Fun Pharm Facts
A 72-year-old patient presents with acute ischemic stroke and is a candidate for thrombolytic therapy with alteplase. The nurse prepares for administration but notes the patient has a history of recent surgery. What is the most important consideration the nurse must assess before administering alteplase?
a) The patient’s blood pressure and heart rate.
b) The time of onset of stroke symptoms.
c) The presence of contraindications
d) The patient's allergy history.
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. The patient's most recent digoxin level is 1.2 ng/mL, and the heart rate is 70 bpm. What should the nurse do prior to administering digoxin?
a) Check the patient's potassium level.
b) Administer the medication as the levels are within normal range.
c) Withhold the medication due to the heart rate being too low.
d) Assess the patient's renal function.
A patient is admitted to the emergency department with chest pain and is given sublingual nitroglycerin. After administration, the patient reports a headache and a drop in blood pressure from 130/80 mmHg to 90/60 mmHg. What is the priority nursing intervention after administering nitroglycerin in this scenario?
a) Reassess the patient’s pain level.
b) Administer a second dose of nitroglycerin.
c) Position the patient in a supine position and monitor vital signs.
d) Encourage the patient to take oral pain relief medication.
A patient with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation is started on metoprolol. The nurse notes that the patient’s heart rate is 58 bpm before administration. What should the nurse do before administering metoprolol?
a) Administer the medication as ordered and monitor for side effects.
b) Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
c) Ask the patient if they have experienced any headaches.
d) Check the patient's blood pressure and administer if it is above 120/80 mmHg.
A 65-year-old male patient with hypertension and stable angina is prescribed nifedipine. During a follow-up visit, he reports experiencing occasional dizziness and flushing after taking the medication. What teaching point should the nurse emphasize to this patient regarding the use of nifedipine?
a) "You should take this medication on an empty stomach for better absorption."
b) "It’s important to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness."
c) "You can stop taking the medication if you feel any side effects."
d) "You should avoid all forms of exercise while taking this medication."
A patient with heart failure has been prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching regarding the use of this medication?
a) “I need to monitor my weight daily to check for fluid retention.”
b) “I can take potassium supplements to help with my potassium levels.”
c) “If I feel lightheaded or dizzy, I should sit down and rest.”
d) “I should avoid eating foods high in potassium, like bananas and oranges.”
A 55-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes is started on losartan (Cozaar) as part of her treatment regimen. During a follow-up appointment, she reports some mild dizziness but denies any other side effects. The nurse reviews the patient’s medication adherence and lifestyle modifications, as well as her recent lab results, which show normal renal function and potassium levels.
Which of the following nursing considerations should the nurse prioritize when caring for this patient on losartan? (Select all that apply.)
a) Educating the patient about the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring at home.
b) Advising the patient to avoid potassium-rich foods to prevent hyperkalemia.
c) Monitoring the patient for signs of hypotension, especially after the first dose.
d) Instructing the patient to report any swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
e) Encouraging the patient to maintain adequate hydration while on the medication.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient who has been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for the management of hypertension. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching regarding the medication and its potential side effects?
a) "I should monitor my blood pressure regularly and keep a log of my readings."
b) "I can eat any type of food since this medication does not affect my potassium levels."
c) "If I experience dizziness, I should sit or lie down until it passes."
d) "I need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration while taking this medication."
A patient with heart failure has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) to manage fluid overload. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize before administering this medication?
a) Assessing the patient's blood pressure and heart rate.
b) Checking the patient's potassium level.
c) Monitoring the patient's weight for recent changes.
d) Evaluating the patient's lung sounds for crackles.
A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed gemfibrozil for the management of high triglyceride levels. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicate an understanding of the medication? (Select all that apply.)
a) "I should take gemfibrozil with food to help increase its absorption."
b) "I need to have regular liver function tests while taking this medication."
c) "I can stop taking this medication if my triglyceride levels decrease."
d) "I should avoid taking gemfibrozil with statins to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects."
e) "This medication will help lower my cholesterol levels as well."
A patient has been prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) to manage high cholesterol levels. Which of the following patient statements would indicate a need for further teaching about this medication?
a) "I need to have my liver function tests monitored regularly while taking this medication."
b) "I can stop taking this medication if I start eating healthier and exercising."
c) "I should report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness to my healthcare provider."
d) "I need to avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
A patient is receiving phenylephrine nasal spray for the relief of nasal congestion. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a correct understanding of the medication's use?
a) "I can use this nasal spray as often as I like for immediate relief."
b) "I should limit the use of this spray to avoid rebound congestion."
c) "This medication works by reducing blood flow to my nasal passages."
d) "I should expect this medication to cause increased nasal secretions."
A nurse is preparing to administer prazosin to a patient diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates a need for further education about the medication?
a) "I should take this medication at bedtime to help reduce the risk of dizziness."
b) "I can stop taking this medication if my blood pressure feels normal."
c) "I need to be cautious when standing up quickly, as this medication can cause lightheadedness."
d) "I should continue to follow a low-sodium diet while taking this medication."
A 68-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department with symptomatic bradycardia, presenting with dizziness, fatigue, and a heart rate of 40 beats per minute. The healthcare provider has ordered atropine to treat the bradycardia. Which of the following statements accurately describes the expected action of atropine in this situation?
a) Atropine will increase the heart rate by blocking sympathetic stimulation to the heart.
b) Atropine will increase heart rate by inhibiting acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors in the heart.
c) Atropine will decrease heart rate by enhancing the effects of the vagus nerve.
d) Atropine will stabilize the heart rate by promoting the release of norepinephrine at adrenergic receptors.
A 55-year-old patient is being treated for bradycardia. The healthcare provider administers atropine. What is the expected pharmacological effect of atropine in this case?
a) Decreased heart rate
b) Increased heart rate through muscarinic receptor blockade
c) Bronchoconstriction
d) Increased gastrointestinal motility
A patient arrives in the emergency department with symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity, including dilated pupils, dry skin, and confusion. Which of the following is the primary action of physostigmine in this scenario?
a) It acts as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic receptors.
b) It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels.
c) It stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors to increase heart rate.
d) It acts as a diuretic to promote renal function.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a myocardial infarction and is receiving fibrinolytic therapy. Which of the following nursing actions is essential for monitoring the patient effectively?
a) Assess the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure every hour.
b) Monitor for signs of bleeding and check laboratory values for coagulation status.
c) Encourage the patient to ambulate immediately post-treatment to improve circulation.
d) Limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload after the procedure.
A patient with angina is prescribed nitroglycerin. Which of the following describes the primary action of organic nitrates in treating angina?
a) They increase myocardial oxygen demand by enhancing heart rate.
b) They dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the myocardium.
c) They decrease blood pressure by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system.
d) They promote platelet aggregation to reduce thrombus formation.
A patient with heart failure is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. What is the primary benefit of this class of medication in managing heart failure?
a) They reduce heart rate by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.
b) They decrease preload and afterload by promoting vasodilation.
c) They increase myocardial oxygen demand by enhancing contractility.
d) They promote fluid retention to improve cardiac output.
A nurse is caring for a patient on lisinopril for hypertension. Which of the following nursing actions is most important in ensuring effective management of the patient’s hypertension?
a) Educate the patient to stop medication if they feel well.
b) Monitor blood pressure regularly and assess for side effects of medications.
c) Encourage the patient to increase their daily sodium intake.
d) Limit patient education about lifestyle changes to avoid overwhelming them.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving furosemide, a loop diuretic. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important?
a) Administer the medication at bedtime to enhance sleep.
b) Monitor the patient's weight and electrolyte levels regularly.
c) Encourage the patient to consume high-sodium foods to maintain electrolyte balance.
d) Limit fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient receiving statins for hyperlipidemia. Which of the following actions is vital to include in the nursing process?
a) Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction with statin therapy
b) Encourage the patient to stop taking medications if side effects occur
c) Educate the patient that lipid-lowering medications can replace the need for lifestyle changes
d) Focus solely on medication adherence without considering dietary modifications
A patient is diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia. Which of the following treatment approaches is most appropriate for managing this condition?
a) Lifestyle modifications alone
b) Monotherapy with a statin
c) Combination therapy with statins and PCSK9 inhibitors
d) Avoidance of all dietary fats
A patient presents with significantly elevated triglyceride levels. Which of the following classes of medications is commonly used to lower triglyceride levels?
a) Statins
b) Bile acid sequestrants
c) Fibrates
d) Ezetimibe
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving both an adrenergic agonist and an adrenergic antagonist. Which of the following nursing actions is most critical to ensure safe medication administration?
a) Monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate closely
b) Educate the patient on dietary restrictions
c) Assess the patient's level of consciousness
d) Encourage the patient to increase physical activity