TEST BANK FOR

LEHNES

PHARMACOLOGY FOR

NURSING CARE 9TH

EDITION BY BURCHUM

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Chapter 02: Application of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A patient is using a metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol for asthma. The medication

label instructs the patient to administer “2 puffs every 4 hours as needed for coughing or

wheezing.” The patient reports feeling jittery sometimes when taking the medication, and she

doesn’t feel that the medication is always effective. Which action is outside the nurse’s scope

of practice?

a. Asking the patient to demonstrate use of the inhaler

b. Assessing the patient’s exposure to tobacco smoke

c. Auscultating lung sounds and obtaining vital signs

d. Suggesting that the patient use one puff to reduce side effects

ANS: D

It is not within the nurse’s scope of practice to change the dose of a medication without an

order from a prescriber. Asking the patient to demonstrate inhaler use helps the nurse to

evaluate the patient’s ability to administer the medication properly and is part of the nurse’s

evaluation. Assessing tobacco smoke exposure helps the nurse determine whether nondrug

therapies, such a smoke avoidance, can be used as an adjunct to drug therapy. Performing a

physical assessment helps the nurse evaluate the patient’s response to the medication.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 9-10

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX Client NeedsCaregory: Physiologic integrity :Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

2. A postoperative patient is being discharged home with acetaminophen/hydrocodone [Lortab]

for pain. The patient asks the nurse about using Tylenol for fever. Which statement by the

nurse is correct?

a. “It is not safe to take over-the-counter drugs with prescription medications.”

b. “Taking the two medications together poses a risk of drug toxicity.”

c. “There are no known drug interactions, so this will be safe.”

d. “Tylenol and Lortab are different drugs, so there is no risk of overdose.”

ANS: B

Tylenol is the trade name and acetaminophen is the generic name for the same medication. It

is important to teach patients to be aware of the different names for the same drug to minimize

the risk of overdose. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription medications may

be taken together unless significant harmful drug interactions are possible. Even though no

drug interactions are at play in this case, both drugs contain acetaminophen, which could lead

to toxicity.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 8

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

3. The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who will be taking an antihypertensive medication.

Which action by the nurse is part of the assessment step of the nursing process?

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