Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Quiz
1.A client with a digoxin level of 2.4 ng/ml has a heart rate of 39. The health care provider
prescribes atropine sulfate. Which of the following best describes the intended action of atropine
for this client?
Select one:
a. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
b. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate.
c. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
d. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
Atropine does not have a direct effect on the SA node.
2.A client is prescribed digoxin 1mg by mouth QID. The client states that the objects in his room
have a yellowish tinge and he is nauseated. Select the most appropriate nursing action at this
time.
Select one:
a. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as ordered.
b. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be given.
c. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
d. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
This client is showing signs of digitalis toxicity. The most appropriate action is to hold the drug
and call the health care provider. Severe arrhythmia may develop if action is not taken.
3.A client diagnosed with preterm labor has been prescribed nifedipine. The client asks the nurse
why this particular medication has been prescribed. Which of the following statements by the
nurse is correct?
Select one:
a. To relax your muscles of your uterus
b. To lower your blood pressure
c. To promote development of your baby's lungs
d. To decrease the intensity of your pain
The use of nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labor is an unlabeled use of the drug.
Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is more commonly used to treat high blood pressure and
heart disease. Smooth muscle tissue, like the uterus, needs calcium to contract. Nifedipine blocks
, the passage of calcium into certain tissues, relaxing the uterine muscles and smooth muscles of
blood vessels throughout the body.
4.A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). An
intravenous infusion of regular insulin has been started. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate for this client?
Select one:
a. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
b. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
c. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
d. Ensure glucagon is readily available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can occur when insulin is
administered intravenously
5.A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further education?
Select one:
a. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
b. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed."
c. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window which should be monitored closely (Lithium
therapeutic level: 0.4-1 mEq/L for maintenance therapy). Clients should be taught about signs
and symptoms of toxicity, and instructed to withhold medication and notify provider if they
develop.
6.A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require immediate
attention for this client?
Select one:
a. Blood pressure 96/48
b. Pulse 56
c. Potassium 5.8
d. Sodium 133 c.
These findings are outside normal values. The B/P and pulse are both a bit low and would
warrant looking at patient baselines, plus assessing for symptoms related to low B/P and pulse
7.A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a frequent dry
cough. What action should the nurse take?
Quiz
1.A client with a digoxin level of 2.4 ng/ml has a heart rate of 39. The health care provider
prescribes atropine sulfate. Which of the following best describes the intended action of atropine
for this client?
Select one:
a. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
b. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate.
c. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
d. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
Atropine does not have a direct effect on the SA node.
2.A client is prescribed digoxin 1mg by mouth QID. The client states that the objects in his room
have a yellowish tinge and he is nauseated. Select the most appropriate nursing action at this
time.
Select one:
a. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as ordered.
b. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be given.
c. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
d. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
This client is showing signs of digitalis toxicity. The most appropriate action is to hold the drug
and call the health care provider. Severe arrhythmia may develop if action is not taken.
3.A client diagnosed with preterm labor has been prescribed nifedipine. The client asks the nurse
why this particular medication has been prescribed. Which of the following statements by the
nurse is correct?
Select one:
a. To relax your muscles of your uterus
b. To lower your blood pressure
c. To promote development of your baby's lungs
d. To decrease the intensity of your pain
The use of nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labor is an unlabeled use of the drug.
Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is more commonly used to treat high blood pressure and
heart disease. Smooth muscle tissue, like the uterus, needs calcium to contract. Nifedipine blocks
, the passage of calcium into certain tissues, relaxing the uterine muscles and smooth muscles of
blood vessels throughout the body.
4.A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). An
intravenous infusion of regular insulin has been started. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate for this client?
Select one:
a. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
b. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
c. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
d. Ensure glucagon is readily available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can occur when insulin is
administered intravenously
5.A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further education?
Select one:
a. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
b. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed."
c. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window which should be monitored closely (Lithium
therapeutic level: 0.4-1 mEq/L for maintenance therapy). Clients should be taught about signs
and symptoms of toxicity, and instructed to withhold medication and notify provider if they
develop.
6.A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require immediate
attention for this client?
Select one:
a. Blood pressure 96/48
b. Pulse 56
c. Potassium 5.8
d. Sodium 133 c.
These findings are outside normal values. The B/P and pulse are both a bit low and would
warrant looking at patient baselines, plus assessing for symptoms related to low B/P and pulse
7.A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a frequent dry
cough. What action should the nurse take?
