Pharmacology Reasoning Case Study
Susan Jones, 42-year-old female
Medication Categories Concepts
Antihypertensives Perfusion
NCLEX Client Need Categories Percentage of Items from Covered in
Each Case Study
Category/Subcategory
Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care 17-23% ✓
• Safety and Infection Control 9-15%
Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12% ✓
Psychosocial Integrity 6-12%
Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort 6-12%
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 12-18% ✓
• Reduction of Risk Potential 9-15% ✓
• Physiological Adaptation 11-17% ✓
I. Initial Presentation:
, Susan Jones is a 42-year-old African-American female with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus type II.
She works in a manufacturing plant in her hometown. While at work, she feels faint and has to sit down. The
occupational nurse is contacted to assess her.
Susan Jones is married and a mother of two elementary age children. She has been employed in her current
position for two years.
1. What data from the present problem are RELEVANT and must be NOTICED as clinically significant by the
nurse? (NCSBN: Step 1 Recognize cues/NCLEX Reduction of Risk Potential)
RELEVANT Data from Present Problem: Clinical Significance:
Client has dx of diabetes mellitus type 2 This dx typically comes with many complications, perhaps
hypoglycemia could be contributing to her reason for
At work client feels faint, dizzy, and has to admission
sit down
This client could be dehydrated, maybe she is not getting enough
O2, or could be related to her diabetes. Need to assess the client
further investigation of CV system indicated.
As the nurse responsible for this patient, you promptly review the medical history
and note that she has NKDA. This is her PMH and current home medications
documented in the employee’s medical record:
1. What is the RELATIONSHIP of the past medical history and current medications? Why is your
patient receiving these medications? (Which medication treats which condition? Draw lines to connect)
Medical History (PMH): Home Medications:
Hypertension ASA 81 mg PO daily
GERD Lisinopril 40 mg PO daily
Type II diabetes mellitus HCTZ 25 mg PO am
Metformin 875 mg PO BID
Omeprazole 20 mg PO daily
Applying your knowledge of pharmacology, to provide safe patient
care, answer the following essential information:
2. List each home medication from the scenario and answer the following: (NCLEX Pharmacologic and
Parenteral Therapies)
Home Pharm. Class: Indication(s): Mechanism Body Common Nursing
Medication: of Action In System Side Effects Assessments:
OWN Impacted
WORDS:
ASA 81mg NSAID Decreases the CV Bleeding, Watch for
Antipyretic Anticoagulant/Blood chance of occlusion hemmorage, hypersensitivity
Salicylate Thinner in blood vessels by nausea, reactions.
platelet aggregation bruising Assess for
salicylate
Susan Jones, 42-year-old female
Medication Categories Concepts
Antihypertensives Perfusion
NCLEX Client Need Categories Percentage of Items from Covered in
Each Case Study
Category/Subcategory
Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care 17-23% ✓
• Safety and Infection Control 9-15%
Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12% ✓
Psychosocial Integrity 6-12%
Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort 6-12%
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 12-18% ✓
• Reduction of Risk Potential 9-15% ✓
• Physiological Adaptation 11-17% ✓
I. Initial Presentation:
, Susan Jones is a 42-year-old African-American female with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus type II.
She works in a manufacturing plant in her hometown. While at work, she feels faint and has to sit down. The
occupational nurse is contacted to assess her.
Susan Jones is married and a mother of two elementary age children. She has been employed in her current
position for two years.
1. What data from the present problem are RELEVANT and must be NOTICED as clinically significant by the
nurse? (NCSBN: Step 1 Recognize cues/NCLEX Reduction of Risk Potential)
RELEVANT Data from Present Problem: Clinical Significance:
Client has dx of diabetes mellitus type 2 This dx typically comes with many complications, perhaps
hypoglycemia could be contributing to her reason for
At work client feels faint, dizzy, and has to admission
sit down
This client could be dehydrated, maybe she is not getting enough
O2, or could be related to her diabetes. Need to assess the client
further investigation of CV system indicated.
As the nurse responsible for this patient, you promptly review the medical history
and note that she has NKDA. This is her PMH and current home medications
documented in the employee’s medical record:
1. What is the RELATIONSHIP of the past medical history and current medications? Why is your
patient receiving these medications? (Which medication treats which condition? Draw lines to connect)
Medical History (PMH): Home Medications:
Hypertension ASA 81 mg PO daily
GERD Lisinopril 40 mg PO daily
Type II diabetes mellitus HCTZ 25 mg PO am
Metformin 875 mg PO BID
Omeprazole 20 mg PO daily
Applying your knowledge of pharmacology, to provide safe patient
care, answer the following essential information:
2. List each home medication from the scenario and answer the following: (NCLEX Pharmacologic and
Parenteral Therapies)
Home Pharm. Class: Indication(s): Mechanism Body Common Nursing
Medication: of Action In System Side Effects Assessments:
OWN Impacted
WORDS:
ASA 81mg NSAID Decreases the CV Bleeding, Watch for
Antipyretic Anticoagulant/Blood chance of occlusion hemmorage, hypersensitivity
Salicylate Thinner in blood vessels by nausea, reactions.
platelet aggregation bruising Assess for
salicylate
