Medication Administration Practice Test 2
Medication Administration NCLEX Practice Test
Medication Administration is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Physiological Integrity → Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies → Medication Administration. This section applies the rights of medication safety and patient education for optimal outcomes. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 2nd part of the Medication Administration series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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Medication Administration Practice Test 2
The standard treatment of pneumonia in a four year old child would include daily dose of cotrimoxazole?
- Half tablet twice a day
- One tablet twice a day
- Two tablets twice a day
- Three tablets twice a day
Explanation: Answer reason: Per IMNCI/standard pediatric guidelines, children 12 months to 5 years with pneumonia receive cotrimoxazole pediatric tablet 120 mg: 1 tablet twice daily for 5 days.
Dose of I.V. adrenaline in term infant during neonatal resuscitation?
- 0.1-0.3 ml/kg of 1:1000
- 0.3-0.5 ml/kg of 1:1000
- 0.1-0.3 ml/kg of 1:10,000
- 0.3-05 ml/kg of 1:10,000
Explanation: Answer reason: NRP recommends IV epinephrine 0.01–0.03 mg/kg using 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL); this equals 0.1–0.3 mL/kg.
Suitable sites for anti-rabies injection (ARV)-?
- Gluteal muscle
- Inner aspect of thighs
- Deltoid muscle
- Anterior abdominal wall
Explanation: Answer reason: For rabies vaccine, the recommended IM site in adults is the deltoid; gluteal injections are avoided due to reduced immunogenicity, and inner thigh or anterior abdominal wall are not recommended sites.
Intradermal injection is given at an angle of ...?
- 15°
- 30°
- 45°
- 90°
Explanation: Answer reason: Intradermal injections are inserted almost parallel to the skin at a shallow angle of about 5–15° with the bevel up; among the options, 15° is correct.
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with glaucoma. Which instruction should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- Avoid overuse of the eyes.
- Decrease the amount of salt in the diet.
- Eye medications will need to be administered for life.
- Decrease fluid intake to control the intraocular pressure.
Explanation: Answer reason: Glaucoma is a chronic condition requiring ongoing control of intraocular pressure; topical antiglaucoma medications are typically used lifelong. Overuse of the eyes is not causative, salt/fluid restriction is not standard teaching.
Which of the following drug should be with hold in haemodialysis?
- Calicum phasphate
- Anti hypertensive
- Digoxin
- Insulin
Explanation: Answer reason: Antihypertensive medications are typically held before hemodialysis to prevent intradialytic hypotension since fluid removal lowers blood pressure. The other listed drugs are not routinely withheld for this reason.
The route of administration of hepatitis B vaccine is?
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Intradermal
- Intrathecal
Explanation: Answer reason: Hepatitis B vaccine is given intramuscularly (deltoid in adults, anterolateral thigh in infants) for optimal immunogenicity; subcutaneous or intradermal routes are not recommended.
Which of the following is the correct interpretation of the ERROR OF PARALLAX?
- If the eye level is higher than the level of the meniscus, it will cause a false high reading
- If the eye level is higher than the level of the meniscus, it will cause a false low reading
- If the eye level is lower than the level of the meniscus, it will cause a false low reading
- If the eye level is equal to that of the level of the upper meniscus, the reading is accurate
Explanation: Answer reason: Parallax occurs when the eye is not level with the meniscus. Looking from above makes the liquid level appear lower than it is (false low); looking from below gives a false high.
When administering a tuberculin skin test, the nurse should insert the needle at a?
- 15° angle
- 30° angle
- 45° angle
- 90° angle
Explanation: Answer reason: Tuberculin skin tests are given intradermally with the bevel up at a shallow angle (5–15 degrees); 15 degrees is the best answer.
The nurse is caring for a client with osteoporosis who is being discharged on (alendronate) Fosamax. Which statement would indicate a need for further teaching?
- "I should take the medication immediately before bedtime."
- "I should remain in an upright position for 30 minutes after taking the medication."
- "The medication should be taken by mouth with water."
- "I should not have any food with this medication."
Explanation: Answer reason: Alendronate must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water and the client must remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Taking it immediately before bedtime is unsafe and increases risk of esophageal irritation.
The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is to receive Dilantin 100mg IV push. The client has an IV of D5 1/2NS infusing at 100mL/hr. When administering the Dilantin, the nurse should first?
- Obtain an ambu bag and put it at bedside
- Insert a 16g IV catheter
- Flush the IV line with normal saline
- Premedicate with phenergan IV push
Explanation: Answer reason: IV phenytoin (Dilantin) is compatible only with normal saline; dextrose solutions cause precipitation. With D5 1/2NS infusing, the nurse should first flush the line with normal saline before giving the IV push dose.
The nurse is discharging a client with asthma who has a prescription for zafirlukast (Accolate). Which comment by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?
- "I should take this medication with meals."
- "I need to report flulike symptoms to my doctor."
- "My doctor might order liver tests while I'm on this drug."
- "If I'm already having an asthma attack, this drug will not stop it."
Explanation: Answer reason: Zafirlukast should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Reporting flu-like symptoms, monitoring liver function, and knowing it is not for acute attacks are correct teachings.
Which statements regarding the use of topical corticosteroids for dermatitis should the nurse discuss with the patient?
- Apply a thin layer of the medication only to the affected area.
- You can use this medication liberally on any area of your skin.
- Long-term use can lead to skin thinning and other side effects.
- Avoid occlusive dressings unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider.
Explanation: Answer reason: Proper patient teaching for topical corticosteroids includes applying a thin film only to the affected skin. Option B is unsafe; application should not be liberal or to unaffected areas.
Which statement suggests that the client understands discharge instructions for using an epinephrine auto-injector for severe peanut allergy?
- I might experience heart flutters after using the epi pen.
- I will inject the medication at a 90 degree angle at the first sign of reaction.
- I inject the medication into the muscle if needed.
- I need to store my device at room temperature in a dark place.
- I do not need to delay treatment by cleansing the skin first.
Explanation: Answer reason: Correct use of an epinephrine auto-injector is immediate intramuscular injection into the outer thigh at a 90-degree angle at the first sign of anaphylaxis. This statement reflects both timing and technique. Other options are incomplete or incorrect for client instruction (e.g., arm injection is not recommended).
Before administering a new medication to a patient, a nurse notices a discrepancy between the medication's label and the physician's orders; what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- Administer the medication as per the label instructions.
- Consult with a colleague to get a second opinion.
- Contact the prescribing physician to clarify the order.
- Document the discrepancy and proceed with administration.
Explanation: Answer reason: A discrepancy indicates a potential medication error; the nurse must hold the drug and clarify with the prescriber. Consulting a colleague or proceeding after documentation does not ensure safety, and administering per the label may contradict the order.
Which of the following statements about the administration of subcutaneous injections is true?
- Subcutaneous injections can be administered as deep as intramuscular injections.
- Subcutaneous tissue has a rich blood supply leading to rapid absorption.
- Insulin is typically given subcutaneously due to its need for gradual absorption.
- Subcutaneous injections should always be given in the same location.
Explanation: Answer reason: Subcutaneous tissue is less vascular than muscle, leading to slower absorption; insulin is given SC to allow gradual absorption. IM depth is greater than SC, and SC sites should be rotated, not kept the same.
A client is prescribed alendronate for osteoporosis. What is the primary nursing consideration when administering alendronate?
- Administer the medication with a full glass of milk
- Instruct the client to take the medication on an empty stomach
- Encourage the client to lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication
- Administer the medication with a high-fiber meal
Explanation: Answer reason: Bisphosphonates like alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation. Milk or food decreases absorption; lying down increases esophagitis risk.
A client is prescribed nitroglycerin for angina. What education should the nurse provide regarding nitroglycerin administration?
- Take the medication with antacids
- Administer the medication on an empty stomach
- Use the medication prophylactically before engaging in activities that may cause angina
- Store the medication in a cool, dry place
Explanation: Answer reason: Sublingual nitroglycerin can be taken preventively before exertion or stress to avert angina. Taking with antacids or on an empty stomach is not required for SL dosing. Storage guidance (option D) concerns handling, not administration.
A client is prescribed isosorbide dinitrate for angina. What education should the nurse provide regarding isosorbide dinitrate?
- Take the medication with antacids
- Administer the medication on an empty stomach
- Use the medication prophylactically before engaging in activities that may cause angina
- Avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication
Explanation: Answer reason: Abrupt withdrawal of long-acting nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate can precipitate rebound angina; doses should be tapered. Antacids are not indicated, taking on an empty stomach is not required, and prophylactic pre-activity dosing is typically emphasized with short-acting nitroglycerin rather than scheduled isosorbide dinitrate.
Which client actions indicate correct use of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to administer corticosteroid medication?
- The inhaler is held upright.
- Head is tilted down while inhaling the medication.
- Client waits 5 minutes between puffs.
- Mouth is rinsed with water following administration.
- Client lies supine for 15 minutes following administration.
Explanation: Answer reason: Rinsing the mouth after an inhaled corticosteroid prevents oral candidiasis and is a key teaching point specific to corticosteroid MDIs. Tilting the head down and lying supine are incorrect; waiting 5 minutes is unnecessary between puffs of the same medication; holding the inhaler upright is correct but not corticosteroid-specific.
Which statement by a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension indicates a need for further teaching?
- I will check my blood pressure regularly and keep track of the readings.
- I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure returns to normal.
- I should follow a low-sodium diet to help control my blood pressure.
- I will exercise regularly to improve my heart health.
Explanation: Answer reason: Stopping antihypertensive medication when BP normalizes is unsafe; therapy is typically ongoing and abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound hypertension. The other statements reflect appropriate self-management.
Which action by the newly hired nurse administering medications via a double-lumen nasogastric tube with an air vent requires follow-up?
- Contacts the pharmacy to obtain available medications in liquid form.
- Irrigates the air vent with water before medication administration.
- Flushes the nasogastric tube with water between medications.
- Administers each medication separately through the nasogastric tube.
Explanation: Answer reason: For a double-lumen (Salem sump) NG tube, the blue air-vent lumen should remain open to air and is not irrigated with water; irrigation can be done with air only if needed. The other actions are appropriate for NG medication administration.
What dietary recommendation should the nurse provide to a patient on warfarin therapy?
- Avoid all dairy products.
- Increase intake of citrus fruits.
- Consume consistent amount of green leafy vegetables.
- Eliminate carbohydrates from the diet.
Explanation: Answer reason: Warfarin’s effect is reduced by vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables; intake should be consistent to maintain stable INR. Avoiding dairy, increasing citrus, or eliminating carbohydrates do not affect warfarin control.
What is the primary element of the DOTS strategy to cure tuberculosis?
- Sputum microscopy services
- Regular drug supply to patients
- Health workers counsel and observe patients swallowing each anti-TB medication and monitor progress until cured
- Political will in terms of manpower
Explanation: Answer reason: DOTS centers on directly observed therapy—having a health worker watch the client take each dose and monitor adherence and progress until cure.
Which client comment about using topical gentamicin sulfate indicates the need for additional teaching?
- I will avoid being out in the sun for long periods.
- I should stop applying it once the infected area heals.
- I'll call the physician if the condition worsens.
- I should apply it to large open areas.
Explanation: Answer reason: Topical gentamicin should be applied thinly to limited affected skin; using it on large open areas increases systemic absorption and risk of aminoglycoside toxicity. The other statements reflect appropriate use and follow-up.
What instructions should the nurse provide to a client prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin for angina regarding its administration?
- Swallow the tablet with water.
- Apply the tablet to the skin.
- Take the tablet with a full meal.
- Place the tablet under the tongue.
Explanation: Answer reason: Sublingual nitroglycerin must be placed under the tongue to dissolve for rapid absorption and relief of angina. It should not be swallowed, applied to skin, or taken with meals for effect.
A client is prescribed alendronate for osteoporosis. What education should the nurse provide regarding alendronate?
- Take the medication with a full glass of milk
- Administer the medication on an empty stomach
- Lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication
- Discontinue the medication if stomach upset occurs
Explanation: Answer reason: Bisphosphonates like alendronate should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and the client must remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation. Milk interferes with absorption, lying down increases risk of esophagitis, and the client should not discontinue without provider guidance.
A client is prescribed metoprolol for hypertension. What assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering metoprolol?
- Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
- Heart rate of 60 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
- Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Explanation: Answer reason: Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is hypokalemia and an abnormal lab that should be reported prior to medication administration due to risk for dysrhythmias. The other findings are within acceptable ranges for giving metoprolol.
A client is receiving chemotherapy and reports nausea and vomiting. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Administering an antiemetic as ordered
- Encouraging the client to eat a large meal
- Administering a laxative to promote bowel movement
- Withholding oral fluids for a few hours
Explanation: Answer reason: Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea and vomiting; the priority is to administer the prescribed antiemetic to control symptoms and prevent dehydration. A large meal may worsen nausea, a laxative is unrelated, and withholding fluids risks dehydration.
A client is receiving chemotherapy and reports severe nausea. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- Administering an antiemetic as prescribed
- Encouraging the client to eat a large meal
- Offering high-fat foods to stimulate appetite
- Administering pain medication
Explanation: Answer reason: Chemotherapy-induced nausea is best treated with prescribed antiemetics. Large meals and high-fat foods can worsen nausea, and pain medication does not address nausea.
A client is admitted with a hypertensive crisis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Administering an antihypertensive medication
- Encouraging increased sodium intake
- Monitoring blood glucose levels
- Administering a diuretic
Explanation: Answer reason: In hypertensive crisis the priority is rapid blood pressure reduction with fast-acting antihypertensive medication (typically IV). Sodium increase is contraindicated, glucose monitoring is not priority, and a diuretic alone is not the first-line urgent intervention.
A client is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Administering antibiotics as ordered
- Restricting fluid intake
- Administering antipyretics
- Administering analgesics for pain relief
Explanation: Answer reason: Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection; immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics reduce morbidity and mortality. Antipyretics and analgesics are supportive, and fluid restriction is not a priority unless indicated (e.g., SIADH).
A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Administering insulin as ordered
- Monitoring blood glucose levels every 8 hours
- Encouraging oral intake of fluids and electrolytes
- Administering bicarbonate to correct acidosis
Explanation: Answer reason: In DKA, insulin therapy is a priority to stop ketogenesis and lower hyperglycemia. Monitoring every 8 hours is too infrequent, oral fluids are inappropriate in acute DKA (needs IV fluids), and bicarbonate is not routine unless severe acidosis (pH < 6.9).
A client is admitted with a suspected overdose of opioids. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Administering naloxone
- Administering an opioid analgesic
- Administering activated charcoal
- Administering an antiemetic
Explanation: Answer reason: Naloxone is the opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid-induced respiratory/CNS depression, making it the priority intervention. Giving more opioids would worsen the overdose; charcoal is not first-line once toxicity is evident; an antiemetic is nonessential.
What is the first step a nurse should take before drawing up medication from an ampule?
- Break the neck of the ampule
- Wipe the top of the ampule with alcohol
- Inspect the ampule for any abnormalities
- Draw up medication immediately
Explanation: Answer reason: Use aseptic technique by disinfecting the ampule’s neck with alcohol before opening; then snap the neck and withdraw the medication with a filter needle.
What is the primary reason for administering a deep intramuscular (IM) injection of an iron preparation?
- Enhance absorption of the medication
- Ensure higher bioavailability
- Provide more even distribution of the drug
- Prevent the drug from tissue irritation
Explanation: Answer reason: Iron preparations (e.g., iron dextran) are irritating to subcutaneous tissue. A deep IM, often with Z-track, deposits the drug deep in muscle to prevent leakage and minimize local tissue irritation and staining.
Which of the following patients would be least likely to be suitable for intradermal injections?
- A patient with known allergy to medicines
- Pediatric patient receiving gavage
- A patient with history of keloids
- An elderly patient with thin skin
Explanation: Answer reason: Intradermal injections require adequate dermal thickness to form a wheal; elderly patients often have thin, fragile skin, increasing risk of tearing and unreliable results. The other options are not contraindications to intradermal injections.
What is the reason for using an intradermal route instead of subcutaneous for certain medications?
- Faster absorption
- Larger volume can be injected
- More accurate measurement
- To elicit localized immune response
Explanation: Answer reason: Intradermal injections are used for tests like TB and allergy testing to provoke a localized immune reaction in the dermis. Absorption is slower and only very small volumes are used, so the other options are incorrect.
A client is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. What should the nurse instruct the client regarding levothyroxine administration?
- Take the medication at bedtime
- Take the medication with food
- Take the medication on an empty stomach
- Crush the medication and mix it with juice
Explanation: Answer reason: Food decreases levothyroxine absorption; instruct to take it on an empty stomach, typically 30–60 minutes before breakfast. Do not take with food, bedtime is not standard, and mixing/crushing with juice is not recommended.
Which patient assessment is a priority before administering an osmotic diuretic?
- Evaluating renal function
- Assessing respiratory rate
- Checking skin turgor
- Monitoring blood pressure
Explanation: Answer reason: Osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol) require adequate renal function for filtration and excretion and are contraindicated in renal failure/anuria. Therefore, verifying renal function is the priority pre-administration assessment.
When is the safest time for a nurse to administer sertraline (Zoloft) to a client with depression?
- As needed only
- Early in the morning
- Take on an empty stomach
- At bedtime
Explanation: Answer reason: Sertraline, an SSRI, can be activating and may cause insomnia; dosing in the morning reduces this risk. It is not given PRN, does not require an empty stomach, and bedtime dosing may worsen sleep disturbance.
What is the primary purpose of subcutaneous injections?
- For immediate drug effect
- For slow, sustained medication absorption
- For intravenous access
- To provide resuscitation
Explanation: Answer reason: Subcutaneous tissue is less vascular than muscle, leading to slower, sustained absorption of medications; it is not used for immediate effect, IV access, or resuscitation.
What is the proper way to pull the ear when administering otic medication to a 2-year-old client?
- Pull the straight back.
- Pull the down and back.
- Pull the ear up and back.
- Pull the ear straight upward.
Explanation: Answer reason: For children under 3 years old, the pinna is pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal for proper drop administration.
What is the correct dose of intravenous adrenaline for term neonatal resuscitation in an infant?
- 0.1-0.3 ml/kg in 1:1000
- 0.3-0.5 ml/kg in 1:1000
- 0.1-0.3 ml/kg in 1:10,000
- 0.3-0.5 ml/kg in 1:10,000
Explanation: Answer reason: Neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend IV epinephrine 0.01–0.03 mg/kg of 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL) solution, which equals 0.1–0.3 mL/kg. Hence option C.
What is the recommended route of administering streptomycin for tuberculosis treatment?
- Subcutaneous
- Intramuscular
- Deep intramuscular
- Intravenous
Explanation: Answer reason: Streptomycin for TB is administered by deep intramuscular injection to ensure proper absorption and minimize local irritation; it is not given subcutaneously or intravenously.
A client is prescribed sertraline for depression. What education should the nurse provide regarding sertraline?
- Take the medication on an empty stomach
- Administer the medication at bedtime
- Take the medication with a full glass of milk
- Avoid consuming tyramine-rich foods
Explanation: Answer reason: Sertraline (an SSRI) may cause drowsiness or insomnia; dosing at bedtime can minimize daytime sedation. It does not require an empty stomach or milk, and tyramine restrictions apply to MAOIs, not SSRIs.
A client with pneumonia is prescribed antibiotics. What is the most important nursing intervention related to antibiotic therapy?
- Encouraging fluid intake
- Administering the medication as prescribed
- Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours
- Providing a cough suppressant
Explanation: Answer reason: Ensuring timely, accurate administration of antibiotics achieves therapeutic levels and eradicates infection, preventing resistance. Fluids and vital sign checks are supportive; cough suppressants can impair secretion clearance.
What is the recommended route of administration for diclofenac sodium injection?
- IV (intravenous)
- IM (intramuscular)
- SC (subcutaneous)
- ID (intradermal)
Explanation: Answer reason: Diclofenac sodium injection is typically administered as a deep intramuscular injection; it is not recommended subcutaneously or intradermally, and IV use is not the standard route for the common formulation.
When providing teaching for a patient with iron-deficiency anemia who has been prescribed iron supplements, with which beverage should the iron be taken?
- Milk
- Ginger ale
- Orange juice
- Water
Explanation: Answer reason: Vitamin C enhances absorption of oral iron; orange juice is vitamin C–rich. Milk can decrease absorption, and water or ginger ale provide no benefit.
The nurse is assessing a seven year-old after several days of treatment for a documented strep throat. Which of the following statements suggests that FURTHER teaching is needed?
- "Sometimes I take my medicine with fruit juice."
- "My mother makes me take my medicine right after school."
- "Sometimes I take the pills in the morning and at night."
- "I am feeling much better than I did last week."
Explanation: Answer reason: Inconsistent dosing indicates misunderstanding; antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed on a regular schedule, not sporadically morning or night.
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