Chapter 02: Application of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient is using a metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol
... [Show More] for asthma. The medication
label instructs the patient to administer “2 puffs every 4 hours as needed for coughing or
wheezing.” The patient reports feeling jittery sometimes when taking the medication, and she
doesn’t feel that the medication is always effective. Which action is outside the nurse’s scope
of practice?
a. Asking the patient to demonstrate use of the inhaler
b. Assessing the patient’s exposure to tobacco smoke
c. Auscultating lung sounds and obtaining vital signs
d. Suggesting that the patient use one puff to reduce side effects
ANS: D
It is not within the nurse’s scope of practice to change the dose of a medication without an
order from a prescriber. Asking the patient to demonstrate inhaler use helps the nurse to
evaluate the patient’s ability to administer the medication properly and is part of the nurse’s
evaluation. Assessing tobacco smoke exposure helps the nurse determine whether nondrug
therapies, such a smoke avoidance, can be used as an adjunct to drug therapy. Performing a
physical assessment helps the nurse evaluate the patient’s response to the medication.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 9-10
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX Client NeedsCaregory: Physiologic integrity :Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
2. A postoperative patient is being discharged home with acetaminophen/hydrocodone [Lortab]
for pain. The patient asks the nurse about using Tylenol for fever. Which statement by the
nurse is correct?
a. “It is not safe to take over-the-counter drugs with prescription medications.”
b. “Taking the two medications together poses a risk of drug toxicity.”
c. “There are no known drug interactions, so this will be safe.”
d. “Tylenol and Lortab are different drugs, so there is no risk of overdose.”
ANS: B
Tylenol is the trade name and acetaminophen is the generic name for the same medication. It
is important to teach patients to be aware of the different names for the same drug to minimize
the risk of overdose. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription medications may
be taken together unless significant harmful drug interactions are possible. Even though no
drug interactions are at play in this case, both drugs contain acetaminophen, which could lead
to toxicity.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 8
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
3. The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who will be taking an antihypertensive medication.
Which action by the nurse is part of the assessment step of the nursing process?a. Asking the prescriber for an order to monitor serum drug levels
b. Monitoring the patient for drug interactions after giving the medication
c. Questioning the patient about over-the-counter medications
d. Taking the patient’s blood pressure throughout the course of treatment
ANS: C
The assessment part of the nursing process involves gathering information before beginning
treatment, and this includes asking about other medications the patient may be taking.
Monitoring serum drug levels, watching for drug interactions, and checking vital signs after
giving the medication are all part of the evaluation phase.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 6
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential [Show Less]