Question

A nurse is caring for a female client in an outpatient clinic.

Answer 1

Correct Highlights :

Client reports using oral contraceptives as the only means of birth control.
Sodium 124 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Rationale :

Sodium 124 mEq/L

Normal range is 136–145 mEq/L; this result shows severe hyponatremia.
Oxcarbazepine can cause SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia.
This explains the client’s headaches, nausea, and vomiting, which are early signs of hyponatremia.
If untreated, this can progress to confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
Requires urgent evaluation, medication adjustment, and possible hospitalization for electrolyte correction.

Client reports using oral contraceptives as the only means of birth control

Oxcarbazepine reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by inducing hepatic enzymes, which accelerates estrogen metabolism.
This places the client at high risk for unintended pregnancy.
Requires immediate counseling on using an additional or alternative form of contraception.

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Answer 2

Correct Answers

Blank 1 Correct Option: stop the IV infusion
Blank 2 Correct Option: anaphylaxis

Rationale :

First action: Stop the IV infusion

🔶 Immediate cessation of the suspected agent is the priority in a rapid hypersensitivity reaction to halt further antigen exposure and prevent escalation of symptoms.

🔶 The client’s sudden pruritus, flushing, dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, and ↓SpO₂ constitute a systemic hypersensitivity picture, so removing the trigger takes precedence over all other interventions.

🔶 After stopping the infusion, maintain IV access with new tubing and normal saline, apply high-flow oxygen, and prepare for emergency medications per protocol.

🔶 Early drug discontinuation reduces the risk of airway compromise, bronchospasm, and circulatory collapse, buying time for definitive therapy.

🔶 Document the reaction, save the tubing/bag, and notify the provider/rapid response while continuing close hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring.

Reason: Anaphylaxis

🔶 The cluster of cutaneous (diffuse itching/flushing) plus respiratory (difficulty breathing, ↓SpO₂) and cardiovascular (hypotension, tachycardia) findings meets clinical criteria for anaphylaxis, a life-threatening, IgE-mediated emergency.

🔶 In anaphylaxis, first-line pharmacologic therapy is IM epinephrine; however, the first nursing action is to stop the offending infusion to terminate ongoing exposure.

🔶 Provide airway/oxygenation support, place the client supine with legs elevated if tolerated, and prepare rapid IV fluids for hypotension.

🔶 Consider that vancomycin can also cause a rate-related infusion reaction (Red Man syndrome), but the presence of respiratory distress and hypotension strongly supports anaphylaxis, warranting the more urgent pathway.

🔶 Prompt recognition and action are critical to prevent respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse, aligning with ABC priorities.

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Answer 3

Correct Answers

Blank 1 Correct Option: diltiazem
Blank 2 Correct Option: cardiac rhythm

Rationale :

🔷The ECG confirms atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response (HR ↑ to 156/min), making ventricular rate control the immediate priority to restore cardiac output and relieve symptoms.

🔷Diltiazem (non-dihydropyridine CCB) slows AV nodal conduction, producing a prompt reduction in ventricular rate, which helps resolve chest heaviness, dyspnea, and anxiety arising from poor hemodynamics.

🔷With a blood pressure of 110/62 mm Hg and no evidence presented of decompensated heart failure, short-acting, titratable IV diltiazem is appropriate and guideline-supported for urgent rate control in AF with RVR.

🔷Rapid control of the cardiac rhythm rate reduces myocardial oxygen demand, prevents ischemia, and limits progression to hypotension or pulmonary congestion, especially crucial in a patient with HF and OSA.

🔷Continuous monitoring is essential: track BP, HR, and rhythm, and reassess for signs of hemodynamic instability; once rate is controlled, address anticoagulation needs and precipitating factors (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

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Answer 4

Correct Answers:

"Increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation.”
"Drink the elixir using a straw to prevent staining your teeth."

Rationale :

Increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation

Ferrous sulfate commonly causes constipation, especially in pregnant women whose bowels are already slowed due to hormonal changes.
Increasing dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) along with adequate fluid intake helps maintain normal bowel function.
Teaching this preventive strategy promotes medication adherence by reducing one of the most frequent and bothersome side effects.
This advice is especially important during pregnancy to maintain comfort and prevent straining.
Nurses should also encourage regular physical activity if approved by the provider, as this further aids in bowel regulation.

Drink the elixir using a straw to prevent staining your teeth

Liquid iron preparations can stain teeth if taken directly, leaving difficult-to-remove discoloration.
Using a straw directs the elixir past the teeth, reducing the risk of staining.
Clients should also be advised to rinse their mouth with water or brush their teeth after taking the elixir.
This practice ensures long-term adherence without cosmetic concerns interfering with compliance.
Preventive education like this improves client satisfaction and medication acceptance.

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Answer 5

Correct Answers:

“Cromolyn is used to prevent your condition from occurring.”

Rationale :

🔹Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that prevents the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

🔹It is indicated for the prevention of asthma attacks, not for acute relief because it has a delayed onset of action.

🔹Clients must understand that cromolyn should be taken on a regular schedule to maintain effectiveness.

🔹It is not a bronchodilator, and it does not act within minutes like rescue inhalers (e.g., albuterol).

🔹This education ensures proper expectations and prevents misuse during acute asthma episodes.

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Answer 6

Correct Answers:

Bone loss

Rationale :

🔷Long-term prednisone therapy causes accelerated bone resorption and decreased calcium absorption, leading to osteoporosis.

🔷Clients are at increased risk for pathologic fractures and should be advised to take calcium and vitamin D.

🔷Weight-bearing exercise can help reduce this adverse effect.

🔷 Other long-term risks include immunosuppression, hyperglycemia, and fluid retention.

🔷Monitoring bone density is recommended in clients on long-term corticosteroids.

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Answer 7

Correct Answers:

Drowsiness

Rationale :

💠 Paroxetine, an SSRI antidepressant, commonly causes drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction as adverse effects.

💠 Clients should be cautioned about activities requiring alertness until they know how the drug affects them.

💠 Drowsiness typically improves after continued therapy as the body adjusts.

💠 Paroxetine may also cause weight gain and GI disturbances.

💠 Education improves adherence by preparing clients for expected side effects.

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Answer 8

Correct Answers:

“Administer the medication into one nostril once per week.”

Rationale :

♦ Cyanocobalamin nasal spray is prescribed for lifelong treatment of pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

♦ It is usually given once weekly into one nostril for consistent absorption.

♦ Treatment is indefinite because pernicious anemia is caused by lack of intrinsic factor.

♦ Clients should avoid using nasal sprays/decongestants before administration, as this may reduce absorption.

♦ Adherence prevents neurologic complications and megaloblastic anemia.

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Answer 9

Correct Answers:

Wheezing

Rationale :

🔴Wheezing indicates bronchospasm from an allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

🔴This represents a respiratory hypersensitivity reaction that can progress to anaphylaxis.

🔴Immediate discontinuation of the drug and provider notification are required.

🔴Other common side effects include rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and blood dyscrasias, but wheezing signals a potentially life-threatening emergency.

🔴 Prompt recognition prevents progression to respiratory failure.

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Answer 10

Correct Answers:

"l should rinse my mouth with a warm salt solution.”

Rationale :

✅Stomatitis is an oral ulceration caused by methotrexate toxicity.

✅Rinsing with warm salt water promotes healing, soothes irritation, and reduces bacterial load.

✅Clients should avoid alcohol and harsh mouthwashes because they worsen mucosal damage.

✅Good oral hygiene is important, but flossing should be avoided to prevent trauma.

✅This self-care reduces discomfort and prevents secondary infections.

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RN Pharmacology 2023 Exam A

No.

1 :
A nurse is caring for a female client in an outpatient clinic.

Correct Highlights :

2 :
A nurse is caring for a client on a medical-surgical-unit.

Correct Answers

3 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

Correct Answers

4 :
A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant and has iron-deficiency anemia about taking ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

5 :
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for cromolyn. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

6 :
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking prednisone for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

7 :
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for paroxetine. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

8 :
A nurse is teaching a client who has pernicious anemia to self-administer nasal cyanocobalamin. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

9 :
A nurse is assessing a client who has a urinary tract infection and is taking sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of an allergic reaction?

10 :
A nurse is teaching a client who is taking methotrexate and has stomatitis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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RN Pharmacology 2023 Exam A

No.

1 : A nurse is caring for a female client in an outpatient clinic.

Correct Highlights :

2 : A nurse is caring for a client on a medical-surgical-unit.

Correct Answers

3 : A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

Correct Answers

4 : A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant and has iron-deficiency anemia about taking ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

5 : A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for cromolyn. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

6 : A nurse is caring for a client who is taking prednisone for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

7 : A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for paroxetine. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

8 : A nurse is teaching a client who has pernicious anemia to self-administer nasal cyanocobalamin. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

9 : A nurse is assessing a client who has a urinary tract infection and is taking sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of an allergic reaction?

10 : A nurse is teaching a client who is taking methotrexate and has stomatitis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

1 :
A nurse is caring for a female client in an outpatient clinic.

2 :
A nurse is caring for a client on a medical-surgical-unit.

3 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

4 :
A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant and has iron-deficiency anemia about taking ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

5 :
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for cromolyn. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

6 :
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking prednisone for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

7 :
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for paroxetine. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

8 :
A nurse is teaching a client who has pernicious anemia to self-administer nasal cyanocobalamin. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

9 :
A nurse is assessing a client who has a urinary tract infection and is taking sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of an allergic reaction?

10 :
A nurse is teaching a client who is taking methotrexate and has stomatitis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?