The parent of a school-age client asks the nurse, "What is the difference between acetaminophen and Tylenol? Acetaminophen is much cheaper than Tylenol at the pharmacy. Your instructions state that my child should take 160 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours for fever if needed." What is the nurse's best response?
"Tylenol and acetaminophen are two different drugs with similar effects."
"Since Tylenol and acetaminophen have the same active ingredients, either one is acceptable."
✓
"Tylenol is a prescription medication, and acetaminophen is over-the-counter."
"Please speak with the health care provider about their preference."
Correct Answer
"Since Tylenol and acetaminophen have the same active ingredients, either one is acceptable."
Acetaminophen is the generic form of the drug Tylenol, and they have the same active ingredients. Either formulation would be acceptable.
Question 2
A client admitted to the emergency department reports abuse of hydrocodone and oxycodone. To which schedule do these drugs belong?
Schedule V
Schedule IV
Schedule I
Schedule II
✓
Correct Answer
Schedule II
Both drugs belong under Schedule II and are highly addictive.
Question 3
A client receives a prescription for ibuprofen and wants to know if they can take Motrin instead. Which response should the nurse give the client?
"Yes, Motrin is the chemical name for ibuprofen."
"Yes, Motrin is the trade name for ibuprofen."
✓
"Yes, ibuprofen is the brand name for Motrin."
"Yes, ibuprofen is the chemical name for Motrin."
Correct Answer
"Yes, Motrin is the trade name for ibuprofen."
Ibuprofen is the generic name for Motrin; Motrin is the brand or trade name for ibuprofen. The chemical name for ibuprofen is 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propanoic acid.
Question 4
The nurse is providing discharge instructions about a client's home medications. What response should the nurse give when the client asks about the difference between buying generic versus brand-name drugs?
"Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs."
✓
"Generic drugs are the same as over-the-counter drugs. They are not prescription drugs."
"Generic drugs undergo more rigorous testing than brand-name drugs."
"Generic drugs are often more expensive than brand-name drugs."
Correct Answer
"Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs."
Generic drugs have the same active ingredients but may have different inactive ingredients.
Question 5
The nurse is preparing to administer a new medication to an older client. The nurse recognizes that drug absorption may be affected by which physiologic factor of aging?
Increased filtration of the kidneys
Increased liver function
Decreased gastrointestinal motility
✓
Increased enzymatic function
Correct Answer
Decreased gastrointestinal motility
Decreased GI motility causes increased transit time in the gut, which increases the time for absorption of the drug. Toxicity may result.
Question 6
The nurse is caring for a 93-year-old client weighing 92 pounds. What is the nurse's priority concern when monitoring for adverse drug effects in this client?
Constipation
Toxicity
✓
Diarrhea
Decreased absorption
Correct Answer
Toxicity
Toxicity is the greatest concern in this older client who is also underweight. Therefore, this client may require a lower dose of the drug.
Question 7
The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the importance of interprofessional (IP) collaboration. What is an advantage of IP teamwork?
Increased cost of hospitalization due to the number of hospital workers involved
Decreased responsibility because other team members are assisting with coordinating care
Decreased need for research into the client's disease process and treatment
Improved client safety due to the use of each discipline's area of expertise
✓
Correct Answer
Improved client safety due to the use of each discipline's area of expertise
IP collaboration has many advantages, including decreased hospitalization costs, improved client safety, and improved communication regarding team goals.
Question 8
The nurse understands that a particular regulatory agency is responsible for ensuring that drugs are safe and effective. What is its name?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
✓
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Correct Answer
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA is the regulatory agency tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all drugs are safe and effective for all individuals across the lifespan.
Question 9
A nurse is involved in a study incorporating small numbers of volunteers with the disease the drug is designed to treat. In which phase of an investigational drug study is the nurse involved?
Phase II
✓
Phase III
Phase IV
Phase I
Correct Answer
Phase II
Phase II incorporates a relatively small number of volunteers with the disease the drug is designed to treat.
Question 10
A 79-year-old client with hypertension has been prescribed a medication to lower blood pressure. Which action should the nurse take first?
Inform the client of potential resources to assist them in remembering their medications
Check the drugs for potential interactions because the client sees multiple providers.
Take a complete drug history and verify compliance.
✓
Ensure the client understands the purpose of each drug, expected effects, and potential adverse effects.
Correct Answer
Take a complete drug history and verify compliance.
The first action by the nurse should be to assess the client's medication history and whether or not the client is taking the medications as prescribed. All other actions will be performed, but the assessment should be completed first.