A side effect is an expected, predictable response to a drug that is not the intended therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer
True
Side effects are known pharmacological effects of a drug. They are generally predictable and may or may not be harmful.
Question 2
An adverse drug reaction and a side effect are the same thing.
Correct Answer
False
Adverse drug reactions are unintended, harmful responses to a drug. Side effects are expected and predictable. Adverse reactions are more serious and may require intervention.
Question 3
The nursing process includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Correct Answer
True
These five steps provide a systematic framework for clinical decision-making, including medication administration and monitoring.
Question 4
The nurse should only assess prescription medications during a medication history.
Correct Answer
False
The nurse should assess all medications including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, illicit drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Question 5
Herbal supplements cannot interact with prescription medications.
Correct Answer
False
Herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications. Some clients do not consider them important, but the nurse must ask specific questions about their use.
Question 6
Alcohol may interact with benzodiazepines or opioids, causing respiratory and central nervous system depression.
Correct Answer
True
Combining CNS depressants significantly increases the risk of dangerous respiratory depression and excessive sedation.
Question 7
The evaluation phase of the nursing process determines whether the drug achieved its therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer
True
Evaluation assesses the client's response to the drug for therapeutic effectiveness, development of adverse effects, and ongoing teaching needs.
Question 8
A drug's therapeutic index measures how well a drug is absorbed.
Correct Answer
False
The therapeutic index is the ratio between a drug's toxic dose and therapeutic dose. A narrow therapeutic index means there is a small margin between effectiveness and toxicity.
Question 9
Drug tolerance occurs when a client requires increasing doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer
True
With repeated exposure to certain drugs, the body's response diminishes over time, requiring higher doses to produce the original effect.
Question 10
Drug toxicity is never a concern when drugs are taken at prescribed doses.
Correct Answer
False
Drug toxicity can occur even at prescribed doses, particularly in clients with liver or kidney impairment that affects drug metabolism or excretion.
Question 11
The nurse should encourage the client to repeat medication instructions back to assess understanding.
Correct Answer
True
Having the client repeat instructions (teach-back method) is an effective way to confirm comprehension and identify areas needing further education.
Question 12
OTC drugs like ibuprofen can interact with certain blood pressure medications.
Correct Answer
True
Ibuprofen can interact with antihypertensive drugs, causing them to be less effective. The nurse must assess all medications including OTC drugs.
Question 13
It takes approximately five half-lives for a drug to be considered functionally eliminated from the body.
Correct Answer
True
After five half-lives, approximately 97% of the drug has been eliminated from the body.
Question 14
Generic drugs contain different active ingredients than their brand-name counterparts.
Correct Answer
False
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. They must meet the same FDA standards for quality, purity, strength, and stability.
Question 15
Schedule II controlled substances have a high potential for abuse but have accepted medical uses.
Correct Answer
True
Schedule II drugs (such as morphine, oxycodone, and amphetamines) have high abuse potential but are approved for medical use with strict prescribing regulations.
Question 16
The elderly do not require special pharmacological considerations.
Correct Answer
False
As clients age, they experience a decline in kidney and liver function, affecting drug metabolism and excretion. Dosage adjustments are often necessary.
Question 17
Biologics are traditional drugs that are chemically synthesized in a laboratory.
Correct Answer
False
Biologics are derived from living organisms or their products and differ from traditional chemically synthesized drugs. Biosimilars are similar but not identical to biologics.
Question 18
A counterfeit drug is one that is falsely manufactured, mislabeled, or contains the wrong ingredients.
Correct Answer
True
Counterfeit drugs pose serious health risks because they may contain incorrect doses, wrong ingredients, or harmful substances.
Question 19
The nurse's assessment before drug administration includes determining if the drug is appropriate for the client.
Correct Answer
True
The nurse must identify if the drug is right for the client's diagnosis and anticipate potential adverse effects before administering medication.
Question 20
Drug calculations and dosage accuracy are not critical aspects of safe medication administration.
Correct Answer
False
Accurate drug calculations are essential to prevent medication errors. The nurse must verify dosages and use proper measurement systems.
Question 21
Pregnant clients may require different pharmacological considerations than non-pregnant clients.
Correct Answer
True
Drug therapy may impact pregnant clients differently. Many drugs can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, requiring careful medication selection.
Question 22
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are always safe because they are natural.
Correct Answer
False
Natural does not mean safe. CAM therapies can have side effects and drug interactions. The nurse should assess for CAM use and educate clients accordingly.
Question 23
The nursing diagnosis focuses on disease process or pathophysiology.
Correct Answer
False
The nursing diagnosis focuses holistically on physical, psychosocial, sociocultural, or spiritual changes in the client's health. The medical diagnosis focuses on disease pathophysiology.
Question 24
Recognizing cues is a key component of nursing clinical judgment in medication administration.
Correct Answer
True
Recognizing cues involves observing signs and symptoms that may affect medication safety, such as assessing vital signs before giving a blood pressure medication.
Question 25
Client education about medications is not a nursing responsibility.
Correct Answer
False
Client education is a fundamental nursing responsibility. The nurse should teach about medication purpose, proper use, potential side effects, and when to contact the provider.