ATI RN
NCLEX Questions Medication Administration Questions
Question 1 of 5
A prescription is written for phenytoin 500 mg IM q3-4h prn for pain. The nurse recognizes that treatment of pain is not a standard therapeutic indication for this drug. The nurse believes that the health care provider meant to write hydromorphone. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If there is any question about a medication order because it is incomplete, illegible, vague, or not understood, contact the health care provider before administering the medication. The nurse cannot change the order without the prescriber's consent; this is out of the nurse's scope of practice. Ultimately, the nurse can be held responsible for administering an incorrect medication. If the prescriber is unwilling to change the order and does not justify the order in a reasonable and evidence-based manner, the nurse may refuse to give the medication and notify the supervisor.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication from a vial. In which order will the nurse perform the steps, starting with the first step? 1. Invert the vial. 2. Fill the syringe with medication. 3. Inject air into the airspace of the vial. 4. Clean with alcohol swab and allow to dry. 5. Pull back on the plunger the amount to be drawn up. 6. Tap the side of the syringe barrel to remove air bubbles.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When preparing medication from a vial, the steps are as follows: Firmly and briskly wipe the surface of the rubber seal with an alcohol swab and allow to dry; pull back on the plunger to draw an amount of air into the syringe equal to the volume of medication to be aspirated from the vial; inject air into the airspace of the vial; invert the vial while keeping firm hold on the syringe and plunger; fill the syringe with medication; and tap the side of the syringe barrel carefully to dislodge any air bubbles.
Question 3 of 5
Which methods will the nurse use to administer an intravenous (IV) medication that is incompatible with the patient's IV fluid? (Select one that does not apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When IV medication is incompatible with IV fluids, stop the IV fluids, clamp the IV line above the injection site, flush with 10 mL of normal saline or sterile water, give the IV bolus over the appropriate amount of time, flush with another 10 mL of normal saline or sterile water at the same rate as the medication was administered, and restart the IV fluids at the prescribed rate. Do not administer the drug slowly with the IV; this is contraindicated when incompatibility exist. Not giving the medication and charting is inappropriate; this is not a prudent or safe action by the nurse.
Question 4 of 5
The role of the Nursing Council of New Zealand is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Nursing Council of New Zealand regulates nursing practice to ensure public safety, as per its legislative mandate.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells you they do not want to have the prescribed enoxaparin sodium injection. You respond by
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring their concerns respects patient autonomy and allows education to address fears, per nursing ethics.