Free LPN: Pharmacological Therapies Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The health care professional (HCP) recommends injecting 1 L of D5/0.9% NS over the course of 8 hours. What should the infusion pump's hourly rate be?

125 mL/hr (Correct answer)
150 mL/hr
100 mL/hr
75 mL/hr

Correct answer: 125 mL/hr

To calculate the hourly infusion rate, you divide the total volume to be infused by the total time in hours. First, convert 1 liter (L) to milliliters (mL), which is 1000 mL. Then, divide 1000 mL by 8 hours. This calculation yields an hourly rate of 125 mL/hr, ensuring the medication is delivered over the prescribed duration.

Question 2: The LPN/LVN is getting ready to give a patient 0.1 mg SC of a STAT drug. One gram of medication is included in one thousand milliliters of solution in the vial. How much medication will the nurse inject into the syringe?

0.01 mL
0.1 mL (Correct answer)
1 mL
10 mL

Correct answer: 0.1 mL

First, convert the concentration in the vial to a consistent unit: 1 gram (g) is 1000 milligrams (mg), so 1000 mg in 1000 mL means the solution is 1 mg/mL. The ordered dose is 0.1 mg. To find the volume to inject, use the formula: (Desired Dose / Concentration) = Volume. Therefore, (0.1 mg / 1 mg/mL) = 0.1 mL.

Question 3: A new prescription for levothyroxine 150 mcg PO daily is sent to a patient. The pharmacy sends 0.1 mg pills of levothyroxine. What number of tablets will the nurse give out?

0.5 tablet
1.0 tablet
1.5 tablets (Correct answer)
2 tablets

Correct answer: 1.5 tablets

To determine the number of tablets, first ensure both the ordered dose and the available tablet strength are in the same units. The ordered dose is 150 mcg. The available tablets are 0.1 mg, which converts to 100 mcg (since 1 mg = 1000 mcg). Divide the desired dose by the available dose per tablet: 150 mcg / 100 mcg/tablet = 1.5 tablets.

Question 4: The treatment with levodopa for a patient who has Parkinson's disease has begun. The nurse informs the patient that they will begin to see the expected outcomes in

1 week
6 weeks
2 to 3 weeks (Correct answer)
4 to 5 weeks

Correct answer: 2 to 3 weeks

Levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, works by converting into dopamine in the brain, helping to alleviate motor symptoms. However, its therapeutic effects are not immediate; it typically takes time for the medication to build up and for the patient's body to respond. Patients can generally expect to begin seeing noticeable improvements in their symptoms gradually over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

Question 5: Which of the following drugs is related to the toxicity sign of "ringing in the ears," as described by a patient to the nurse?

aspirin (Correct answer)
isoproterenol
hydroxyzine
penicillin

Correct answer: aspirin

Tinnitus, commonly described as 'ringing in the ears,' is a well-known and classic symptom of aspirin toxicity, particularly when taken in higher doses. This ototoxicity is a significant indicator of potential salicylate poisoning. Nurses must recognize this symptom as a crucial warning sign and report it promptly to the healthcare provider.

Question 6: One liter of Lactated Ringers solution is to be infused during a 12-hour period, according to the health care provider (HCP). How much drips occur each hour? To the nearest whole number.

60 mL/hr
12 mL/hr
17 mL/hr
83 mL/hr (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 83 mL/hr

To calculate the hourly infusion rate, first convert the total volume from liters to milliliters: 1 L equals 1000 mL. Then, divide the total volume by the total infusion time in hours: 1000 mL / 12 hours. This calculation results in approximately 83.33 mL/hr, which, when rounded to the nearest whole number, is 83 mL/hr.

Question 7: In order to get their child's ear infection checked, a parent brings their child to the pediatric clinic. The healthcare professional (HCP) affirms the diagnosis and issues a cephalexin prescription. The nurse asks the parent if their child has ever experienced an allergic reaction to medication before submitting the prescription to the pharmacy. Which of the following medications would cause the nurse to contact the HCP if there has been an allergic response in the past?

Amoxicillin (Correct answer)
Tetracycline
Gentamycin
Isotretinoin

Correct answer: Amoxicillin

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. There is a known risk of cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins, meaning a patient allergic to penicillin may also experience an allergic reaction to cephalexin. Therefore, a history of amoxicillin allergy would necessitate contacting the HCP to discuss alternative medications or precautions.

Question 8: How to use a lit device for examination.

-scope
-scopy (Correct answer)
Cytoscopy
Colonoscopy

Correct answer: -scopy

The suffix '-scopy' in medical terminology refers to the act or process of visual examination, typically performed using a lighted optical instrument called a scope. For example, a colonoscopy is the visual examination of the colon. This suffix specifically denotes the procedure of looking inside the body with a device.

Question 9: What is women's studies?

Craniotomy
Gynecology (Correct answer)
Hematology
Mastectomy

Correct answer: Gynecology

Gynecology is the specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the female reproductive system and women's health issues throughout their lifespan. It encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the female reproductive organs. Therefore, it is the medical field directly associated with 'women's studies' in a healthcare context.

Question 10: Performing joint plastic surgery.

Arthrotomy
Pre-operative
Arthroplasty (Correct answer)
Thoracotomy

Correct answer: Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is the surgical procedure specifically designed to restore the function of a joint, often by resurfacing the bones or replacing the entire joint with an artificial prosthesis. The term combines 'arthro-' (joint) and '-plasty' (surgical repair or reconstruction). This procedure is commonly performed to alleviate pain and improve mobility in damaged joints.

Question 11: A brain inflammation.

Encephalitis (Correct answer)
Thrombosis
Neuralgia
Neuritis

Correct answer: Encephalitis

Encephalitis is the precise medical term for inflammation of the brain. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological complications, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.

Question 12: Rapid/excess flow at time of menses

Pyloric Stenosis
Neuropathy
Menorrhagia (Correct answer)
Dysmenorrhea

Correct answer: Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is the medical term used to describe abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This condition involves excessive blood loss during menstruation, which can significantly impact a woman's daily life and potentially lead to anemia. It specifically refers to the rapid or excess flow during menses.

Question 13: Specialist in straight teeth

Periodontist
Proctologist
Orthodontist (Correct answer)
Optometrist

Correct answer: Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, particularly misaligned teeth and improper bites (malocclusions). Their primary goal is to correct the positioning of teeth and jaws to improve oral function and aesthetics, effectively specializing in 'straight teeth.'

Question 14: Inflammation of the nose

Craniotomy
Rhinitis (Correct answer)
Dermatitis
Fibrous

Correct answer: Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose. This condition is commonly caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis) or viral infections (e.g., the common cold). Symptoms typically include sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and itching.

Question 15: New colon opening created

Laparotomy
Colostomy (Correct answer)
Appendectomy
Colonoscopy

Correct answer: Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new opening, called a stoma, in the abdominal wall, bringing a section of the colon to the outside. This opening allows for the passage of stool into an external collection pouch, bypassing the rectum. It is performed for various medical reasons, such as bowel obstruction, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Question 16: Surgical removal of the kidney

Nephrectomy (Correct answer)
Colporthaphy
Cholecystectomy
Orchiectomy

Correct answer: Nephrectomy

Nephrectomy is the surgical procedure involving the removal of a kidney. The term combines 'nephro-' (referring to the kidney) and '-ectomy' (meaning surgical removal). This operation is performed for various conditions, including kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or to remove a non-functioning kidney.

Free LPN: Pharmacological Therapies Questions and Answers

The health care professional (HCP) recommends injecting 1 L of D5/0.9% NS over the course of 8 hours.
What should the infusion pump's hourly rate be?