ATI RN
Medication Administration Test Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is taking an oral narcotic for pain relief tells the nurse he is constipated. What is this common response to narcotics called?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) adverse effect. Constipation is a common adverse effect of narcotics because opioids act on receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down motility and leading to constipation. Option A) therapeutic effect is incorrect because constipation is not the desired outcome when a patient is taking a narcotic for pain relief. Option C) toxic effect is also incorrect as constipation is not a sign of drug toxicity in this context. Option D) idiosyncratic effect is incorrect as constipation as a response to narcotics is a well-known and expected side effect rather than a rare or unpredictable reaction. In an educational context, understanding the common adverse effects of medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to anticipate and manage potential complications for their patients. This knowledge helps in providing safe and effective care, ensuring that patients receive appropriate interventions to address side effects and improve their overall well-being. Nurses and other healthcare providers must be aware of these common responses to medications to deliver high-quality patient care.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following parts of the syringe and needle must be kept sterile when preparing and administering an injection? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In medication administration, maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. The correct answer, option D - the needle, must be kept sterile when preparing and administering an injection because it is the part that directly enters the patient's skin, posing the highest risk of introducing pathogens. Option A, the outside of the cap, is not required to be sterile as it does not come into contact with the medication or patient. Option B, the outside of the barrel, while important to keep clean, does not need to be sterile as it does not come in direct contact with the patient's tissues. Option C, the needle hub, although in close proximity to the needle, does not directly enter the patient's body and thus does not need to be kept sterile. Educationally, understanding which parts of the syringe and needle require sterility is fundamental for healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication administration. Reinforcing this knowledge through practice and simulation scenarios can help solidify this critical aspect of clinical practice. Healthcare providers must always adhere to proper aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
Ethel is an 80-year-old woman who was admitted for dehydration. The nurse reports that she is not making 30 mL/hr of urine and the physician orders a bolus of 250 ml to be infused within 30 minutes. What is the correct drip rate for Ethel's infusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) 500 mL/hr. This rate is correct because Ethel needs a rapid fluid replacement due to her dehydration, and the physician has ordered a bolus of 250 mL to be infused within 30 minutes. To calculate the drip rate, we use the formula: Volume / (Minutes / 60) = Rate. In this case, 250 mL / (30 / 60) = 250 / 0.5 = 500 mL/hr. This rate ensures that Ethel receives the necessary fluid volume in the specified time frame to address her dehydration effectively. Option A) 250 mL/hr is incorrect as it does not reflect the ordered bolus amount or the urgency of Ethel's situation. Option B) 1000 mL/hr is too high and could potentially lead to fluid overload or other complications in a vulnerable elderly patient like Ethel. Option C) 125 mL/hr is too low to achieve the rapid fluid replacement needed in this scenario. In an educational context, understanding medication administration and infusion rates is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. By mastering these calculations, healthcare providers can accurately deliver medications and fluids as prescribed, preventing errors and complications. This scenario highlights the importance of precise calculations in medication administration, especially in critical situations such as fluid resuscitation for dehydrated patients.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a mother how to administer nystatin to her 2-month-old child in the treatment of oral candidiasis. Which of the following is an appropriate instruction given by the nurse to the mother?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Apply to the mouth using a cotton-tipped applicator. This is the appropriate instruction because applying nystatin with a cotton-tipped applicator ensures direct contact with the affected oral mucosa, maximizing the medication's effectiveness in treating oral candidiasis. Additionally, applying the medication after meals helps to prevent dilution or spitting out, which could occur if the medication is placed in a bottle or administered with a syringe. Option A) Place the medication in the child's bottle is incorrect because this method may lead to dilution of the medication or incomplete administration, as the child may not consume the entire contents of the bottle. Option B) Use a syringe to squirt the medication to the back of the mouth is incorrect because squirting the medication may not ensure proper contact with the affected areas in the mouth, and the child may spit out the medication. Option D) Give the medication before meals is incorrect because giving the medication before meals does not ensure adequate contact time with the affected areas in the mouth, reducing its efficacy in treating oral candidiasis. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide clear and accurate instructions to parents or caregivers on how to administer medications to children. Understanding the rationale behind the correct method of administration can help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. By explaining the importance of using a cotton-tipped applicator and administering the medication after meals, nurses can empower parents to confidently and correctly manage their child's medication regimen.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection into the deltoid muscle of an adult patient weighing approximately 160 lb. Which needle size and length will the nurse choose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is option C) 25 gauge x 1 inch for administering an injection into the deltoid muscle of an adult patient weighing approximately 160 lb. The rationale behind this choice is that a 25-gauge needle is appropriate for intramuscular injections as it balances the need for easy penetration with minimal discomfort for the patient. The 1-inch length ensures that the medication is delivered deep enough into the muscle for optimal absorption and effectiveness. Option A) 18 gauge x 1 1/2 inch is too large for a deltoid muscle injection and may cause unnecessary pain and tissue damage. Option B) 23 gauge x 1/2 inch is too short to reach the muscle adequately, risking subcutaneous injection rather than intramuscular. Option D) 27 gauge x 5/8 inch is typically used for intradermal injections, not suitable for reaching the deltoid muscle of an adult. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind selecting the appropriate needle size and length for injections is crucial for safe and effective medication administration. Nurses must consider factors such as patient characteristics, injection site, and medication properties to make informed decisions that ensure patient comfort and treatment efficacy.