BIO301 | BIO301 Pharmacology Exam 1 Version 3
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. Which action by the
nurse is the most accurate way to verify the ‘Right Patient’?
A. Ask the patient their name and compare it to the medication administration
record (MAR).
B. Check the patient’s room number against the MAR.
C. Verify the patient’s name and date of birth using the identification band and the
MAR.
D. Ask the patient’s roommate to confirm the identity of the patient.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Verifying the patient using two unique identifiers is a critical
step in safe medication administration. The Joint Commission requires the use of at
least two identifiers like name and date of birth to prevent errors. Relying on room
numbers is dangerous because patients may be moved frequently without updating
records. Asking the patient for their name is helpful but must be confirmed with the
wristband for absolute accuracy. This process ensures that the right medication is
delivered to the correct person every time.
,2. The physician orders 500 mg of an antibiotic to be given orally every 12 hours. The
pharmacy provides the medication in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the
nurse administer per dose?
A. 0.5 tablets
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Dosage calculation is a fundamental skill for nurses to ensure
patient safety and drug efficacy. To find the correct dose, the nurse divides the
ordered amount by the concentration on hand. In this case, 500 mg divided by 250
mg equals exactly two tablets. Administering an incorrect number of tablets can lead
to under-dosing or toxicity for the patient. Accurate mathematical conversion
prevents medication errors that could have significant clinical consequences.
3. When should the nurse document the administration of a medication to a patient?
A. Immediately after the patient has taken the medication.
B. Before leaving the medication room with the drug.
C. At the end of the shift with all other treatments.
,D. After the physician confirms the dose was effective.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Proper documentation is a legal and safety requirement that
must occur immediately after the medication is administered. Documenting before
administration is unsafe as the patient might refuse or the dose might be dropped.
Waiting until the end of the shift increases the risk of forgetting details or double-
dosing. Accurate timing in the medical record provides a clear history of care for the
entire healthcare team. Documentation serves as proof that the nursing standards
for medication safety were followed.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘High-Alert’ medication that requires a
second nurse to witness and verify the dose?
A. Docusate Sodium
B. Acetaminophen
C. Insulin
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: High-alert medications are drugs that bear a heightened risk
of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Insulin is a common high-
alert medication because an incorrect dose can lead to life-threatening
, hypoglycemia. Most hospitals require a second independent check by another
registered nurse before insulin administration. Medications like vitamins or stool
softeners carry much lower risks and do not require this protocol. This dual-
verification process is a systemic safeguard designed to catch potential human
errors.
5. A nurse is about to administer a sublingual medication. Which instruction should
the nurse provide to the patient?
A. Swallow the medication with a full glass of water.
B. Chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.
C. Dissolve the medication in a small amount of juice first.
D. Place the medication under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The sublingual route involves placing a drug under the tongue
to be absorbed through the mucous membranes. This route allows for rapid
absorption directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the digestive system.
Instructing the patient not to swallow or chew the medication is vital for its
effectiveness. If the medication is swallowed, it may be inactivated by gastric acid or
the first-pass effect in the liver. Clear patient teaching ensures the drug is
administered as intended for optimal therapeutic results.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. Which action by the
nurse is the most accurate way to verify the ‘Right Patient’?
A. Ask the patient their name and compare it to the medication administration
record (MAR).
B. Check the patient’s room number against the MAR.
C. Verify the patient’s name and date of birth using the identification band and the
MAR.
D. Ask the patient’s roommate to confirm the identity of the patient.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Verifying the patient using two unique identifiers is a critical
step in safe medication administration. The Joint Commission requires the use of at
least two identifiers like name and date of birth to prevent errors. Relying on room
numbers is dangerous because patients may be moved frequently without updating
records. Asking the patient for their name is helpful but must be confirmed with the
wristband for absolute accuracy. This process ensures that the right medication is
delivered to the correct person every time.
,2. The physician orders 500 mg of an antibiotic to be given orally every 12 hours. The
pharmacy provides the medication in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the
nurse administer per dose?
A. 0.5 tablets
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Dosage calculation is a fundamental skill for nurses to ensure
patient safety and drug efficacy. To find the correct dose, the nurse divides the
ordered amount by the concentration on hand. In this case, 500 mg divided by 250
mg equals exactly two tablets. Administering an incorrect number of tablets can lead
to under-dosing or toxicity for the patient. Accurate mathematical conversion
prevents medication errors that could have significant clinical consequences.
3. When should the nurse document the administration of a medication to a patient?
A. Immediately after the patient has taken the medication.
B. Before leaving the medication room with the drug.
C. At the end of the shift with all other treatments.
,D. After the physician confirms the dose was effective.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Proper documentation is a legal and safety requirement that
must occur immediately after the medication is administered. Documenting before
administration is unsafe as the patient might refuse or the dose might be dropped.
Waiting until the end of the shift increases the risk of forgetting details or double-
dosing. Accurate timing in the medical record provides a clear history of care for the
entire healthcare team. Documentation serves as proof that the nursing standards
for medication safety were followed.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘High-Alert’ medication that requires a
second nurse to witness and verify the dose?
A. Docusate Sodium
B. Acetaminophen
C. Insulin
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: High-alert medications are drugs that bear a heightened risk
of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Insulin is a common high-
alert medication because an incorrect dose can lead to life-threatening
, hypoglycemia. Most hospitals require a second independent check by another
registered nurse before insulin administration. Medications like vitamins or stool
softeners carry much lower risks and do not require this protocol. This dual-
verification process is a systemic safeguard designed to catch potential human
errors.
5. A nurse is about to administer a sublingual medication. Which instruction should
the nurse provide to the patient?
A. Swallow the medication with a full glass of water.
B. Chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.
C. Dissolve the medication in a small amount of juice first.
D. Place the medication under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The sublingual route involves placing a drug under the tongue
to be absorbed through the mucous membranes. This route allows for rapid
absorption directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the digestive system.
Instructing the patient not to swallow or chew the medication is vital for its
effectiveness. If the medication is swallowed, it may be inactivated by gastric acid or
the first-pass effect in the liver. Clear patient teaching ensures the drug is
administered as intended for optimal therapeutic results.
