Medication Administration (Parenteral & Non-Parenteral)
This route of medication administration uses a needle to deliver drugs into the skin, muscle, or vein.
What is parenteral?
A patient has an SpO₂ of 88% on room air, respiratory rate of 28, and mild confusion. Which oxygen delivery method provides the most precise FiO₂ while minimizing CO₂ retention?
What is a Venturi mask?
A complete blood count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and this component important for clotting.
What is platelets?
A patient with hypoglycemia is unconscious with no IV access. Which is the fastest method to raise glucose levels?
What is administer glucagon IM or SQ?
You are calculating an infusion: 1,000 mL of D5W with 40 mEq KCl over 8 hours. What is the IV flow rate in mL/hr?
What is 125 mL/hr?
Tablets, capsules, and liquids are examples of this route of medication administration?
What is enteral or non-parenteral?
You assess a patient with an irregular pulse and a blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg. Which vital sign change is most concerning for impending shock?
What is tachycardia with hypotension?
This electrolyte is crucial for heart rhythm and is often affected by diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide.
What is potassium?
A patient with chronic renal disease requires protein adjustment. Which lab values best guide nutritional planning?
What are BUN and serum creatinine?
A patient is on digoxin. Which lab value must you check before administration to prevent toxicity?
What is serum potassium (K⁺) and digoxin level?
This intramuscular site is commonly used for adults when giving vaccines.
What is the deltoid?
You assess a patient with oxygen saturation of 85% on 2 L nasal cannula. Despite increasing oxygen to 4 L, SpO₂ remains at 85%. What is the most appropriate next step?
What is escalate oxygen delivery to a non-rebreather mask or high-flow nasal cannula and assess for underlying cause?
This lab value measures kidney function and is often elevated in dehydration or kidney disease.
What is BUN?
A patient has a BMI of 32 kg/m² and reports fatigue and joint pain.
A beta-blocker is ordered. Which physiologic effect is the primary therapeutic goal?
What is reducing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand?
When administering a subcutaneous injection, the needle should be inserted at this angle.
What is 45 to 90 degrees?
During post-op monitoring, a patient has RR 8, SpO₂ 88%, BP 140/85, and HR 105. Which medication class likely contributed to this pattern, and what immediate intervention is required?
What are opioids causing respiratory depression; intervene with oxygen and possibly naloxone?
A patient’s lab results show:
When checking NG tube placement, you should verify this before feeding or giving medications.
What is correct placement via X-ray or pH testing?
A patient is prescribed two blood pressure medications: a thiazide diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. The nurse notes that together, the patient’s blood pressure decreases more than when each drug is used alone.
What type of drug interaction is occurring?
Why is this interaction beneficial in this patient?
This type of parenteral administration delivers a rapid effect.
What is intravenous (IV)?
A patient has a temperature of 102.8°F, heart rate 128 bpm, blood pressure 88/56 mmHg, and is breathing 30 times per minute.
A patient’s lab results show:
This complication can occur if an NG tube becomes clogged or displaced.
What is aspiration?
A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is prescribed Motrin (ibuprofen) for pain. The patient reports black, tarry stools after a week of therapy.
Answer: