A client with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma who is receiving dexamethasone (Decadron) 4mg/IV every 6 hours to relieve symptoms of right arm weakness and headache. Which of the following assessments will concern the nurse most?         A. Blood glucose level of 280 mg/dl.      B. Daily weight gain of 0.5 kg.      C. Client no longer recognizes… Read More »

Mr. Bates is admitted to the surgical ICU following left adrenalectomy. He is sleepy but easily aroused. An IV containing hydrocortisone is running. The nurse planning care for Mr. Bates knows it is essential to include which of the following nursing interventions at this time?         A. Monitor blood glucose levels every shift to detect… Read More »

A client has been taking benzonatate (Tessalon) as ordered. The nurse tells the client that this medication should do which of the following?         A. Take away nausea and vomiting.      B. Calm the persistent cough.      C. Decrease anxiety level.      D. Increase comfort level.           Correct Answer: B. Calm the… Read More »

Methotrexate is a folate antagonist. It inhibits enzymes required for DNA base synthesis. To prevent harm to normal cells, a fully activated form of folic acid known as leucovorin (folinic acid; citrovorum factor) can be administered. Administration of leucovorin is known as:         A. Induction therapy.      B. Consolidation therapy.      C. Pulse therapy.   … Read More »

A child is admitted with a serious infection. After two days of antibiotics, he is severely neutropenic. The physician orders granulocyte transfusions for the next four days. The mother asks the nurse why? The nurse responds:         A. “This is the only treatment left to offer the child.”      B. “This therapy is fast and… Read More »

When considering the pharmacotherapeutic effects of drugs administered to clients, the nurse considers which property of most importance:         A. Efficacy.      B. Interaction with other drugs.      C. Potency.      D. Toxicity.           Correct Answer: A. Efficacy In pharmacology, efficacy is the maximum response achievable from a drug. Efficacy is the capacity to… Read More »

Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed to a client with alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen?         A. “This medication causes a blurring of vision”.      B. “This medication will cause a decreased platelet and white blood cell count in my blood”.      C. “I’ll… Read More »

Corinne is experiencing diarrhea after consuming her prescribed antibiotics for the whole week. This is because:         A. The drugs render food indigestible.      B. Gastric flora is disturbed.      C. Fluid is added into the intestine.      D. Normal intestinal bacteria are destroyed.           Correct Answer: D. Normal intestinal bacteria are… Read More »

During surgery, there is an increased potential for arrhythmias when catecholamines are given with:         A. halothane (Fluothane)      B. digoxin (Lanoxin)      C. bupivacaine (Marcaine)      D. lidocaine (Xylocaine)           Correct Answer: A. halothane (Fluothane) Arrhythmias are a result of an interaction that can occur with halothane and catecholamines. Halothane is… Read More »

A male patient is undergoing chemotherapy may also be given the drug allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim). Allopurinol inhibits the synthesis of uric acid. Concomitant administration of allopurinol prevents:         A. Myelosuppression.      B. Gout and hyperuricemia.      C. Pancytopenia.      D. Cancer cell growth and replication.           Correct Answer: B. Gout and hyperuricemia.… Read More »