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Pharmacology Review: Focus Medications for NCLEX
Questions And Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers) Already Graded A+
- Question: What is the classification of Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)? Correct
Answer: Cation exchange resin
- Question: Regarding Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) administration, why should it not be given
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)?
- Question: What are the indications for the use of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)? Correct
within 1 hour of antacids or milk? Correct Answer: It decreases the effectiveness of the medication.
Correct Answer: It exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestine, reducing serum potassium levels.
Answer: Constipation and bowel preparation before procedures.
- Question: What is a key patient teaching point regarding the oral administration of
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)? Correct Answer:
Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)? Correct Answer: Mix with water or syrup (not juice).
Increases peristalsis by direct stimulation of colonic mucosa.
7. Question: What are the specific NCLEX Focus points for Polystyrene Sulfonate
(Kayexalate)? Correct Answer: Contraindication in ileus/obstruction, monitoring needs, and assessment for hyperkalemia.
- Question: What is the classification of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)? Correct Answer:
Stimulant laxative
9. Question: What are the Nursing Considerations regarding the components of
Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate) and specific patient conditions? Correct Answer: It contains sodium, so caution should be used in patients with CHF and edema; monitor for fluid/electrolyte imbalances.
- Question: What are the patient teaching instructions for taking oral Bisacodyl
(Dulcolax)? Correct Answer: Take at bedtime for a morning effect.
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- Question: How is Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) administered? Correct Answer: Oral tablets
- Question: What is a critical nursing consideration for enteric-coated Bisacodyl tablets?
(enteric-coated) or rectal suppository.
Correct Answer: Do not crush them.
- Question: What side effect may Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) cause? Correct Answer:
- Question: What is the onset time for rectal Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)? Correct Answer: 15-
- Question: Why is Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) not recommended for long-term use? Correct
Abdominal cramping.
60 minutes.
Answer: There is a risk of dependency.
16. Question: What are the NCLEX Focus points for Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)? Correct
Answer: Administration timing, contraindications in intestinal obstruction, and
appendicitis.
- Question: What are the indications for Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)? Correct
Answer: Hyperkalemia.
- Question: How is Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate) administered? Correct Answer:
Oral or rectal.
19. Question: What should be monitored when administering Polystyrene Sulfonate
(Kayexalate)? Correct Answer: Serum potassium levels.
20. Question: What potential adverse effect can occur if Polystyrene Sulfonate
(Kayexalate) is overused? Correct Answer: Hypokalemia.
- Question: What gastrointestinal side effects may Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
cause? Correct Answer: Constipation or intestinal impaction.
- Question: What is the classification of Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct Answer: H2
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct Answer:
- Question: What are the indications for Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct Answer: GERD,
- Question: How is Famotidine (Pepcid) administered? Correct Answer: Oral or IV.
receptor antagonist
Blocks histamine at H2 receptors, reducing gastric acid secretion.
peptic ulcers, and heartburn.
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- Question: What dosing adjustments are needed for Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct
Answer: Renal dosing adjustments.
- Question: How does Famotidine (Pepcid) compare to other H2 blockers regarding
- Question: Which patient population requires monitoring for CNS effects when taking
interactions? Correct Answer: It has fewer drug interactions than other H2 blockers.
Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct Answer: Elderly patients.
- Question: What is the patient teaching regarding food intake with Famotidine (Pepcid)?
Correct Answer: It can be taken without regard to meals.
- Question: What is the warning regarding OTC use of Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct
Answer: It is not intended for long-term therapy without provider evaluation.
- Question: What are the NCLEX Focus points for Famotidine (Pepcid)? Correct Answer:
- Question: What is the classification of Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct Answer:
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct
Difference from PPIs, safer profile than older H2 blockers, and renal dosing.
Cholinesterase inhibitor
Answer: Prevents breakdown of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
- Question: What are the indications for Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct Answer:
- Question: How is Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) administered? Correct Answer: Oral
- Question: When should Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) be scheduled regarding meals?
Myasthenia gravis and reversal of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade.
(regular and extended-release).
Correct Answer: 30-45 minutes before meals for maximal effect.
- Question: What two crises must a nurse differentiate when monitoring a patient on
- Question: What assessment should be performed before and after administering
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct Answer: Cholinergic crisis vs. myasthenic crisis.
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct Answer: Assess muscle strength.
- Question: What antidote should be available for Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) overdose?
Correct Answer: Atropine.
- Question: What is the patient teaching for Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) to maintain
muscle strength? Correct Answer: Take as scheduled.
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- Question: What symptoms should a patient on Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) report?
- Question: What are the NCLEX Focus points for Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)? Correct
- Question: What is the classification of Bethanechol (Urecholine)? Correct Answer:
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Bethanechol (Urecholine)? Correct
Correct Answer: Increased weakness, excessive salivation, diarrhea, or sweating.
Answer: Differentiating cholinergic from myasthenic crisis and timing with meals.
Cholinergic agonist
Answer: Directly stimulates muscarinic receptors in the bladder and GI tract.
- Question: What are the indications for Bethanechol (Urecholine)? Correct Answer:
- Question: How is Bethanechol (Urecholine) administered? Correct Answer: Oral.
- Question: What are the contraindications for Bethanechol (Urecholine)? Correct
Urinary retention and neurogenic bladder.
Answer: Mechanical GI or urinary obstruction (and recent urinary/GI surgery).
- Question: What vital signs should be monitored for a patient taking Bethanechol
(Urecholine)? Correct Answer: Hypotension and bradycardia.
- Question: How should Bethanechol (Urecholine) be administered in relation to food?
Correct Answer: On an empty stomach for better absorption.
- Question: What side effects may Bethanechol (Urecholine) cause? Correct Answer:
- Question: What should the patient do before taking Bethanechol (Urecholine)?
Increased salivation and sweating.
Correct Answer: Void (urinate).
- Question: What are the NCLEX Focus points for Bethanechol (Urecholine)? Correct
- Question: What is the classification of Baclofen (Lioresal)? Correct Answer: Skeletal
- Question: What is the Mechanism of Action for Baclofen (Lioresal)? Correct Answer:
- Question: What are the indications for Baclofen (Lioresal)? Correct Answer: Spasticity
- Question: How is Baclofen (Lioresal) administered? Correct Answer: Oral or
Answer: Contraindications (mechanical obstruction, recent urinary or GI surgery).
muscle relaxant, GABA-agonist
Inhibits reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating GABA-B receptors.
from multiple sclerosis and spinal cord lesions.
intrathecal.