Nokea
After teaching a group of nursing students about pharmacokinetics, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as the first phase?
- A. Metabolism
- B. Absorption
- C. Distribution
- D. Excretion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics refers to the transportation activity of drugs in the body after administration. The first component is absorption. This is followed by distribution, metabolism, and finally excretion.
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When patients are started on darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) they need monitoring of their blood counts to determine a dosage adjustment in:
- A. 6 weeks if they are a cancer patient
- B. 1 week if they have chronic renal failure
- C. 2 weeks if they are taking it for allogenic transfusion
- D. Each week throughout therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cancer patients need blood count checks at 6 weeks for darbepoetin adjustment; renal patients adjust sooner, typically 2-4 weeks.
While receiving treatment for acute pulmonary edema, a woman complains of tinnitus and vertigo.
- A. Clomiphene
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide
- C. Furosemide
- D. Mifepristone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause ototoxicity (tinnitus, vertigo) at high doses.
The patient asks the nurse why generic drugs would be used and voices concerns that only the brand name product will be safe. What is the nurses best response?
- A. Generic drugs are often less expensive.
- B. Some quality control problems have been found with generic drugs.
- C. Most generic drugs are very safe and can be cost effective as well.
- D. Although initial cost is higher for a brand name it may cost less in the long run.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Most generic medications are completely safe and may be identical to the brand name drug except generic medications are often less expensive, but this does not address the patients concern about safety. Although some quality control issues have occurred in the past, this does not address the patients concerns regarding safety or explain why generic drugs are prescribed and used. Although some doctors believe initial cost is higher but will cost less over time, this response also does not address the patients concerns.
A nurse is caring for a client after thyroidectomy and notes that calcium gluconate is prescribed for the client. The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to:
- A. Treat thyroid storm.
- B. Prevent cardiac irritability.
- C. Treat hypocalcemic tetany.
- D. Stimulate the release of parathyroid hormone.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypocalcemia can develop after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed or injured during surgery. Manifestations develop 1 to 7 days after surgery. If the client develops numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or toes or muscle spasms or twitching, the health care provider is notified immediately. Calcium gluconate should be kept at the bedside.
A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings and notes that a client's plasma Lithium level is 2.1 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?
- A. Perform immediate gastric lavage.
- B. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- C. Administrative and additional oral dose of lithium.
- D. Request a stat repeat of the laboratory test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A level of 2.1 mEq/L indicates toxicity (normal 0.6-1.2 mEq/L); hemodialysis is used for severe cases.