Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Registered Practical Nurse Exam with an immersive quiz experience. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, all paired with helpful hints and explanations. Start your journey towards certification success today!

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Which term refers to the unwanted effects of medication?

Side effects
Intended effects
Therapeutic effects
Synergistic effects

The correct answer is: Side effects

The term that refers to the unwanted effects of medication is side effects. Side effects are secondary or unintended effects that occur alongside the desired therapeutic effects of a medication. These can range from mild to severe and may impact a patient's willingness to adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen. Understanding side effects is essential for healthcare professionals to monitor patients appropriately and manage any adverse reactions effectively. In contrast, intended effects encompass the primary outcomes that a medication is prescribed to achieve, which are not considered unwanted. Therapeutic effects also describe the beneficial actions of a drug intended to treat a specific condition. Synergistic effects occur when two or more drugs interact in a way that enhances their overall effect beyond what each would achieve individually, which is a different concept entirely from side effects.