LEHNE’S PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS
FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
EXPECTED EXAM QUESTIONS AND
THEIR REVIEWED ANSWERS
Muscle paralysis for 5 to 10 minutes
A patient receives succinylcholine (Anectine) before
endotracheal intubation. What would the nurse expect?
Administer lorazepam (Ativan) intravenously
The physician orders a intravenous infusion of
cisatracurium (Nimbex) for a patient receiving mechanical
ventilation. It is most important for the nurse to take which
action before starting the infusion?
Major burns during the emergent phase
Succinylcholine [Anectine] is contraindicated in a patient
with what condition?
They carry a positive charge.
The nurse understands that tubocurarine and other
neuromuscular (NM) blockers cannot be given by mouth.
What is the rationale for this statement?
The patient has been intubated and is on mechanical
ventilation
What is essential for the nurse to confirm before starting
vecuronium [Norcuron] as a continuous intravenous
infusion?
Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
, Which condition is an indication for the use of
succinylcholine [Anectine]?
Prepare to administer dantrolene [Dantrium].
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving inhalant
anesthesia and succinylcholine [Anectine]. The patient
develops muscle rigidity and a temperature of 105°F.
What nursing action is essential?
A patient receiving gentamicin [Garamycin] 80 mg IV
piggyback every 8 hours
Which patient undergoing surgery is at greatest risk for an
intensified effect from succinylcholine?
Pancuronium [Pavulon]
A patient with acute renal failure requires continuous NM
blockade to facilitate oxygenation and mechanical
ventilation. Which agent prescribed by the physician
should the nurse question?
The easily cross the placenta.
The following statements about neuromuscular blockers
are true except:
Flaccid paralysis
What is the primary effect of neuromuscular blockers?
Succinylcholine is rapidly degraded by
pseudocholinesterase
The nurse administering succinylcholine knows that the
paralysis effect only lasts a few minutes because of what
pathophysiologic action?
Neuromuscular Blockers
Prevent acetylcholine from activating nicotinicM receptors
Cause muscle relaxation (paralysis)
Used for muscle relaxation during surgery, endotracheal
FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
EXPECTED EXAM QUESTIONS AND
THEIR REVIEWED ANSWERS
Muscle paralysis for 5 to 10 minutes
A patient receives succinylcholine (Anectine) before
endotracheal intubation. What would the nurse expect?
Administer lorazepam (Ativan) intravenously
The physician orders a intravenous infusion of
cisatracurium (Nimbex) for a patient receiving mechanical
ventilation. It is most important for the nurse to take which
action before starting the infusion?
Major burns during the emergent phase
Succinylcholine [Anectine] is contraindicated in a patient
with what condition?
They carry a positive charge.
The nurse understands that tubocurarine and other
neuromuscular (NM) blockers cannot be given by mouth.
What is the rationale for this statement?
The patient has been intubated and is on mechanical
ventilation
What is essential for the nurse to confirm before starting
vecuronium [Norcuron] as a continuous intravenous
infusion?
Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
, Which condition is an indication for the use of
succinylcholine [Anectine]?
Prepare to administer dantrolene [Dantrium].
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving inhalant
anesthesia and succinylcholine [Anectine]. The patient
develops muscle rigidity and a temperature of 105°F.
What nursing action is essential?
A patient receiving gentamicin [Garamycin] 80 mg IV
piggyback every 8 hours
Which patient undergoing surgery is at greatest risk for an
intensified effect from succinylcholine?
Pancuronium [Pavulon]
A patient with acute renal failure requires continuous NM
blockade to facilitate oxygenation and mechanical
ventilation. Which agent prescribed by the physician
should the nurse question?
The easily cross the placenta.
The following statements about neuromuscular blockers
are true except:
Flaccid paralysis
What is the primary effect of neuromuscular blockers?
Succinylcholine is rapidly degraded by
pseudocholinesterase
The nurse administering succinylcholine knows that the
paralysis effect only lasts a few minutes because of what
pathophysiologic action?
Neuromuscular Blockers
Prevent acetylcholine from activating nicotinicM receptors
Cause muscle relaxation (paralysis)
Used for muscle relaxation during surgery, endotracheal
