The pharmacology instructor explains to the students that adverse effects can be extensions of:

A nurse is instructing a client concerning a newly prescribed drug. What should be included to help improve client compliance and safety?
A. measures to alleviate any discomfort associated with adverse effects B. statistics related to phase III of testing for the prescribed drug C. the cost of the brand-name drug compared with the generic form D. a list of pharmacies where the drug can be obtained

measures to alleviate any discomfort associated with adverse effects

A client is being seen in the emergency department for a sprained ankle and is given a drug to relieve pain. When a second dose of the pain medication is given, the client develops redness of the skin, itching, and swelling at the site of injection of the drug. The most likely cause of this response is:
A. an allergic response. B. an idiosyncratic response. C. a paradoxical response. D. a hepatotoxic response.

A client is diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and is prescribed a statin by the physician. As part of client education, the nurse should teach the client to avoid eating:
A. cheese. B. corn. C. chicken. D. grapefruit.

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client receiving drug therapy. What would the nurse suspect if the results reveal an elevation in the blood urea nitrogen level and creatinine concentration?
A. liver injury B. renal injury C. hyperkalemia D. hypoglycemia

A client with an anxiety disorder has been prescribed alprazolam 0.5 mg PO t.i.d. During a follow-up assessment, the client tells the nurse that the medication causes drowsiness that complicates with the client's work performance. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Educate the client about strategies for managing this primary action. B. Instruct the client to stop taking to medication immediately and to come be assessed. C. Dialogue with the client about alternative medications. D. Assess the client for any other secondary actions of the medication.

Educate the client about strategies for managing this primary action.

A client receiving drug therapy develops numbness and tingling in the extremities and muscle cramps. What assessment should the nurse perform?
A. Review the client’s most recent potassium level. B. Check the client’s blood glucose level. C. Check the client’s urine output. D. Assess the client’s level of orientation.

Review the client’s most recent potassium level.

A client taking a beta blocker for hypertension tells the nurse he will no longer take the medication because it is causing an inability for him to maintain an erection. What is the best explanation for this issue by the nurse?
A. "This is an idiosyncratic response to the medication, not an expected result. Such responses are genetically predetermined so you will not be able to take this medication." B. "This is an expected adverse effect of the medication, but it is very important that you continue to take it. We can talk about other methods for sexual expression." C. "This is a toxic reaction to the medication and can cause permanent damage. We need to take you off this medication immediately." D. "The sexual dysfunction is caused by an allergic reaction to the medication. We need to stop this drug immediately."

"This is an expected adverse effect of the medication, but it is very important that you continue to take it. We can talk about other methods for sexual expression."

A client is receiving an antineoplastic medication for treatment of breast cancer and begins having tonic-clonic seizure activity. What type of toxicity does the nurse recognize that this client is experiencing?
A. Neurotoxicity B. Nephrotoxicity C. Hepatotoxicity D. Ototoxicity

An instructor is preparing a class that describes the toxic effects of drugs. Which effect would the instructor expect to include?
A. Any effect results from the alteration of several chemical factors. B. Many drugs are potentially harmless if used correctly. C. Most reactions occurring with present-day therapy are less severe than before. D. Drugs cause unexpected or unacceptable reactions despite screening and testing.

Drugs cause unexpected or unacceptable reactions despite screening and testing.

The nurse is assessing a new client who states being allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs. What subsequent assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A. assessing the client's pain tolerance and expectations for pain control B. asking the client what the client's response is to taking NSAIDs C. asking if the client has tolerated narcotics and acetaminophen in the past D. assessing the client for signs and symptoms of inflammation

asking the client what the client's response is to taking NSAIDs

The nurse should have basic knowledge of drug classifications in order to administer medications safely to clients. What drug information is instrumental in determining nursing actions following drug administration?
A. adverse effects B. protocols C. body system affected D. route of administration

Which prescribed medications should the nurse administer to an adult having an anaphylactic reaction?
A. atropine B. histamine C. epinephrine D. norepinephrine

The nurse is called to a client's room 15 minutes after the client has received a new medication. The client reports pruritus as well as nausea. The nurse notes that the client appears pale, is sweating, and has begun to cough and wheeze. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing what type of reaction related to the new medication?
A. toxic B. synergistic C. anaphylactic D. shock E. additive

Organ and tissue damage is one adverse reaction caused by drugs. Which are examples of such organ and tissue damage? Select all that apply.
A. inflammation of the mucous membranes B. bone marrow suppression C. poisoning D. rash and hives

• rash and hives
• inflammation of the mucous membranes
• bone marrow suppression
• poisoning

For several days, a client with hypertension has been inadvertently taking an excessive dose of spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic. The client has presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms that suggest hyperkalemia. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A. assessment for signs of hepatotoxicity B. urine output and assessment of renal function C. cardiac monitoring D. blood glucose E. monitoring respiratory assessment

An 85-year-old has a creatinine level of 25. When the client is administered a medication, the client is at risk for which medication-related effect?
A. toxicity B. therapeutic effect C. increased absorption D. delayed gastric emptying

The nurse is caring for a client receiving an aminoglycoside (antibiotic) that can be nephrotoxic. Which will alert the nurse that the client may be experiencing nephrotoxicity?
A. a decrease in urine output B. ringing noise in the ears C. yellowing of the skin D. visual disturbances

a decrease in urine output

An elderly client has been taking a new medication for 2 months. During a follow-up visit, the client's son tells the nurse that he feels his mother's memory is getting worse. What concerns should the nurse have at this time?
A. The nurse should not be concerned. B. Medication is not the cause of the client's confusion. C. All elderly clients have dementia at some point in life, and the medication is making it worse. D. The client probably has the onset of Alzheimer disease. E. This may be coincidental, and the memory loss may be attributed to changes with aging.

This may be coincidental, and the memory loss may be attributed to changes with aging.

Many drugs that reach the developing fetus or embryo can cause death or congenital defects. What are examples of congenital defects? Select all that apply.
A. birth at 40 weeks' gestation B. heart defects C. skeletal and limb abnormalities D. central nervous system alterations

• skeletal and limb abnormalities
• central nervous system alterations
• heart defects

The nurse is caring for a client who appears to be developing anaphylactic shock. What drug does the nurse anticipate the health care practitioner will order to treat this condition?
A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) B. Furosemide (Lasix) C. Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) D. Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Many drugs that reach the developing fetus or embryo can cause death or congenital defects, which can include skeletal and limb abnormalities, central nervous system alterations, heart defects, and the like. What is the name of the adverse reaction that can cause birth defects?
A. Stomatitis B. Cytotoxic reactions C. Blood dyscrasia D. Teratogenicity

One of the most common occurrences in drug therapy is the development of adverse effects from simple overdose. In such cases, the client suffers from effects that are merely an extension of the desired effect. Which are examples of this primary action? Select all that apply.
A. diarrhea after taking cefuroxime B. dizziness after starting amlodipine C. spontaneous bleeding after taking warfarin D. drowsiness after taking diphenyhydramine

• spontaneous bleeding after taking warfarin
• dizziness after starting amlodipine

Atropine, which is used preoperatively, is considered which drug classification?
A. diuretic B. benzodiazepine C. cholinergic D. anticholinergic

A female client has a 12-year history of ETOH abuse. The client is injured in a motor vehicle accident and requires surgery with general anesthesia. What would the nurse expect for this client?
A. the same dose of the general anesthetic as another female of her age and medical history B. no general anesthesia, because general anesthesia should not be given to a client with her history  C. a smaller-than-normal dose of the general anesthetic D. a larger-than-normal dose of the general anesthetic

a larger-than-normal dose of the general anesthetic

A client is experiencing central nervous system effects related to drug therapy. Which would be most important for the nurse to emphasize in the teaching plan?
A. The importance of a low-stimulation environment B. The need for follow-up blood tests  C. Safety measures D. Educating about the signs and symptoms of stroke

What are the most common adverse effects associated with drug therapy?

What classification of drug allergy would be described as an immune system reaction to injected proteins used to treat immune conditions?

What client is most likely to have impaired drug metabolism?

Which client is most likely to experience the benefits of the placebo effect?