NURSING TEST TAKING STRATEGY XII: Answering Pharmacology Questions

Answering Pharmacology Questions

A. If you are familiar with the medication, use nursing knowledge to answer the question.

B. Remember that the question will identify the generic name and the trade name of the medication.

C. If the question identifies a medical diagnosis, then try to make a relationship between the medication and the diagnosis; for example you can determine that cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is an antineoplastic medication if the question refers to a client with breast cancer who is taking this medication.

D. Try to determine the classification of the medication being addressed to assist in answering the question; identifying the classification will assist in determining a medication action and side effects (diltiazem [Cardizem] is a cardiac medication).

E. Recognize the common side effects associated with each medication classification and then relate the appropriate nursing interventions to each side effect; for example, if a side effect is hypertension, then the associated nursing intervention would be to monitor the blood pressure.

F. Learn medication that belongs to a classification by commonalities in their medication names; for example, medication that are xanthine bronchodilators end with “line” (theophylline).

G. Look at the medication name and use medical terminology to assist in determining the medication action; for example, Lopressors lowers (lo) the blood pressure (pressor).

H. If the question requires a medication calculation, remember that a calculator is available on the computer; talk yourself through each step to be sure the answer makes sense, and recheck the calculation before answering the question, particularly if the answer seems like an unusual dosage.

I. POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Generally, the client should not take an antacid with medication because the antacid will affect the absorption of the medication,

2. Enteric-coated and sustained-release tablets should not be crushed; additionally, capsules should not be opened.

3. The client should never adjust or change a medication dose or abruptly stop taking a medication.

4. The nurse never adjusts or changes the client’s medication dosage and never discontinues a medication.

5. The client needs to avoid taking any over-the-counter medications or any other medications such as herbal preparations unless they are approved for use by the health care provider.

6. The client needs to avoid alcohol and smoking.

7. Medications are never administered if the order is difficult to read, is unclear, or identifies a medication dose that is not a normal one.