LPN LPN: Pharmacological Therapies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient receiving IV potassium chloride (KCl) complains of burning at the IV site. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Slow the infusion rate and apply a warm compress (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
- Reassure the patient that this is a normal sensation
- Increase the IV flow rate to dilute the potassium
Correct answer: Slow the infusion rate and apply a warm compress
IV potassium frequently causes burning due to its irritant nature; slowing the infusion and applying warmth can reduce discomfort without stopping therapy.
Question 2: A patient prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis should receive which supplement to reduce side effects?
- Vitamin B12
- Folic acid (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D
- Iron
Correct answer: Folic acid
Folic acid supplementation reduces methotrexate-induced side effects such as mucositis and bone marrow suppression by replenishing folate stores.
Question 3: A patient with a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets asks how to store them properly. What should the nurse teach?
- Store in a clear plastic bag in a cool drawer
- Keep in the original dark glass bottle away from heat and light (Correct answer)
- Refrigerate the tablets to extend shelf life
- Keep the bottle in a shirt pocket for easy access
Correct answer: Keep in the original dark glass bottle away from heat and light
Nitroglycerin degrades rapidly when exposed to heat, light, moisture, or plastic; it must be stored in the original dark glass bottle.
Question 4: Which medication should be kept at the bedside when a patient is receiving IV magnesium sulfate for eclampsia?
- Naloxone (Narcan)
- Protamine sulfate
- Calcium gluconate (Correct answer)
- Flumazenil
Correct answer: Calcium gluconate
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity and should be immediately available at the bedside during IV magnesium infusions.
Question 5: A patient prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection should be instructed to avoid which substance?
- Grapefruit juice
- Green tea
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (Correct answer)
- Red meat
Correct answer: Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium bind to ciprofloxacin in the GI tract, reducing its absorption and therapeutic effectiveness.
Question 6: A patient taking SSRIs for depression is also started on tramadol for pain. What risk should the nurse monitor for?
- Anticholinergic syndrome
- Serotonin syndrome (Correct answer)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Correct answer: Serotonin syndrome
Combining SSRIs with tramadol (which also increases serotonin) can cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
Question 7: Which finding requires the nurse to hold a scheduled dose of amlodipine (Norvasc) and contact the provider?
- Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
- Heart rate of 78 bpm
- Blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Heart rate of 88 bpm
Correct answer: Blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure; a BP of 82/54 mmHg indicates hypotension, requiring the dose to be held.
LPN LPN: Pharmacological Therapies 5
A patient receiving IV potassium chloride (KCl) complains of burning at the IV site.
What is the nurse's priority action?