Vati Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Quiz
Answers Elaborated further Correctly Fall 2022 (With
Rationale)
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?
a. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
b. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
c. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
d. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate.
To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
Atropine accelerates the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. It is given IVP at
doses of 0.5mg to 1.0mg per dose; every 3 to 5 minutes; up to 2.0mg. Doses less than
0.5mg may cause a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. When Atropine is given to a
client with history of an MI it should be used with great caution; increasing the heart rate
also increases myocardial oxygen consumption!
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.
a. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
b. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be
given.
c. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as
ordered.
d. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
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.
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?
a. To promote development of your baby's lungs
b. To decrease the intensity of your pain
c. To relax your muscles of your uterus
d. To lower your blood pressure
, b. To relax your muscles of your uterus
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.
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?
a. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
b. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
c. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
d. Ensure glucagon is readily available
Ensure glucagon is readily available
Regular insulin is the only insulin that may be given by the IV route. In addition if a dose
of NPH is prescribed for the client in DKA who is receiving an infusion of regular insulin,
the order should be verified with the health care provider as the client may experience a
rapid drop in blood sugar during peak effect of the NPH.
A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further education?
a. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed."
b. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
c. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
Lithium should be taken with meals or milk to decrease gastric upset.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require
immediate attention for this client?
a. Sodium 133
b. Blood pressure 96/48
c. Potassium 5.8
d. Pulse 56
b. Potassium 5.8
A potassium of 5.8 is elevated- normal is 3.5-5. One effect of Capoten is elevation of
potassium levels because this drug inhibits the formation of angiotensin II and blocks
the release of aldosterone. The blocking of the aldosterone results in sodium excretion
and potassium retention. Hyperkalemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias and if
untreated lead to cardiac arrest.
Answers Elaborated further Correctly Fall 2022 (With
Rationale)
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?
a. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
b. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
c. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
d. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate.
To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
Atropine accelerates the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. It is given IVP at
doses of 0.5mg to 1.0mg per dose; every 3 to 5 minutes; up to 2.0mg. Doses less than
0.5mg may cause a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. When Atropine is given to a
client with history of an MI it should be used with great caution; increasing the heart rate
also increases myocardial oxygen consumption!
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.
a. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
b. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be
given.
c. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as
ordered.
d. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
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.
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?
a. To promote development of your baby's lungs
b. To decrease the intensity of your pain
c. To relax your muscles of your uterus
d. To lower your blood pressure
, b. To relax your muscles of your uterus
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.
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?
a. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
b. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
c. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
d. Ensure glucagon is readily available
Ensure glucagon is readily available
Regular insulin is the only insulin that may be given by the IV route. In addition if a dose
of NPH is prescribed for the client in DKA who is receiving an infusion of regular insulin,
the order should be verified with the health care provider as the client may experience a
rapid drop in blood sugar during peak effect of the NPH.
A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further education?
a. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed."
b. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
c. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
d. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
Lithium should be taken with meals or milk to decrease gastric upset.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require
immediate attention for this client?
a. Sodium 133
b. Blood pressure 96/48
c. Potassium 5.8
d. Pulse 56
b. Potassium 5.8
A potassium of 5.8 is elevated- normal is 3.5-5. One effect of Capoten is elevation of
potassium levels because this drug inhibits the formation of angiotensin II and blocks
the release of aldosterone. The blocking of the aldosterone results in sodium excretion
and potassium retention. Hyperkalemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias and if
untreated lead to cardiac arrest.
