Pharmacology Practice Exam

Activated PTT. Heparin is used to prevent further clots from being formed and to prevent the present clot from enlarging. The Activated Prothromboplastin Time (APTT) test is a highly sensitive test to monitor the client on heparin.

This is an indication of an allergy to the plasma protein. The first action of the nurse is to stop the transfusion.

A sore throat and fever may be symptoms of agranulocytosis, a side effect of chlorpromazine (Thorazine).

Deep injection or Z-track is a special method of giving medications via the intramuscular route. Use of this technique prevents irritating or staining medications from being tracked through tissue. Use of Z-track does not affect dose, absorption, or distribution of the drug.

Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, is used in clients with heart failure to slow and strengthen the heartbeat. As cardiac output is improved, renal perfusion is improved and urinary output increases. Clients can become toxic on this drug, with the findings of this toxicity being bradycardia, dysrhythmia, visual and GI disturbances. Clients being treated with digoxin should have their apical pulse evaluated for 1 full minute prior to the administration of the drug.

Clients should be made aware of the possibility of dizziness and syncope from postural hypotension for about an hour after receiving medication.

Phenytoin causes lymphoid hyperplasia that is most noticeable in the gums. Frequent gum massage and careful attention to good oral hygiene may reduce the gingival hyperplasia.

Protamine binds heparin making it ineffective.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit The post-transfusion hematocrit provides immediate information about red cell replacement and about continued blood loss.

Flushing the tube before and after use not only provides for good flow and keeps the tube patent, it also provides water to maintain hydration. While medications should be crushed to pass through the tube, it is flushing that moves them through. Stagnant liquids are reduced by flushing after tube use. Cleansing is important, but soap and water are sufficient without the added irritation of hydrogen peroxide.

If ascites is present in the client with cirrhosis of the liver, potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactone should be administered because it inhibits the action of aldosterone on the kidneys.

The bottle should by rolled gently, not shaken.

Sudden cessation of alprazolam (Xanax) can cause rebound insomnia and nightmares.

Intramuscular injections should not exceed a volume of 1 ml for small children. Medication doses exceeding this volume should be split into 2 separate injections of 1.0 ml each. In adults the maximum intramuscular injection volume is 5 ml per site

Foods high in tryptophan, tyramine and caffeine, such as chocolate and cheese may precipitate hypertensive crisis.

With opioid analgesics observe for respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation. Bruising is not related to the analgesic, but could be the result of corticosteroids or previously used anticoagulants. Elevated heart rate could be the result of bronchodilators. Some antibiotics can lower platelet count.

This is the most therapeutic response and gives the client accurate information.

Treatment of head lice consists of application of pediculicides. Pediculicides vary, and the directions must be followed carefully.

Medications with NSAIDS may increase the response to Coumadin (warfarin) and increase the risk of bleeding.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken for long periods of time may cause serious side effects, including bleeding in the gastrointestinal track.