NSG-318: Nursing Pharmacology, Medical Terminology &
Medication Calculations – NCLEX 2025 Master Prep Guide | Dosage
Formulas, Drug Classes, and Nursing Applications | Verified
Questions with Rationales
Before administering Digoxin, what key assessments should a nurse perform?
Check EKG, heart rate, electrolytes, and last dose. Avoid doubling up on doses.
What assessments are crucial before administering Calcium Channel Blockers?
Check cardiac status (pulse, B/P) and signs of heart failure (increased fluid volume, edema).
Prior to administering Beta Blockers, what vital signs are essential to assess?
Apical pulse and respiratory rate.
What electrolyte levels should be closely monitored when administering Furosemide?
Potassium (K+) levels, and blood pressure should also be monitored.
What should be assessed before administering ACE inhibitors?
Blood pressure, race, and potassium levels.
What assessments are important to conduct before administering Statins?
HDL + LDL levels, assess nutrition, and inquire about muscle pain.
What assessments are needed before administering Valproic acid?
Assess for last time of seizure and perform a CBC.
What respiratory assessments should be performed before administering Theophylline?
Lung sounds, sputum production, cough, and respiratory rate.
What is the goal of Albuterol?
Bronchodilation (better breathing, better RR)
What is the goal of medications for Parkinson's disease?
Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's (less tremors, steady gait, etc.)
What is the primary action of Naloxone?
Temporarily reverses the effects of opioid overdose
What is the intended effect of central acting muscle relaxants?
Relaxes skeletal muscles to reduce spasms and chronic spastic conditions
What are the key interventions and patient education points for Aminoglycosides?
,Interventions: Obtain/Monitor culture, Monitor peak and trough levels. Pt/Ed: FINISH ENTIRE
PRESCRIPTION, report tinnitus, watch for SUPERINFECTION
What are the nursing interventions and patient education points related to Warfarin?
Interventions: DISCONTINUE BEFORE SURGERY, Antidote is Vitamin K, monitor Pt/PTT/INR labs. Pt/Ed:
NO CHANGE IN NORMAL AMOUNT OF LEAFY GREENS IN DIET, avoid bleeding
What patient education should be provided regarding Tamsulosin?
Take at the same time everyday, do not discontinue abruptly. Monitor urinary frequency, ability, and output.
What are the nursing interventions and patient education points associated with Nitrates?
Interventions: Monitor BP and Anginal pain. Pt/Ed: ROTATE SITES, clean area, apply to hairless area, NEVER
USE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PRODUCTS
What should nurses monitor for in patients taking anticholinergics and what should they educate patients
on?
Monitor for toxicity (dry as a bone, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, and blind as a bat). Assess if patient has
comorbidities and is diabetic. If using topical patch, ENSURE CLIENT WASHES HANDS BEFORE AND
AFTER TOUCHING.
What monitoring and precautions are necessary for patients taking opiates?
Monitor for signs of overdose, have antidote nearby, monitor LOC, vitals, and check pain levels.
What interventions and patient education are crucial for Tissue Plasma Activator?
N/I + Pt. Ed: AVOID BLEEDING, avoid invasive procedures. Educate on symptoms for anaphylaxis
What nursing interventions and patient education is needed for statins?
N/I: renal and Liver labs, Pt. Ed: Annual eye exam (cataract formation), REPORT MUSCLE ACHES
IMMEDIATELY, Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol, Stop smoking, have a low cholesterol diet and active
lifestyle
What anticholinergic is mentioned in this lecture, and what considerations are there?
Scopolamine – Anticholinergic (see above)
What key steps should be taught to patients using Albuterol?
Teach how to use inhaler (deep breath + pump), promote bronchodilation and lung expansion
What are the monitoring considerations for Psyllium?
Monitor bowel sounds, distention, and bowel movement. Encourage PT to drink plenty of water.
What adjustments and safety measures are important for patients taking Isotretinoin?
Adjust dosage if the patient is a smoker, ensure mobility is SAFE (d/t Parkinson's impaired mobility)
What nursing interventions and patient education are important regarding Furosemide?
,N/I: Encourage patient nutrition (maintain electrolytes + fluid), monitor BP, Pt. Ed: Teach about C/M of
hypokalemia
What nursing interventions and patient education are crucial for Beta Blockers?
N/I + Pt. Ed: TAKE APICAL PULSE BEFORE (hold if <50) Have patient dangle feet (ortho. Hypo), avoid
hazardous activities (dizziness), and to avoid alcohol and smoking.
When administering Fenofibrates, what patient education is essential?
Immediately report for RHABIDOMYLOSIS (muscle weakness + brown urine), gallstone development, Incr
fluid intake.
What positive outcomes are expected from Metformin therapy?
Normal hemoglobin A1c, Normal blood glucose, decr Polyuria
What constitutes a positive outcome from Gentamycin therapy, and what should be monitored?
Reduced signs of infection (normal temp, no diaphoresis) and check for superinfection
What should the nurse evaluate after the administration of opiates?
EVALUATE PAIN, Evaluate vitals (RR + BP + HR), monitor signs of toxicity/OD
What indicates effective treatment with Sumatriptan?
Decreased frequency + severity of headache
What are the desired outcomes and monitoring parameters for ACE inhibitors?
Decreased, but normal BP, monitor potassium levels for hyperkalemia
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia: Dizziness, confusion, fatigue. Hyperglycemia: Polydipsia, Polyuria, KUSSMAUL respirations,
delayed wound healing
Define Therapeutic index
The dosage range of how much drug is need to have an effect, but NOT toxic (minimum-toxicity)
Why should you avoid crushing an enteric coated tablet?
DO NOT CRUSH! Meant to survive stomach acid and be absorbed in the small intestine.
Define Minimum effective concentration
Minimum amount of drug needed to have an effect
Define Onset of action
When effects of the drug start; Slowest to fastest: ER/DR Capsules, Elixer, Tablet/capsules, Bucca, IV. IM and
SQ depends on the drug, varies greatly
What is Peak and trough?
, Test used to determine the maximum (peak) and minimum (low) amount of drug in a person’s blood stream
before the next dose
What is a key administration point for transdermal medications?
PATCHES, rotate sites and wash hands each time before and after, do not double up.
Define bioavailability
Leftover drug actually in body after processing through liver/GI system
What is the sympathetic response?
Spongebob “fight or flight” -- Dilated pupils, Incr HR + RR + BP, Decr Digestion
What is the parasympathetic response?
Patrick “rest and digest” = Constricted pupils, Decr HR + RR + BP, Incr digestion + urination
What is the formula described for Math Calculations?
O/H X Q = D
ACE Inhibitors (-pril)
ARBs (-sartan)
(Antihypertensives: lower BP)
Act to lower BP (not HR!)
S/E: Orthostatic Hypotension = SLOW position changes
Do we give ACE and ARBs if the HR < 60?
YES --> these have no affect on HR, only BP
Decreases Sodium and Water
INCREASES Potassium
Key notes:
- Avoid giving to pregnant patients
- ACE can cause angioedema, cough, elevates potassium (increased K+ > 5.0)
- ARBs used to decrease dry cough and they spare Potassium
Avoid food high in Potassium with ACE inhibitors (-prils) such as:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Avocado
Medication Calculations – NCLEX 2025 Master Prep Guide | Dosage
Formulas, Drug Classes, and Nursing Applications | Verified
Questions with Rationales
Before administering Digoxin, what key assessments should a nurse perform?
Check EKG, heart rate, electrolytes, and last dose. Avoid doubling up on doses.
What assessments are crucial before administering Calcium Channel Blockers?
Check cardiac status (pulse, B/P) and signs of heart failure (increased fluid volume, edema).
Prior to administering Beta Blockers, what vital signs are essential to assess?
Apical pulse and respiratory rate.
What electrolyte levels should be closely monitored when administering Furosemide?
Potassium (K+) levels, and blood pressure should also be monitored.
What should be assessed before administering ACE inhibitors?
Blood pressure, race, and potassium levels.
What assessments are important to conduct before administering Statins?
HDL + LDL levels, assess nutrition, and inquire about muscle pain.
What assessments are needed before administering Valproic acid?
Assess for last time of seizure and perform a CBC.
What respiratory assessments should be performed before administering Theophylline?
Lung sounds, sputum production, cough, and respiratory rate.
What is the goal of Albuterol?
Bronchodilation (better breathing, better RR)
What is the goal of medications for Parkinson's disease?
Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's (less tremors, steady gait, etc.)
What is the primary action of Naloxone?
Temporarily reverses the effects of opioid overdose
What is the intended effect of central acting muscle relaxants?
Relaxes skeletal muscles to reduce spasms and chronic spastic conditions
What are the key interventions and patient education points for Aminoglycosides?
,Interventions: Obtain/Monitor culture, Monitor peak and trough levels. Pt/Ed: FINISH ENTIRE
PRESCRIPTION, report tinnitus, watch for SUPERINFECTION
What are the nursing interventions and patient education points related to Warfarin?
Interventions: DISCONTINUE BEFORE SURGERY, Antidote is Vitamin K, monitor Pt/PTT/INR labs. Pt/Ed:
NO CHANGE IN NORMAL AMOUNT OF LEAFY GREENS IN DIET, avoid bleeding
What patient education should be provided regarding Tamsulosin?
Take at the same time everyday, do not discontinue abruptly. Monitor urinary frequency, ability, and output.
What are the nursing interventions and patient education points associated with Nitrates?
Interventions: Monitor BP and Anginal pain. Pt/Ed: ROTATE SITES, clean area, apply to hairless area, NEVER
USE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PRODUCTS
What should nurses monitor for in patients taking anticholinergics and what should they educate patients
on?
Monitor for toxicity (dry as a bone, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, and blind as a bat). Assess if patient has
comorbidities and is diabetic. If using topical patch, ENSURE CLIENT WASHES HANDS BEFORE AND
AFTER TOUCHING.
What monitoring and precautions are necessary for patients taking opiates?
Monitor for signs of overdose, have antidote nearby, monitor LOC, vitals, and check pain levels.
What interventions and patient education are crucial for Tissue Plasma Activator?
N/I + Pt. Ed: AVOID BLEEDING, avoid invasive procedures. Educate on symptoms for anaphylaxis
What nursing interventions and patient education is needed for statins?
N/I: renal and Liver labs, Pt. Ed: Annual eye exam (cataract formation), REPORT MUSCLE ACHES
IMMEDIATELY, Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol, Stop smoking, have a low cholesterol diet and active
lifestyle
What anticholinergic is mentioned in this lecture, and what considerations are there?
Scopolamine – Anticholinergic (see above)
What key steps should be taught to patients using Albuterol?
Teach how to use inhaler (deep breath + pump), promote bronchodilation and lung expansion
What are the monitoring considerations for Psyllium?
Monitor bowel sounds, distention, and bowel movement. Encourage PT to drink plenty of water.
What adjustments and safety measures are important for patients taking Isotretinoin?
Adjust dosage if the patient is a smoker, ensure mobility is SAFE (d/t Parkinson's impaired mobility)
What nursing interventions and patient education are important regarding Furosemide?
,N/I: Encourage patient nutrition (maintain electrolytes + fluid), monitor BP, Pt. Ed: Teach about C/M of
hypokalemia
What nursing interventions and patient education are crucial for Beta Blockers?
N/I + Pt. Ed: TAKE APICAL PULSE BEFORE (hold if <50) Have patient dangle feet (ortho. Hypo), avoid
hazardous activities (dizziness), and to avoid alcohol and smoking.
When administering Fenofibrates, what patient education is essential?
Immediately report for RHABIDOMYLOSIS (muscle weakness + brown urine), gallstone development, Incr
fluid intake.
What positive outcomes are expected from Metformin therapy?
Normal hemoglobin A1c, Normal blood glucose, decr Polyuria
What constitutes a positive outcome from Gentamycin therapy, and what should be monitored?
Reduced signs of infection (normal temp, no diaphoresis) and check for superinfection
What should the nurse evaluate after the administration of opiates?
EVALUATE PAIN, Evaluate vitals (RR + BP + HR), monitor signs of toxicity/OD
What indicates effective treatment with Sumatriptan?
Decreased frequency + severity of headache
What are the desired outcomes and monitoring parameters for ACE inhibitors?
Decreased, but normal BP, monitor potassium levels for hyperkalemia
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia: Dizziness, confusion, fatigue. Hyperglycemia: Polydipsia, Polyuria, KUSSMAUL respirations,
delayed wound healing
Define Therapeutic index
The dosage range of how much drug is need to have an effect, but NOT toxic (minimum-toxicity)
Why should you avoid crushing an enteric coated tablet?
DO NOT CRUSH! Meant to survive stomach acid and be absorbed in the small intestine.
Define Minimum effective concentration
Minimum amount of drug needed to have an effect
Define Onset of action
When effects of the drug start; Slowest to fastest: ER/DR Capsules, Elixer, Tablet/capsules, Bucca, IV. IM and
SQ depends on the drug, varies greatly
What is Peak and trough?
, Test used to determine the maximum (peak) and minimum (low) amount of drug in a person’s blood stream
before the next dose
What is a key administration point for transdermal medications?
PATCHES, rotate sites and wash hands each time before and after, do not double up.
Define bioavailability
Leftover drug actually in body after processing through liver/GI system
What is the sympathetic response?
Spongebob “fight or flight” -- Dilated pupils, Incr HR + RR + BP, Decr Digestion
What is the parasympathetic response?
Patrick “rest and digest” = Constricted pupils, Decr HR + RR + BP, Incr digestion + urination
What is the formula described for Math Calculations?
O/H X Q = D
ACE Inhibitors (-pril)
ARBs (-sartan)
(Antihypertensives: lower BP)
Act to lower BP (not HR!)
S/E: Orthostatic Hypotension = SLOW position changes
Do we give ACE and ARBs if the HR < 60?
YES --> these have no affect on HR, only BP
Decreases Sodium and Water
INCREASES Potassium
Key notes:
- Avoid giving to pregnant patients
- ACE can cause angioedema, cough, elevates potassium (increased K+ > 5.0)
- ARBs used to decrease dry cough and they spare Potassium
Avoid food high in Potassium with ACE inhibitors (-prils) such as:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Avocado
