ABSN Pharmacology and Patient Safety:
NSAIDs, Opioids, CAM, and Math
UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
What is the max dosage per day of NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER - The maximum dosage of
NSAIDs varies by specific medication, but generally, it is important to follow the prescribing information
or guidelines for each specific NSAID.
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose? - CORRECT ANSWER - The antidote for
acetaminophen overdose is N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Why does the nurse monitor for urinary retention with opioid use? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Opioids can cause urinary retention due to their effects on the central nervous system and the bladder,
leading to decreased bladder contractility.
What safety teaching does the nurse provide regarding getting out of bed with opioids? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly to prevent dizziness and falls, as
opioids can cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
What are the signs/symptoms of ASA overdose in adult clients? - CORRECT ANSWER - Signs
and symptoms of aspirin (ASA) overdose include tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, and
metabolic acidosis.
What respiratory rate would the nurse be concerned with after administering opioids? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse would be concerned with a respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths per
minute, indicating potential respiratory depression.
What organ toxicity should the nurse monitor with acetaminophen use? - CORRECT ANSWER -
The nurse should monitor for liver toxicity when administering acetaminophen.
, What are the contraindications to NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER - Contraindications to NSAIDs
include active gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, and severe renal impairment.
Why is acetaminophen contraindicated in cirrhosis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Acetaminophen is
contraindicated in cirrhosis because the liver is unable to metabolize the drug safely, increasing the risk of
liver damage.
When would the nurse instruct a client to not give their child aspirin and why? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse would instruct against giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye's
syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
Besides respiratory depression, what other side effects does the nurse monitor for after medicating a client
with morphine? - CORRECT ANSWER - The nurse should also monitor for sedation, constipation,
nausea, and urinary retention.
What medication would the nurse administer to a client with a decreased respiratory rate after morphine
administration? - CORRECT ANSWER - The nurse would administer naloxone (Narcan) to reverse
opioid-induced respiratory depression.
What is the alcohol contraindication with opioids? - CORRECT ANSWER - Alcohol can enhance
the sedative effects of opioids, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Why would the nurse be concerned with a client taking over-the-counter herbal supplements with
prescription medications? - CORRECT ANSWER - Herbal supplements can interact with
prescription medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional treatments, while alternative medicine is used
instead of conventional treatments.
What categories are music therapy, aromatherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy? - CORRECT
ANSWER - These therapies are categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
interventions.
NSAIDs, Opioids, CAM, and Math
UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
What is the max dosage per day of NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER - The maximum dosage of
NSAIDs varies by specific medication, but generally, it is important to follow the prescribing information
or guidelines for each specific NSAID.
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose? - CORRECT ANSWER - The antidote for
acetaminophen overdose is N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Why does the nurse monitor for urinary retention with opioid use? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Opioids can cause urinary retention due to their effects on the central nervous system and the bladder,
leading to decreased bladder contractility.
What safety teaching does the nurse provide regarding getting out of bed with opioids? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly to prevent dizziness and falls, as
opioids can cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
What are the signs/symptoms of ASA overdose in adult clients? - CORRECT ANSWER - Signs
and symptoms of aspirin (ASA) overdose include tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, and
metabolic acidosis.
What respiratory rate would the nurse be concerned with after administering opioids? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse would be concerned with a respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths per
minute, indicating potential respiratory depression.
What organ toxicity should the nurse monitor with acetaminophen use? - CORRECT ANSWER -
The nurse should monitor for liver toxicity when administering acetaminophen.
, What are the contraindications to NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER - Contraindications to NSAIDs
include active gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, and severe renal impairment.
Why is acetaminophen contraindicated in cirrhosis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Acetaminophen is
contraindicated in cirrhosis because the liver is unable to metabolize the drug safely, increasing the risk of
liver damage.
When would the nurse instruct a client to not give their child aspirin and why? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The nurse would instruct against giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye's
syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
Besides respiratory depression, what other side effects does the nurse monitor for after medicating a client
with morphine? - CORRECT ANSWER - The nurse should also monitor for sedation, constipation,
nausea, and urinary retention.
What medication would the nurse administer to a client with a decreased respiratory rate after morphine
administration? - CORRECT ANSWER - The nurse would administer naloxone (Narcan) to reverse
opioid-induced respiratory depression.
What is the alcohol contraindication with opioids? - CORRECT ANSWER - Alcohol can enhance
the sedative effects of opioids, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Why would the nurse be concerned with a client taking over-the-counter herbal supplements with
prescription medications? - CORRECT ANSWER - Herbal supplements can interact with
prescription medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional treatments, while alternative medicine is used
instead of conventional treatments.
What categories are music therapy, aromatherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy? - CORRECT
ANSWER - These therapies are categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
interventions.
