LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Pharmacological Therapies Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is prescribed warfarin, an oral anticoagulant. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching by the LPN?
- "I should use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean my teeth."
- "I will start taking ibuprofen for my occasional headaches." (Correct answer)
- "I need to have my blood tested regularly to check my INR levels."
- "I will report any unusual bleeding or bruising to my doctor immediately."
Correct answer: "I will start taking ibuprofen for my occasional headaches."
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. This statement indicates a lack of understanding of potential drug interactions and requires further education to prevent a serious adverse event. The other options are correct and demonstrate proper understanding of warfarin therapy.
Question 2: An LPN is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of heparin. Which of the following actions is appropriate for this procedure?
- Aspirating for blood return before injecting the medication.
- Massaging the injection site vigorously after administration.
- Administering the injection in the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus. (Correct answer)
- Using a 1-inch needle at a 45-degree angle for an average-sized adult.
Correct answer: Administering the injection in the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus.
The abdomen is the preferred site for subcutaneous heparin injections because it has a consistent layer of subcutaneous fat, allowing for predictable absorption. Injecting at least 2 inches from the umbilicus avoids the umbilical veins and vascular areas. Aspirating and massaging the site are not recommended as they can cause hematoma formation.
Question 3: A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. What is the primary mechanism of action for this medication?
- It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
- It increases the cellular uptake and use of glucose. (Correct answer)
- It slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine.
- It promotes the excretion of glucose through the kidneys.
Correct answer: It increases the cellular uptake and use of glucose.
Metformin, a biguanide, primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, which leads to increased cellular uptake and utilization of glucose. It does not directly stimulate the pancreas to release insulin.
Question 4: An LPN is caring for a client who is receiving a dose of furosemide (Lasix). The LPN should monitor the client for which of the following potential adverse effects?
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water, sodium, and potassium. A significant and common adverse effect is hypokalemia (low potassium), which can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring potassium levels is crucial.
Question 5: When administering an oral medication to an elderly patient with dysphagia, which of the following is the most important initial action for the LPN to take?
- Crush the tablet and mix it with a large amount of water.
- Administer the medication in its original form and encourage the patient to swallow.
- Check the facility's policy and consult with the pharmacist about crushing the medication. (Correct answer)
- Dissolve the medication in the patient's favorite juice.
Correct answer: Check the facility's policy and consult with the pharmacist about crushing the medication.
Patient safety is the priority. Not all medications can be crushed (e.g., enteric-coated or sustained-release tablets). The LPN must first verify if the medication can be safely altered. Consulting facility policy and the pharmacist is the correct and safest initial action before modifying the form of any medication.
Question 6: Which of the following describes the process of pharmacokinetics in the body?
- The study of how a drug affects the body and its mechanism of action.
- The process of a drug binding to a receptor to produce a therapeutic effect.
- The movement of a drug through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. (Correct answer)
- The chemical alteration of a drug by the body's enzymes.
Correct answer: The movement of a drug through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body acts on a drug. It encompasses the four processes of absorption (how the drug gets into the body), distribution (where it goes), metabolism (how it's broken down), and excretion (how it leaves the body).
LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Pharmacological Therapies Questions and Answers 1
A patient is prescribed warfarin, an oral anticoagulant.
Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching by the LPN?