Review these Advanced Case-Based Pharmacology & Priority Decisions – Quiz 9 nursing practice questions with answer choices and explanations.
A client receiving morphine becomes difficult to arouse and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Respiratory depression from opioids is life-threatening and requires naloxone immediately.
A client taking digoxin has a heart rate of 52/min. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Digoxin should be held if heart rate is below 60/min.
A client taking warfarin reports nosebleeds and bruising. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: These are signs of bleeding due to anticoagulation.
A client taking insulin is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What is the priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Unconscious hypoglycemia requires IV glucose.
A client receiving heparin develops a platelet count of 80,000/mm3. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer:
Explanation: This may indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
A client taking lisinopril develops swelling of the tongue and lips. What is the priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Angioedema can compromise airway.
A client taking metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. What is the priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Contrast increases risk of lactic acidosis.
A client taking furosemide reports weakness and irregular pulse. Which lab value should the nurse check first?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias.
A client taking clozapine reports fever and sore throat. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Signs of agranulocytosis require urgent action.
A client taking lithium reports severe diarrhea and tremors. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: These are signs of toxicity.
A client receiving IV potassium complains of burning at the site. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: IV potassium can cause tissue damage.
A client taking simvastatin reports muscle pain and dark urine. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Signs of rhabdomyolysis.
A client taking prednisone has a fever and productive cough. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Steroids suppress immunity; infection is serious.
A client taking propranolol reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Beta blockers can cause bronchospasm.
A client taking levothyroxine reports insomnia, weight loss, and palpitations. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: These are signs of overdose.
A client taking warfarin has an INR of 6.2. What is the priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: High INR increases bleeding risk.
A client taking gentamicin reports ringing in the ears. What is the nurse's action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Ototoxicity is a serious adverse effect.
A client taking aspirin reports ringing in ears and dizziness. What does this indicate?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Tinnitus indicates salicylate toxicity.
A client taking heparin has aPTT above therapeutic range. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: High aPTT increases bleeding risk.
A client taking insulin becomes confused and diaphoretic. What is the nurse's first action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Always verify blood glucose before treatment.
A client taking nitroglycerin reports dizziness upon standing. What should the nurse instruct?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is common.
A client taking alendronate reports chest pain and difficulty swallowing. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Possible esophageal damage.
A client taking isoniazid reports numbness and tingling in hands. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Pyridoxine prevents neuropathy.
A client taking oral contraceptives and antibiotics asks about effectiveness. What should the nurse say?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Antibiotics reduce effectiveness.
A client receiving IV fluids develops crackles and dyspnea. What is the priority action?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Signs of fluid overload.
A client taking benzodiazepines reports excessive drowsiness. What should the nurse instruct?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Sedation increases risk of accidents.
A client taking rifampin reports orange urine. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: This is an expected effect.
A client taking spironolactone has potassium of 5.9 mEq/L. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Hyperkalemia is dangerous.
A client taking acetaminophen reports right upper quadrant pain. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Possible liver damage.
A nurse prepares to give insulin without checking glucose. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Glucose level must be known before insulin administration.