PHARMACOLOGICAL AND
PARENTERAL THERAPIES QUIZ-
PHARMACOLOGY AND PARENTERAL
THERAPIES EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES 2023/2024 GRADED A+
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. - ANSWER- c. To accelerate the
heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
Atropine does not have a direct effect on the SA node.
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. - ANSWER- 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?
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 - ANSWER- a. 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?
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 - ANSWER- d. Ensure glucagon is readily
available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can
occur when insulin is administered intravenously
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." - ANSWER- 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.
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 - ANSWER- c. Potassium 5.8
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
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a
frequent dry cough. What action should the nurse take?
Select one:
a. Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
b. Instruct the client to decrease the dosage of the medication.
PARENTERAL THERAPIES QUIZ-
PHARMACOLOGY AND PARENTERAL
THERAPIES EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES 2023/2024 GRADED A+
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. - ANSWER- c. To accelerate the
heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
Atropine does not have a direct effect on the SA node.
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. - ANSWER- 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?
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 - ANSWER- a. 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?
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 - ANSWER- d. Ensure glucagon is readily
available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can
occur when insulin is administered intravenously
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." - ANSWER- 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.
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 - ANSWER- c. Potassium 5.8
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
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a
frequent dry cough. What action should the nurse take?
Select one:
a. Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
b. Instruct the client to decrease the dosage of the medication.
