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 C

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Let’s go through the calculation step by step:

Step 1: Identify the order and the available medication. The order is for dexamethasone (Decadron) 6mg IM. The available stock is dexamethasone 4mg/1ml in a 5ml multidose vial.

Step 2: Determine the amount of medication needed to fulfill the order. This is done by dividing the ordered amount by the concentration of the available medication.

So, we have:

Step 2 Calculation=Concentration of Available MedicationOrdered Amount Substituting the given values: Step 2 Calculation=4 mg/mL6 mg Step 3: Perform the calculation.

Step 3 Calculation=1.5 mL

So, the nurse will prepare 1.5 mL of this medication.

Now, let’s discuss the rationales for each choice:

Choice A rationale:

75 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.

Choice B rationale:

5 mLs is not the correct amount. This would also be a larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.

Choice C rationale:

1.5 mLs is the correct amount. This is calculated by dividing the ordered dose (6 mg) by the concentration of the available medication (4 mg/mL).

Choice D rationale:

15 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.

A. “We’ll get you a prescription. B. As long as you start treatment within the next 24 hours, the drug should be effective.” C. “We will need to do a blood test to verify that you actually have the flu.” D. “Drug therapy should be started within 2 days of symptom onset, not 4 days.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that antiviral drugs can be effective in treating the flu, they’re most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Starting treatment after 4 days may not provide the same benefits.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect. While a blood test can confirm the presence of the flu virus, it’s not typically necessary to diagnose the flu. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and the fact that the flu is widespread in the community.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is correct. Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within 2 days of symptom onset. After this time, the benefits of these drugs decrease. Therefore, starting treatment 4 days after symptoms begin may not significantly reduce the duration or severity of symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that getting a flu vaccine is important, it’s not the best response in this situation. The flu vaccine won’t treat current illness. It’s designed to prevent future infections. In this case, the individual is already sick, so a booster vaccination wouldn’t be the most effective course of action.

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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

The physician orders an injection of dexamethasone (Decadron) 6mg IM for a patient. The available stock is dexamethasone 4mg/1ml in a 5ml multidose vial. How many mLs of this medication will the nurse prepare?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for a new flu drug. He says he has had the flu for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms. What is the nurse’s best response to his request?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?