When given an intravenous medication, the patient asks the nurse, “I usually take pills.
Why does this medication have to be given in the arm?” What is the nurse’s best response?

“The intravenous medication will have delayed absorption into the body’s tissues.”

“The action of the medication will begin sooner when given intravenously.”

“The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously.”

“There is a lower chance of allergic reactions when drugs are given intravenously.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

The statement “The intravenous medication will have delayed absorption into the body’s tissues” is incorrect. Intravenous (IV) therapy is administering fluids directly into a vein. It benefits treatment by enabling water, medication, blood, or nutrients to access the body faster through the circulatory system. This bypasses the gastric system so the body can take on more fluids quickly. Therefore, the absorption of intravenous medication into the body’s tissues is not delayed but rather immediate.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “The action of the medication will begin sooner when given intravenously” is correct. Administering a medication intravenously eliminates the process of drug absorption and breakdown by directly depositing it into the blood. This results in the immediate elevation of serum levels and high concentration in vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, the action of the medication begins sooner when given intravenously.

Choice C rationale:

The statement “The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously” is not necessarily true. While some medications might cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously, this is not a general rule for all medications. The adverse effects of a medication depend on various factors including the type of medication, the dose, the patient’s health condition, and more.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “There is a lower chance of allergic reactions when drugs are given intravenously” is not necessarily true. The chance of allergic reactions depends on various factors including the type of drug, the patient’s immune response, previous exposure to the drug, and more. It’s not related to the route of administration.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a condition where blood sugar levels fall below the standard range. It is often related to diabetes treatment. When blood glucose levels are too low, individuals may experience symptoms such as shakiness, which is why the statement “I will feel shaky” indicates an understanding of the manifestations of hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “My skin will be warm and moist” does not accurately represent the symptoms of hypoglycemia. While sweating can be a symptom of hypoglycemia, it does not necessarily mean that the skin will feel warm and moist. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a correct understanding of the manifestations of hypoglycemia.

Choice C rationale:

The statement “I will be more thirsty than usual” is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, rather than hypoglycemia. Thirst is not typically a symptom of low blood sugar. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a correct understanding of the manifestations of hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “My appetite will be decreased” is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. In fact, hunger is a common symptom of low blood sugar. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a correct understanding of the manifestations of hypoglycemia.

A. “Go ahead and take it and then I’ll check with your doctor about it.” B. “It wouldn’t be listed here if it were not ordered for you.” C. “Let me check on the order first before you take it.” D. “It’s listed here on the medication sheet, so you should take it.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This choice suggests that the nurse is advising the patient to take the medication first and then check with the doctor. This is not a safe practice. The nurse should always verify any doubts or concerns before administering the medication. Administering an unfamiliar medication can lead to adverse effects if it turns out to be incorrect.

Choice B rationale:

This choice implies that if a medication is listed on the medication administration record (MAR), it must be correct. However, errors can occur when transcribing medication orders onto the MAR. Therefore, it’s crucial for the nurse to verify any concerns or doubts before administering the medication.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. If a patient expresses concern about a medication, the nurse should always check the order before administering it. This is a fundamental aspect of patient safety and medication administration. It ensures that the right patient receives the right medication at the right dose via the right route at the right time.

Choice D rationale:

This choice suggests that because the medication is listed on the medication sheet, the patient should take it. However, this does not address the patient’s concern about the unfamiliar medication. It’s important for the nurse to validate the patient’s concern and verify the medication order before administration.

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When given an intravenous medication, the patient asks the nurse, “I usually take pills. Why does this medication have to be given in the arm?” What is the nurse’s best response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has diabetes mellitus about the manifestations of hypoglycemia. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When given a scheduled morning medication, the patient states, “I haven’t seen that pill before. Are you sure it’s correct?” The nurse checks the medication administration record and verifies that it is listed. Which is the nurse’s best response?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which statement from the client indicates that the teaching is effective?

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The nurse is preparing to educate a patient who has just been prescribed a sulfonamide. Which statements should be included in the teaching plan?

During antibiotic therapy, the nurse will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. Which of these assessment findings may be an indication of a hypersensitivity reaction? (Select all that apply.)

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The nurse is providing counseling to a woman who is HIV positive and has just discovered that she is pregnant. Which anti-HIV drug is given to HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent transmission of the virus to the infant?

When given an intravenous medication, the patient asks the nurse, “I usually take pills.
Why does this medication have to be given in the arm?” What is the nurse’s best response?