NCLEX Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
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Question 1 of 5.
A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Addressing which of the following should take priority in planning care?
A. Esophagitis
B. Leukopenia
C. Fatigue
D. Skin irritation
Explanation: Leukopenia. Clients develop leukopenia due to the depressant effect of radiation therapy on bone marrow function. Infection is the most frequent cause of morbidity and death in clients with cancer.
Question 2 of 5.
The client recently has had a myocardial infarction. Which medications should the nurse anticipate the health-care provider recommending to prevent another heart attack?
A. Vitamin K and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
B. Vitamin E and a daily low-dose aspirin.
C. Vitamin A and an anticoagulant.
D. Vitamin B complex and an iron supplement.
Explanation: Low-dose aspirin prevents platelet aggregation, reducing MI risk, per ACC/AHA guidelines. Vitamin E lacks evidence for secondary prevention; other options are irrelevant or contraindicated.
Question 3 of 5.
The client is diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Which health-care provider order should the nurse anticipate in treating this condition?
A. Subcutaneous iron dextran.
B. Intramuscular vitamin B12.
C. Intravenous folic acid.
D. Oral thiamine medication.
Explanation: Pernicious anemia results from B12 deficiency; IM B12 is standard treatment due to absorption issues. Iron, folic acid, or thiamine do not address the primary cause.
Question 4 of 5.
The elderly client is admitted to the emergency department from a long-term care facility. The client has multiple ecchymotic areas on the body. The client is receiving digoxin, a cardiac glycoside; Lasix, a loop diuretic; Coumadin, an anticoagulant; and Xanax, an antianxiety medication. Which order should the nurse request from the health-care provider?
A. A STAT serum potassium level.
B. An order to admit to the hospital for observation.
C. An order to administer Valium intravenous push.
D. A STAT international normalized ratio (INR).
Explanation: Ecchymosis with Coumadin suggests bleeding risk; STAT INR assesses anticoagulation status, guiding reversal if needed. Potassium, admission, or Valium are less urgent.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving Lioresal (baclofen), a muscle relaxant. Which information should the nurse teach the client/family?
A. The importance of tapering off medication when discontinuing medication.
B. Baclofen may cause diarrhea, so the client should take antidiarrheal medication.
C. The client should not be allowed to drive alone while taking this medication.
D. The need for follow-up visits to obtain a monthly white blood cell count.
Explanation: Baclofen requires tapering to prevent withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, per FDA warnings. Diarrhea, driving, or WBC counts are not primary concerns.