Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. An allergic reaction
An allergic reaction is a possible response to medication, but it is not directly related to doubling the dosage.
B. Anaphylactic reaction
Anaphylactic reaction is a severe and rapid allergic response; while possible, it is not the most likely consequence of an overdose in this context.
C. Poisoning
Poisoning is a likely concern when a client takes double the prescribed dosage of analgesics, especially if the medication has a narrow therapeutic index or is known to cause toxicity at high doses.
D. Sedative effects
Sedative effects could occur depending on the analgesic used, but poisoning is a more pressing concern following an overdose.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Med Surg Exam Antelope Valley College Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. An allergic reaction is a possible response to medication, but it is not directly related to doubling the dosage.
B. Anaphylactic reaction is a severe and rapid allergic response; while possible, it is not the most likely consequence of an overdose in this context.
C. Poisoning is a likely concern when a client takes double the prescribed dosage of analgesics, especially if the medication has a narrow therapeutic index or is known to cause toxicity at high doses.
D. Sedative effects could occur depending on the analgesic used, but poisoning is a more pressing concern following an overdose.
Similar Questions
When caring for a patient with angina, the nurse instructs the patient to place the nitroglycerin tablet between the cheek and the gums. Which route of administration is the nurse referring to?
A. Sublingual
Sublingual administration involves placing the tablet under the tongue, not between the cheek and gums.
B. Transdermal
Transdermal refers to medication delivered through the skin via a patch, which is not applicable in this scenario.
C. Buccal
Buccal administration involves placing the medication between the cheek and gums, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
D. Translingual
Translingual refers to administering a medication via the tongue, which is not the route being used in this case.
Full Explanation
A. Sublingual administration involves placing the tablet under the tongue, not between the cheek and gums.
B. Transdermal refers to medication delivered through the skin via a patch, which is not applicable in this scenario.
C. Buccal administration involves placing the medication between the cheek and gums, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
D. Translingual refers to administering a medication via the tongue, which is not the route being used in this case.
A client with hypertension has had their ACE inhibitor discontinued and an angiotensin II receptor blocker prescribed. What factor may have contributed to this change in medication?
A. Rebound hypertension
Rebound hypertension can occur if antihypertensive medications are abruptly stopped, but it is not a direct reason for switching from an ACE inhibitor to an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
B. Persistent cough
A persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin. If the client experienced this side effect, it would likely prompt the healthcare provider to switch to an angiotensin II receptor blocker, which does not typically cause this issue.
C. Transient ischemic attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) would require urgent intervention but is not a reason for changing from an ACE inhibitor to an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
D. Non-adherence to ACE inhibitor treatment
Non-adherence to ACE inhibitor treatment may lead to ineffective blood pressure control but would not directly justify a switch to a different class of medication.
Full Explanation
A. Rebound hypertension can occur if antihypertensive medications are abruptly stopped, but it is not a direct reason for switching from an ACE inhibitor to an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
B. A persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin. If the client experienced this side effect, it would likely prompt the healthcare provider to switch to an angiotensin II receptor blocker, which does not typically cause this issue.
C. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) would require urgent intervention but is not a reason for changing from an ACE inhibitor to an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
D. Non-adherence to ACE inhibitor treatment may lead to ineffective blood pressure control but would not directly justify a switch to a different class of medication.
A male college student has presented to the campus medical clinic reporting cold symptoms that he has been experiencing for the past 2 weeks. He tells the nurse that he has been taking OTC decongestants twice daily since the onset of the cold. What teaching point should the nurse provide to this student?
A. "It's best to take small doses of decongestants several times daily rather than two larger doses each day."
Taking smaller doses of decongestants several times a day may be appropriate for some medications but does not address the risk of rebound congestion associated with prolonged use.
B. "You can probably expect to get relief within the next few days or a week at the longest."
Expecting relief within a few days may not be realistic if the cold symptoms persist for 2 weeks, indicating a potential need for further evaluation.
C. “Over-the-counter decongestants don't normally work; you'll likely need to get a prescription for something more effective."
OTC decongestants can be effective, and many patients find relief from symptoms without requiring a prescription.
D. "You might find yourself more congested than ever as your body compensates for your use of these drugs."
Using decongestants for an extended period can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal passages become more congested once the medication is stopped, making this a crucial point for the nurse to communicate.
Full Explanation
A. Taking smaller doses of decongestants several times a day may be appropriate for some medications but does not address the risk of rebound congestion associated with prolonged use.
B. Expecting relief within a few days may not be realistic if the cold symptoms persist for 2 weeks, indicating a potential need for further evaluation.
C. OTC decongestants can be effective, and many patients find relief from symptoms without requiring a prescription.
D. Using decongestants for an extended period can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal passages become more congested once the medication is stopped, making this a crucial point for the nurse to communicate.