ATI RN
Medication Administration Test Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What type of order would a physician most likely write to treat the symptoms of a disease?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of medication administration, the correct answer is B) p.r.n. (as needed) because this type of order provides flexibility in treating symptoms as they arise. A p.r.n. order allows healthcare providers to administer medication when a patient experiences specific symptoms or conditions, rather than on a fixed schedule. This is particularly useful for managing symptoms that are intermittent or unpredictable. Option A) stat orders are for medications that need to be given immediately, typically in emergency situations, not for symptom management. Option C) standing orders are pre-established protocols for routine and ongoing care, not for treating symptoms as they occur. Option D) single orders are for a one-time administration of a medication, not for symptom management over time. From an educational perspective, understanding the differences between these types of medication orders is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. By selecting the correct order type based on the specific clinical situation, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment at the right time, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing potential risks associated with medication administration.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
While preparing medications, the nurse knows one of the drug is an acidic medication. In which area does the nurse anticipate the drug will be absorbed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Stomach. Acidic medications are absorbed in the stomach because the stomach is an acidic environment. The low pH in the stomach aids in the breakdown and absorption of acidic medications. The gastric mucosa allows for rapid absorption of acidic drugs directly into the bloodstream. Option B) Mouth is incorrect because medications are not typically absorbed in the mouth. The oral mucosa is not optimized for drug absorption, especially for acidic medications. Option C) Small intestine is incorrect for acidic medications because drugs that are basic, not acidic, are primarily absorbed in the small intestine. The small intestine is where most nutrients and basic medications are absorbed due to its alkaline environment. Option D) Large intestine is also incorrect as the large intestine's main function is water absorption and storage of fecal matter, not drug absorption. Understanding the absorption of medications based on their properties is crucial for nurses during medication administration. Knowing where and how drugs are absorbed helps ensure their effectiveness and safety for patients. This knowledge also helps nurses anticipate and prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.