a reminder to take the drug
Answer: B
Rationale: To help minimize errors caused by poor adherence, patients should receive thorough
instruction regarding their medications and how to take them.
,A nurse is caring for a patient who has an infection. The healthcare provider has ordered an
antimicrobial drug for the patient. The nurse understands that which of the following is the most
important characteristic of this drug?
A. That the drug will kill the microorganism
B. That the drug will be administered orally
C. That the drug does not have any harmful effects
D. That the drug does not interact with other drugs
Answer: A
Rationale: The three most important characteristics that any drug can have are effectiveness,
safety, and selectivity. Effectiveness is the most important property that a drug can have.
, While preparing to administer medications to a patient, the nurse finds that he does not
understand the rationale for the patient receiving one of the prescribed drugs. What should he
do?
A. Ask another nurse why the patient is getting this medication.
B. Ask the patient why this medication has been ordered.
C. Research the medication, focusing on its therapeutic uses.
D. Verify with the prescribing healthcare provider the reason for the medication.
Answer: D
Rationale: A nurse should not administer a medication unless he or she understands the reason for
its use.
A patient who was prescribed an oral medication to be taken four times per day returns to the
clinic for a follow-up visit. The patient tells the nurse that he forgets to take two or three doses of
the medication each day. What is the most appropriate action that the nurse can take?
A. Arranging for the patient to have a home healthcare nurse
B. Re-educating the patient about the medication and how it should be taken
C. Determining whether the patient is experiencing any adverse effects
D. Telling the patient to set an alarm as a reminder to take the drug
Answer: B
Rationale: To help minimize errors caused by poor adherence, patients should receive thorough
instruction regarding their medications and how to take them.
,A nurse is caring for a patient who has an infection. The healthcare provider has ordered an
antimicrobial drug for the patient. The nurse understands that which of the following is the most
important characteristic of this drug?
A. That the drug will kill the microorganism
B. That the drug will be administered orally
C. That the drug does not have any harmful effects
D. That the drug does not interact with other drugs
Answer: A
Rationale: The three most important characteristics that any drug can have are effectiveness,
safety, and selectivity. Effectiveness is the most important property that a drug can have.
, While preparing to administer medications to a patient, the nurse finds that he does not
understand the rationale for the patient receiving one of the prescribed drugs. What should he
do?
A. Ask another nurse why the patient is getting this medication.
B. Ask the patient why this medication has been ordered.
C. Research the medication, focusing on its therapeutic uses.
D. Verify with the prescribing healthcare provider the reason for the medication.
Answer: D
Rationale: A nurse should not administer a medication unless he or she understands the reason for
its use.
