Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

NCLEX-RN® > NCLEX-RN (4) Pharmacology > Med Administration > Flashcards

Med Administration Flashcards

Review the basics of med administration: MARs, med recs, med rights, math, side effects vs. adverse effects, and all the different routes.

1
Q

What is the medication administration record?

(MAR)

A

A record of all the medications that the client takes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is a medication reconciliation?

(“med rec”)

A

The list of medications that the HCP reviews when the client is:

  • admitted
  • discharged
  • transferred to another unit
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

When should the nurse ask the client about medication allergies?

A
  1. At the admission assessment when getting data about what medications the client takes.
  2. Before giving medications.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the 5 medication rights?

A
  1. right client
  2. right medication
  3. right dose
  4. right time
  5. right route
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the 4 additional medication rights?

A
  1. right reason
  2. right documentation
  3. client has the right to refuse the med
  4. right response to the med
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Can the nurse discuss with the client simple risks of NOT taking medications?

A

Yes!

Example: if you don’t take this betablocker, your blood pressure will get very high.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What information is included on an ID wrist band?

A
  • full name
  • birthday
  • medical record number
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What information is included on an allergy wrist band?

A
  • meds
  • substances
  • foods
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are some client identifiers for medications and treatments?

A
  1. client name
  2. birthday
  3. medical record number
  4. phone number
  5. social security number
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How many client identifiers are required before giving medication or a treatment?

A

Two:

  1. Client name and
  2. One more identifier such as:
    • birthday
    • medical record number
    • phone number
    • social security number
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What should NOT be used to identify a client when giving meds or a treatment?

A

Never use the room number or crib number.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How should medication doses be written?

A
  • with a preceding zero e.g. 0.5 mg (NOT .5 mg)
  • no trailing zeros e.g. 10 mg (NOT 10.0 mg)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are 8 unacceptable medication abbreviations?

A
  1. do not write U: write “unit” instead
  2. do not write IU: write “international unit” instead
  3. do not write anything with a q or Q: write “every day” or “every other day” instead
  4. do not write MS or MG: write “morphine sulfate” or “magnesium sulfate” instead
  5. do not write cc: write mL instead
  6. do not write OS: write “left eye” instead
  7. do not write hs: write “bedtime hour of sleep” instead
  8. do not write sc/subq: write subcutaneous instead
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are high alert meds?

A

When there is a high risk of death or injury if the med is given improperly such as IV push or IV meds.

PINCH: Potassium IV, Insulin, Narcotics, Chemotherapy and Heparin IV are examples of high alert meds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a side effect of a medication?

A

Unintended effects of a medication but are more likely to be expected or may resolve over time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How should side effects be managed?

A
  • having the nurse teach the client how to deal with that side effect
  • provide safety measures when taking the medication
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is an adverse effect (reaction) of a medication?

A

Unexpected and severe side effects of a medication.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How should adverse effects (reaction) be managed?

A
  • holding the medication and notifying the HCP
  • possible life-saving interventions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are some common side effects of medications?

A
  • mild nausea or diarrhea - take med with food
  • sedation - use caution when driving or using big machines
  • orthostatic hypotension - sit at the side of the bed for a few minutes before getting up
  • photosensivity - stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are 6 adverse effects (reactions) of medications?

(Immediate Complication)

A
  1. anaphylactic shock or difficulty breathing
  2. rash
  3. significant changes in vital signs or level of consciousness
  4. angioedema
  5. severe muscle rigidity
  6. nausea/vomiting/diarrhea all at once

Notify the HCP immediately.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 gram (g) = _____ milligram (mg)

A

1 gram (g) = 1000 milligram (mg)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 microgram (mcg) = _____mg

A

1 microgram (mcg) = 0.001 mg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 kilogram (kg) = ______ g

A

1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 g

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 kilogram (kg) = ____ pounds (lbs)

A

1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lbs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 liter (L) = ___ mL

A

1 liter (L) = 1000 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 teaspoon (tsp) = ___ mL

A

1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 Tablespoon = ___ mL

A

1 Tablespoon = 15 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 ounce (oz.) = ___ mL

A

1 ounce (oz.) = 30 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Fill in the answer:

1 cup = __ oz.

A

1 cup = 8 oz.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What does giving a medication “PO” mean?

A

To give the med by mouth and have the client swallow the med.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is a sublingual medication?

A

Administered under the tongue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is a buccal medication?

A

Placed in the cheek.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What types of meds should NOT be crushed?

A
  • enteric-coated
  • buccal
  • sublingual
  • ER (extended-release)
  • SR (sustained-release)
  • iron pills

These meds are designed to be released over a long period of time and will affect absorption.

34
Q

How are crushed medications given?

A

Can be sprinkled over apple sauce or another very soft food and administered with a spoon.

35
Q

What is an otic medication?

A

Administered in the ear.

36
Q

How are otic medication given in a client < 3 years old?

A

Pull the ear DOWN and back.

37
Q

How is an otic medication given in a client > 3 years old?

A

Pull the ear UP and back.

38
Q

What is an optic medication?

A

Administered in the eye.

39
Q

Where on the eye is the eye drop placed?

A

In the lower conjunctival sac.

40
Q

How long is pressure placed on the inner canthus after administering an eye drop?

A

1-2 minutes

This prevents systemic absorption.

41
Q

How long should the client wait in between different eye drop medications?

A

3-5 minutes

42
Q

How is eye ointment administered?

A

By squeezing a thin layer from inner to outer canthus.

43
Q

What is the order of administration for eye drops and eye ointment?

A

Give eye drops first, then eye ointment second for better absorption.

44
Q

What is the order of administration for inhalers?

A
  1. bronchodilator first to open the airways
  2. steroid is given second to decrease inflammation
45
Q

What are the steps to using an inhaler?

A
  1. Use the bronchodilator first, then the steroid
  2. remove cap and hold inhaler upright
  3. shake inhaler
  4. tilt head back and breathe out
  5. press down on inhaler to release medicine
  6. breathe in slowly for 3-5 seconds
  7. hold breath for 10 seconds
  8. wait 1 minute in between puffs

Click HERE to view a video on how to use an inhaler.

46
Q

What is a spacer for an inhaler?

A

Placed in between the mouth and inhaler to prevent throat irritation, bad taste in the mouth and to disperse medication better.

47
Q

What sized needle is used for an intramuscular (IM) shot?

A

Use a large bore needle for IM shot: 18 gauge.

48
Q

What is the Z-track method for IM shots?

A

For giving IM shots that prevent leaking of medicine out of the skin.

49
Q

What are the steps for giving an IM shot with the Z-track method?

A
  1. pull skin laterally (to the side)
  2. inject needle at 90 degree angle
  3. aspirate to make sure a blood vessel wasn’t entered
  4. inject the med
  5. remove the needle
  6. release the skin
50
Q

Where is a transdermal (skin patch) medication placed?

A

In areas:

  • that are NOT hairy
  • that are NOT in a skin fold
51
Q

Before placing the skin patch on the skin, what is written on the patch?

A
  • date
  • time
  • nurse initials
52
Q

What are 4 common skin patch medications?

A
  1. nicotine
  2. birth control
  3. nitroglycerin
  4. fentanyl
53
Q

How is a topical skin medication administered?

A
  • wash hands and apply gloves
  • assess area for improvement or worsening
  • wash area
  • apply a thin film of ointment or cream
  • possible dressing covering the area
54
Q

How is a suppository medication administered?

A

Inserted into the anus.

55
Q

How are intravenous (IV) meds administered?

A
  1. IV push: dilute with normal saline and manually push over about 5 minutes into a vein
    • always check to see if the medication is diluted and how fast to push it in
  2. IV piggyback: place on a pump and above the main bag of IV fluids
    • given over 15 minutes or up to several hours depending on what is appropriate for the particular med
56
Q

In regards to IV fluids, what needs to be checked before an IVPB medication is given?

A

Check to see if the medication in the IVPB is compatible with the main bag of IV fluids.

57
Q

What is done before and after an IV medication is given?

A

Clean the hub with an alcohol swab and flush the IV line with normal saline.

58
Q

What is an ampule medication?

A

Medication in a small glass vile drawn up by a needle and given intravenously.

59
Q

What are the nursing considerations for giving an ampule medication?

A
  • tap ampule to get rid of the bubbles
  • use gauze around neck and smap off top while holding it away from you due to glass shards
  • use a needle to draw up medication
60
Q

How is a subcutaneous medication administered?

A

Given in the fat tissue using a 25-30 gauage needle at a 45-90 degree angle.

Examples are insulin, enoxaparin and heparin.

61
Q

What is the advantage of using a central venous access device (CVAD) to administer meds?

A
  • more meds at once can be given through the different lumens
  • higher concentrations of meds can be given
62
Q

How should nasogastric meds be administered: one at a time or all the medications crushed at once?

A

Crushed and given one at a time with a flush of normal saline or water in between each medication.

Do this in case there is a reaction with one of the meds.

63
Q

How often is the pH of gastric secretions checked when giving meds through an NG tube?

A

Before every med administration.

There is no need to check the pH before giving several meds in a row.

64
Q

What should the pH of gastric secretions be before NG tube med administration?

A

Gastric secretions: pH equal or < 5.

If it is > 5, hold the meds and get an x-ray to assess for possible tube dislodgement.

65
Q

What is aspirated before NG tube med administration?

A

The amount of gastric secretions. This is to assess if the client is digesting the NG tube feeding and meds.

66
Q

Complete the sentence:

If the gastric secretions are > than _______, hold the NG tube feeding.

A

In general, if the gastric secretions are > than 100 mL, hold the NG tube feeding.

HCP/hospitals have different policies for when to hold feedings or meds.

67
Q

Can needles be recapped?

A

Never recap a dirty needle!

It’s OK to put the cap back on a needle if it hasn’t been used on a client yet. Otherwise, put the dirty needle into the sharps container.

68
Q

Complete the sentence:

The smaller the size (gauge), the ________ the needle or IV catheter.

A

The smaller the size (gauge), the BIGGER the needle or IV catheter.

69
Q

What is a 16 gauge IV catheter used for?

A

Giving blood and rapid fluid administration.

70
Q

What is an 18 gauge IV catheter or needle used for?

A
  • for IM shots
  • giving blood
  • rapid fluid administration
71
Q

What is a 20 gauge IV catheter or needle used for?

A

It is used for smaller veins:

  • possibly for giving blood
  • giving meds
  • IV fluids
72
Q

What is a 22 gauge IV catheter or needle used for?

A

Giving meds and IV fluids.

73
Q

What is a 24 gauge IV catheter or needle used for?

A

A very small IV catheter or needle for pediatric clients.

74
Q

What is a 25-30 gauge IV catheter or needle used for?

A

Subcutaneous needle used to give insulin and heparin.

75
Q

In which population are most medications contraindicated?

A

Pregnant clients.

76
Q

Which 2 groups have a higher risk of medication toxicity?

A
  1. children
  2. older adults

These groups have decreased kidney function making it difficult for medications to be metabolized.

77
Q

What labs are commonly checked before giving medications?

A
  1. BUN and creatinine: many meds are nephrotoxic
  2. ALT and AST: many meds are hepatoxic
  3. Electrolytes: many meds affect levels
  4. Blood glucose: some meds affect levels

Get a baseline of lab and vital sign measurements before med administration due to side effects and adverse reactions.

78
Q

What time method is frequently used for telling time in the healthcare setting?

A

Military time

79
Q

Give an example of a medication that is given sublingual.

A

nitroglycerin

80
Q

Give an example of a medication that is given buccal?

A

Pediatric liquid medications.

NCLEX-RN (4) Pharmacology (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions