Pharmacology & Medication Administration Flashcards

A patient is prescribed metformin 500 mg PO BID. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to this medication?

Answer: Renal impairment with GFR < 30 mL/min

Metformin is contraindicated in significant renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

Which measurement is most important to assess BEFORE administering digoxin to a patient?

Answer: Apical pulse for one full minute

The apical pulse must be assessed for a full minute before digoxin administration; hold and notify the provider if it is below 60 bpm.

A patient taking warfarin reports eating large amounts of leafy green vegetables. The LPN should anticipate which laboratory change?

Answer: Decreased INR

Vitamin K found in leafy greens antagonizes warfarin, decreasing its anticoagulant effect and lowering the INR.

Which route of medication administration provides the fastest systemic onset of action?

Answer: Intravenous

Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, providing immediate systemic effect.

A patient receives 25 mg diphenhydramine IV. Which side effect should the LPN most anticipate?

Answer: Sedation and dry mouth

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong anticholinergic and CNS-depressant properties, commonly causing sedation and dry mouth.

When preparing to administer a subcutaneous heparin injection, the LPN should inject at which angle?

Answer: 45 to 90 degrees

Subcutaneous injections are administered at a 45- to 90-degree angle depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present.

A patient is prescribed potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. The LPN understands that this medication must be:

Answer: Diluted and administered by slow IV infusion

IV potassium chloride must always be diluted and infused slowly to prevent cardiac arrest from hyperkalemia.