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Pharmacology for Nurses

Review Questions

Pharmacology for NursesReview Questions

Review Questions

1.
Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Which of the following is consistent with the action of this drug?
  1. The drug is used to treat mild and severe forms of Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. The drug cannot cross the blood–brain barrier.
  3. The drug must be taken 30 minutes before meals.
  4. The drug requires twice-daily dosing due to a short half-life.
2.
In Alzheimer’s disease, which pharmacologic action within the brain will reduce the symptoms seen with this progressive disease?
  1. Decreased sensitivity of cholinergic receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
  2. Decreased action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
  3. Inhibition of the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from presynaptic neurons
  4. Increased amount of available acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
3.
A nurse is teaching a 74-year-old client how to properly apply a rivastigmine transdermal patch. Which of the following statements from the client requires additional teaching?
  1. “The patch needs to be changed weekly.”
  2. “I should apply the patch over a clean, hairless, and intact area of the skin.”
  3. “The old patch must be removed before a new patch is put on.”
  4. “Sites should be rotated and the same site should not be used for 14 days.”
4.
The client asks the nurse how the drug memantine works in the body. What is the nurse’s best response to the client’s question?
  1. “It inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme so that less ACh will be broken down into choline and acetone.”
  2. “The drug binds to the magnesium site on the glutamate receptor to slow calcium influx into the cell.”
  3. “The drug binds directly to the cholinergic receptors and blocks calcium from entering the cell.”
  4. “It will bind directly to the centrally acting muscarinic receptors to enhance cognitive function.”
5.
A client taking donepezil has been prescribed a new drug. Which drug prescription should the nurse question?
  1. Second-generation H1RAs
  2. Acetaminophen
  3. Propranolol
  4. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
6.
Which AChE inhibitor should be stopped immediately if the client notices a rash?
  1. Donepezil
  2. Galantamine
  3. Pyridostigmine
  4. Neostigmine
7.
A client has just been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The health care provider prescribes donepezil oral disintegrating tablet 5 mg daily. What key point should the client be taught about how to take this drug?
  1. “You may crush the pill and mix with food if you have problems swallowing the whole pill.”
  2. “This medication should only be taken in the morning with your breakfast.”
  3. “Allow the drug to completely dissolve on your tongue. Do not swallow it whole.”
  4. “The drug is soft enough that you can chew it if you are afraid of choking.”
8.
What indicates an optimal dosage of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors for clients with myasthenia gravis?
  1. Muscle relaxation
  2. Pupil constriction
  3. Increased intestinal motility
  4. Increased ability to raise eyelids
9.
The nurse is assigned to a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The client was taking pyridostigmine 1000 mg daily. Due to the exacerbation of their symptoms, the provider increased the dose to 1500 mg daily. What condition should the nurse be assessing?
  1. Sinus tachycardia
  2. Hypertension
  3. Fluid volume deficit
  4. Fluid volume overload
10.
The nurse should be prepared to administer which drug to a client experiencing a cholinergic drug overdose?
  1. Epinephrine
  2. Atropine
  3. Propranolol
  4. Pilocarpine
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