LPN LPN
LPN Pharmacology Practice Test
1. When preparing to administer medication to a client, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Verify the client's identity.
- B. Check the medication expiration date.
- C. Review the client's medical history.
- D. Obtain the client's vital signs.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity is the initial and most critical step in medication administration. It is crucial to confirm that the right medication is being given to the correct patient. Checking the client's identity helps prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety. Checking the medication expiration date (choice B) is important but should come after verifying the client's identity. Reviewing the client's medical history (choice C) is valuable but not the first step in medication administration. Obtaining the client's vital signs (choice D) is essential in some situations but is usually not the first action needed before administering medication.
2. A client has a new prescription for amitriptyline. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication in the morning.
- B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
- C. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
- D. Monitor for signs of weight gain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client is prescribed amitriptyline, it is important to instruct them to take the medication with a full glass of water. This instruction helps prevent esophageal irritation, as amitriptyline can be harsh on the esophagus. Option C is the correct choice. Option A, taking the medication in the morning, is not specific to amitriptyline and can vary depending on the individual's condition. Option B, avoiding grapefruit juice, is a general precaution for many medications but not specifically related to amitriptyline. Option D, monitoring for signs of weight gain, is not a direct instruction for taking the medication itself and may not be a common side effect of amitriptyline.
3. A client is receiving morphine for pain. Which of the following assessments is the priority?
- A. Urine output
- B. Pupil reaction
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Bowel sounds
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory rate. Monitoring the respiratory rate is the priority assessment for a client receiving morphine due to the risk of respiratory depression. Morphine is a potent opioid that can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect that can be life-threatening. Assessing the client's respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory depression early and intervene promptly. Assessing urine output is important but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory depression with morphine. Pupil reaction and bowel sounds are also important assessments but do not take precedence over monitoring the respiratory rate when a client is on morphine.
4. A client has a new prescription for clozapine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. You should have your white blood cell count checked regularly.
- B. You should take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. You should avoid eating foods high in tyramine.
- D. You should avoid taking this medication with milk.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'You should have your white blood cell count checked regularly.' Clozapine can lead to agranulocytosis, a serious condition characterized by a low white blood cell count. Regular monitoring of the white blood cell count is crucial to detect this adverse effect early and prevent serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking clozapine on an empty stomach, avoiding foods high in tyramine, or avoiding taking the medication with milk are not specific instructions related to the potential adverse effect of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine.
5. A client has a new prescription for enalapril. Which of the following adverse effects should the client be instructed to monitor and report?
- A. Frequent urination
- B. Tremors
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Persistent cough
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Persistent cough. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is known to commonly cause a persistent cough as an adverse effect due to its effect on bradykinin levels. Clients should be instructed to monitor for a persistent cough and report it promptly to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible medication adjustment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not commonly associated with enalapril use and are not typical adverse effects of ACE inhibitors.
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