NR 293 Quiz 1

NR 293 Quiz 1

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-293: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Quiz One

Rights of Medication Administration

The five fundamental rights of medication administration are crucial to ensure patient safety. They include administering the medication to the right patient, giving the right dose, using the right route, adhering to the right time, and respecting the patient’s right to refuse. Verification should occur at the patient’s bedside rather than at the nurse’s station to confirm the medication is administered to the correct individual.

First-Pass Effect

The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of certain medications by the liver before they reach systemic circulation. When oral medications pass through the liver, the bioavailability decreases, requiring higher doses to achieve therapeutic effects. Medications such as oral morphine undergo this effect, resulting in reduced absorption into the bloodstream.

Nursing Considerations When Administering Medications

Nurses must adhere to protocols to ensure safe medication administration. Key considerations include:

• Verifying patient identity using two methods.

• Never leaving unused medication at the patient’s bedside.

• Properly documenting and disposing of medication if a patient refuses.

• Remaining with the patient until the medication is fully administered.

• Being aware that substances like milk may affect drug absorption.

Routes of Medication Administration

Medications can be delivered via oral, subcutaneous, or other routes. Nurses should never assume the route if multiple routes are prescribed and must confirm with the healthcare provider before discontinuing unused routes.

Ethical Considerations in Medication Administration

Patients have the right to refuse medication. If a patient requests additional pain relief, nurses must balance patient comfort with ethical guidelines and medication-specific protocols.

STAT and PRN Medications

• STAT medications must be administered within 30–60 minutes.

• PRN (as-needed) medications are given based on the patient’s condition and need.

Oral Medication Forms and Considerations

Medication Form	Key Considerations
Capsules	Coating releases medication in stomach; swallow whole.
Enteric-Coated Tablets	Prevent breakdown in stomach; crushing destroys coating.
Extended-Release Tablets	Do not crush; avoids sudden release and adverse effects.
Liquids/Solutions/Suspensions	Absorbed faster than tablets or capsules.

Pregnancy Categories

Category	Risk Description
A	No risk to fetus or breastfeeding mothers.
B	No risk in animals; insufficient human data.
C	Animal studies show risk; no human studies available.
D	Evidence of fetal risk in humans.
X	Risks outweigh benefits; contraindicated in pregnancy.

Administration in Adults and Children

Infants have a higher body water content, affecting the distribution and metabolism of medications, which requires careful dosing adjustments.

Quiz Two

Antidote for Opioids

Naloxone is the primary antidote used in cases of opioid overdose or withdrawal.

Vasopressin for Diabetes Insipidus

Vasopressin regulates urine output in diabetes insipidus. Symptoms often include:

• Polyuria: excessive urination

• Polydipsia: excessive thirst

• Polyphagia: excessive hunger

Patient Teaching: Levothyroxine

For hypothyroidism:

• Swallow capsules whole, without chewing or crushing.

• Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, 30 minutes before breakfast.

• Common side effects: heat intolerance, tachycardia, diarrhea.

• Serious side effects: tremors, mood changes.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

PTU may lead to severe liver damage. Side effects include:

• Hair loss, altered taste

• Numbness or tingling in extremities

• Joint or muscle pain

• Dizziness and neck swelling

Metformin for Diabetes

• Take with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

• Do not crush extended-release tablets.

• Stop 48 hours before procedures with contrast dye to prevent lactic acidosis.

Regular Insulin and Meal Timing

• Eat within 30–60 minutes after regular insulin administration.

• Adjust exercise with NPH insulin to avoid hypoglycemia.

Prednisone – Steroids

Side effects include dizziness, insomnia, mood swings, and increased appetite. To prevent bone density loss, patients should increase calcium and vitamin D intake.

Glaucoma Medications

Proper administration of Timolol or Pilocarpine eye drops ensures effective absorption and therapeutic outcomes.

Quiz Three

Antihistamines

Antihistamines may cause blurry vision, dizziness, and drowsiness. They are used for cold relief due to their anticholinergic effects.

Respiratory Medications

• Oral forms provide long-term systemic effects.

• Nasal sprays offer immediate relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse.

Antitussive and Expectorant Medications

Medication Type	Purpose
Antitussive	Suppresses cough reflex
Expectorant	Thins mucus for easier airway clearance

Albuterol

Side effects: shakiness, headaches, nasal irritation.

• Inhaled steroids may cause thrush; patients should rinse mouth after use.

Decongestants and Theophylline

• Decongestants aid breathing.

• Theophylline treats COPD; side effects include palpitations and tachycardia.

References

• Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2020). Clinical nursing skills and techniques (9th ed.). Elsevier.

• Lewis, S. M., Dirksen, S. R., Heitkemper, M. M., & Bucher, L. (2017). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (10th ed.). Elsevier.

NR 293 Quiz 1

• McCuistion, L. E., & Robinson, C. (2017). Pharmacology for nursing care (10th ed.). Elsevier.