Pharmacology Questions NCLEX
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Question 1 of 5.
Penicillin V potassium (Pen-Vee-K) 500 mg PO qid is ordered for an adult client. He reports that he took penicillin for the first time two months ago. What should the nurse do?
A. Be sure that skin testing for a penicillin allergy has been done
B. Observe for signs of an allergic response
C. Withhold the penicillin
D. Notify the physician
Explanation: The client does not have a history of allergic response to penicillin, so there is no need to skin test or withhold the medication. However, allergic responses often occur after the first administration.
Question 2 of 5.
The client diagnosed with asthma is prescribed the mast cell inhibitor cromolyn. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
A. I will take two puffs of my inhaler before I exercise.
B. I will rinse my mouth with water after taking the medication.
C. After inhaling the medication, I will hold my breath for 10 seconds.
D. When I start to wheeze, I will use my inhaler immediately.
Explanation: Cromolyn is a prophylactic, not rescue, medication for asthma; using it during wheezing indicates misunderstanding. Pre-exercise use, breath-holding, and rinsing (though less critical) are correct.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is administering the following 1800 medications. Which medication should the nurse question before administering?
A. The sliding-scale insulin to the client who has just been released to have the evening meal.
B. The antibiotic to the client who is one (1) day postoperative exploratory abdominal surgery.
C. Metformin (Glucophage), a biguanide, to the client having a CT scan with contrast dye in the morning.
D. Protonix, a proton pump inhibitor, to the client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease.
Explanation: Metformin must be held before contrast dye due to lactic acidosis risk if renal function is impaired; other medications are appropriate.
Question 4 of 5.
The HCP ordered an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for the client diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Which statement best explains the rationale for administering this medication to this client?
A. It will help prevent the development of congestive heart failure.
B. This medication will help decrease the client's blood pressure.
C. ACE inhibitors increase the contractility of the heart muscle.
D. They will help decrease the development of atherosclerosis.
Explanation: ACE inhibitors reduce afterload and prevent ventricular remodeling, lowering CHF risk post-MI, per ACC/AHA guidelines. BP, contractility, or atherosclerosis are secondary.
Question 5 of 5.
The client in end-stage renal disease is a Jehovah's Witness. The HCP orders erythropoietin (Epogen), a biologic response modifier, subcutaneously for anemia. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Question this order because of the client's religion.
B. Encourage the client to talk to his or her minister.
C. Administer the medication subcutaneously as ordered.
D. Obtain the informed consent prior to administering.
Explanation: Epogen is synthetic, not blood-derived, so it's acceptable for Jehovah's Witnesses. Administer as ordered; questioning, minister consultation, or consent are unnecessary.
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