PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS

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Q&A Pharmacology -2

Question Number 1 of 40
A woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder is to take lithium (Lithane)
as part of the treatment. What should the nurse discuss with the client
as part of the teaching plan?

A) Risks of oral contraceptives

B) Reduction in exercise program
C) Avoidance of alcohol
D) Cessation of smoking

The correct answer is C: Avoidance of alcohol Alcohol potentiates

the effects of lithium, and is to be avoided

Question Number 2 of 40
A 1 year-old child is receiving temporary total parental nutrition (TPN)
through a central venous line. This is the first day of TPN therapy.
Although all of the following nursing actions must be included in the
plan of care of this child, which one would be a priority at this time?

A) Use aseptic technique during dressing changes

B) Maintain central line catheter integrity
C) Monitor serum glucose levels
D) Check results of liver function tests

The correct answer is C: Monitor serum glucose levels

…..Hyperglycemia may occur during the first day or 2 as the child
adapts to the high-glucose load of the TPN solution. Thus, a chief
nursing responsibility is blood glucose testing.

Question Number 3 of 40
A child is treated with edetate calcium disodium (Calcium EDTA) for
lead poisoning. Which of these should the nurse assess first ?

A) Serum potassium level

B) Blood calcium level
C) Urinary output
D) Deep tendon reflexes
The correct answer is C: Urinary output …….Calcium EDTA is toxic to
the kidneys. Urine output must be measured to monitor renal function.
Calcium EDTA should not be given to a child that cannot maintain
adequate intake of fluids and adequate kidney function

Question Number 4 of 40
When teaching a client about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin, the
nurse should emphasize that which of these is the most common side
effect?

A) Headache
B) Dry mouth
C) Depression
D) Anorexia

The correct answer is A: Headache ….

.The most common side effect is headache, related to the generalized

vasodilatation.

Question Number 5 of 40
The nurse is teaching a client about precautions with Coumadin. The
nurse should instruct the client to avoid foods with excessive amounts
of which nutrient

A) Calcium
B) Vitamin K
C) Iron
D) Vitamin E

The correct answer is B: Vitamin K

Question Number 6 of 40

The nurse is assessing a client who has taken haldol (Haloperidol) for
several months. Which of the following is a side effect of this
medication and must be reported immediately to the health care
provider?

A) Muscle flaccidity
B) Dystonic reaction
C) Mood swings
D) Dry, harsh cough

The correct answer is B: Dystonic reaction ….

.Haldol is a neuroleptic antipsychotic drug that may cause distonic
reaction. Dosage may have to be adjusted.

Question Number 7 of 40
The nurse is administering albuterol (Proventil) to a child with asthma.
Which of the following assessments by the nurse indicate the need for
an adjustment of the medication?

A) Lethargy and fatigue

B) Edema is the lower extremities
C) Apical Pulse of 112
D) Temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit

The correct answer is C: Apical Pulse of 112 ……

One of the most common adverse effects of beta adrenergic

medications is an increase in heart rate.

Question Number 8 of 40
A client with angina has been instructed about the use of sublingual
nitroglycerin. Which of the following statements made to the nurse
indicates a need for further teaching?

A) "I will rest briefly right after taking 1 tablet."

B) "I can take 2-3 tablets at once if I have severe pain."
"I'll call the doctor if pain continues after 3 tablets 5 minutes
C)
apart."
"I understand that the medication should be kept in the dark
D)
bottle."

The correct answer is B: "I can take 2-3 tablets at once if I have
severe pain."

Clients must understand that just 1 sublingual tablet should be taken

at a time. After rest and a 5 minute interval, a second and then a third
tablet may be necessary.

Question Number 9 of 40
The nurse admits a client with hypertension who complains of
dizziness after taking diltiazem (Cardizem). Which of the following is
the most important information for the nurse to assess?
 A) Schedule for taking medicine
B) Daily intake of potassium
C) Activity and rest patterns
D) Baseline heart rate

The correct answer is A: Schedule for taking medicine …….A critical

assessment is compliance with the prescribed medication schedule and
dose.

Question Number 10 of 40
The nurse prepares to administer eye drops to a 6 year-old child.
Which of these demonstrates the correct method for instillation of eye
drops?

A) Directly on the anterior surface of the eyeball

B) In the corner where the lids meet
C) Under the upper lid as it is pulled upward
D) In the conjunctival sac as the lower lid is pulled down

The correct answer is D: In the conjunctival sac as the lower lid is

pulled down

Eye drops should be placed in the sac between the eye and the lower
lid. This sac is formed by pulling the lower lid down

Question Number 11 of 40
A hospitalized 8 month-old is receiving gentamicin (Cidomycin). In
monitoring the infant for drug toxicity, the nurse should review which
laboratory results first?

A) Blood urea nitrogen

B) Thyroxin levels
C) Growth hormone levels
D) Platelet counts

The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen ……..Toxicity to the

aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin, is seen in increased BUN and
serum creatinine levels. Kidney damage may be reversible if the drug
is stopped at the first sign of toxicity.

Question Number 12 of 40
The nurse is caring for a 15 month-old child with a first episode of
otitis media. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
include in instructions to the child's parents?
 Explain that the child should complete the full 5 days of
A)
antibiotics
Provide them with handout describing care of myringotomy
B)
tubes
C) Describe the tympanocentesis to detect persistent infections
Emphasize the importance of a return visit after completion of
D)
antibiotics

The correct answer is D: Emphasize the importance of a return visit

after completion of antibiotics

The usual treatment for otitis media is oral antibiotics for 10-14 days.
The child should be examined again after completion of the full course
of antibiotics to assess for persistent infection or middle ear effusion

Question Number 13 of 40
Before administering digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client, which of the
following nursing assessments is a priority?

A) Auscultate breath sounds

B) Check for bowel sounds
C) Monitor the heart rate
D) Measure the blood pressure

The correct answer is C: Monitor the heart rate

Lanoxin, a cardiac glycoside used in congestive heart failure, helps the

heart beat more effectively (+ inotrope), and decreases the heart rate
(- chronotrope). Because digoxin slows the heart rate, the medication
should be held if the heart rate is below 60.

Question Number 14 of 40
To which of the following nursing home residents could the nurse
safely administer tricyclic antidepressants without questioning the
health care provider's order?

A) An 85 year-old male with narrow-angle glaucoma

B) An African-American with benign prostatic hypertrophy
C) A 65 year-old female with mild hypertension
D) A Hispanic female with coronary artery disease

The correct answer is C: A 65 year-old female with mild hypertension

…..Tricyclics can be safely administered to the hypertensive client
Question Number 15 of 40
The nurse is teaching administration of albuterol inhalation to an adult
with asthma. Which of the following demonstrates proper teaching?

A) "Use this medication at bedtime to promote rest."

B) "Discontinue the inhalation if you are dizzy."
C) "Inhale this medication after other asthma sprays."
"Notify the health care provider if you need the drug more
D)
often."

The correct answer is D: "Notify the health care provider if you need
the drug more often."

If the client notices that the albuterol inhalation is used more

frequently, the health care provider should be notified so that a
change in dose or medication can be ordered.

Question Number 16 of 40
The nurse is administering the initial total parenteral nutrition solution
to a client. Which of the following assessments requires the nurse's
immediate attention?

A) Temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius

B) Urine output of 300 cc in 4 hours
C) Poor skin turgor
D) Blood glucose of 350 mg/dl

The correct answer is D: Blood glucose of 350 mg/dl

Total parenteral nutrition formulas contain dextrose in concentrations

of 10% or greater to supply 20% to 50% of the total calories. Blood
glucose levels should be checked every 4 to 6 hours. A sliding scale
dose of insulin may be ordered to maintain the blood glucose level
below 200mg/dl.

Question Number 17 of 40
The nurse is planning to administer otic drops to a 6 year-old child.
Which of the following is the correct procedure?
 A) Hold the pinna up and back to instill the drops
B) Place several drops in the outer ear
C) Insert cotton in the outer ear after giving medication
D) Assist the child to lie on the affected side afterwards

The correct answer is A: Hold the pinna up and back to instill the drops

The external auditory canal should be straightened by gently pulling

the pinna up and back for otic drop administration. In children who are
under 3 years of age, the pinna should be pulled down and back.

Question Number 18 of 40
A 52 year-old client is being transfused with one unit of packed cells. A
half hour after the transfusion was initiated, the client complains of
chills and headache. Which action should the nurse implement first?

A) Notify the health care provider

B) Check the client's temperature
C) Stop the transfusion
D) Obtain a urine specimen

The correct answer is C: Stop the transfusion

The first action when a client exhibits signs of a potential transfusion

reaction is to discontinue the transfusion immediately.

Question Number 19 of 40
What would the nurse expect to see in a client who is experiencing
symptoms of tardive dyskinesia?

A) Rapid tongue movements

B) Uncontrolled hand tremors during meals
C) Behavioral changes
D) Repetitive slapping movements

The correct answer is A: Rapid tongue movements

Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome of involuntary movements of the
face, mouth, tongue, trunk, and limbs that may occur after years of
treatment with neuroleptic agents. Predisposing factors include older
age, many years of treatment cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus

Question Number 20 of 40
Today's prothrombin time for a client receiving Coumadin is 20
(normal range listed by the lab is 10-14). What is the appropriate
nursing action?

A) Notify the health care provider immediately

B) Recognize that this is a therapeutic level
C) Observe the client for hematoma development
D) Assess for bleeding at gums or IV sites

The correct answer is B: Recognize that this is a therapeutic level For

the client on Coumadin therapy, this prothrombin level is within the
therapeutic range.

Question Number 21 of 40
When caring for a client who is receiving a thrombolytic agent to open
a clot occluded coronary artery after a myocardial infarction, which
finding would be of greatest concern to the nurse?

A) Sero sanginous drainage from gums

B) Hematemesis
C) Pink frothy sputum
D) Slight red color at urine

The correct answer is B: Hematemesis ………Frank bleeding should be

of the greatest concern to the nurse

Question Number 22 of 40
The nurse is caring for a client with renal calculi. Which health care
provider order would be a priority?

A) Morphine sulfate as client controlled analgesia

B) Push oral fluids and keep vein open
C) Continuous warm compresses to the flank area
D) Intravenous antibiotics

The correct answer is A: Morphine sulfate as client controlled analgesia

Administering narcotic analgesics provide prompt relief of the severe

pain caused by kidney stones.
Question Number 23 of 40
Which of the following classifications of medications would be most
often used for clients with schizophrenia?

A) Anti-depressants
B) Mood stabilizers
C) Anxiolytics
D) Neuroleptics

The correct answer is D: Neuroleptics ……..Neuroleptics are

antipsychotic drugs which are most beneficial in treating the signs and
symptoms of schizophrenia; any of the other meds might also be used,
but neuroleptics are the most widely used.

Question Number 24 of 40
The nurse is caring for a child receiving albuterol (Proventil) for
asthma. The parents ask the nurse why their child is receiving this
medication. Which explanation is correct?

A) decrease the swelling in the airways."

B) relax the smooth muscles in the airways."
C) reduce the secretions blocking the airways."
stimulate the respiratory center in the brain that control
D)
respirations."

The correct answer is B: relax the smooth muscles in the airways."

Albuterol (beta-adrenergic agonist) is the drug of choice in treating

asthma because it allows the smooth muscle in the airway to relax.
The airway can then dilate to increase airflow.

Question Number 25 of 40
The nurse is teaching a client with asthma about the correct use of the
Azmacort (triamcinolone) inhaler. Which of the following statements, if
made by the client, would indicate that the teaching was effective?

A) "The inhaler can be used whenever I feel short of breath."

B) "I should rinse my mouth after using the inhaler."
C) "If I forget a dose, I can double up on the next dose."
D) I should not use a spacer with my Azmacort.

The correct answer is B: "I should rinse my mouth after using the
inhaler."

Azmacort (triamcinolone) is an inhaled corticosteroid, used to prevent

asthma attacks. It is often used in conjunction with a bronchodilator.
The client should be instructed to rinse his mouth after using the
inhaler to wash away any steroid residue so as to reduce the risk of
oral fungal infections

Question Number 26 of 40
The nurse administered intravenous gamma globulin to an 18 month-
old child with AIDS. The parent asks why this medication is being
given. What is the nurse’s best response?

A) "It will slow down the replication of the virus."

B) "This medication will improve your child's overall health status."
C) "This medication is used to prevent bacterial infections."
"It will increase the effectiveness of the other medications your
D)
child receives."

The correct answer is C: "This medication is used to prevent bacterial

infections."

Intravenous gamma globulin is given to help prevent as well as to fight

bacterial infections in young children with AIDS

Question Number 27 of 40
A client is admitted to the hospital because of heart failure and digoxin
toxicity. At home, the client was taking digoxin (Lanoxin) and
furosemide (Lasix). Which symptom would the nurse anticipate finding
on the initial assessment?

A) Muscle weakness and cramping

B) Confusion
C) Blood in the urine
D) Tinnitis

The correct answer is A: Muscle weakness and cramping …….A client

taking a non-potassium sparing diuretic such as furosemide will likely
need a potassium supplement to prevent hypokalemia. This client did
not take supplemental potassium. Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia
include weakness and muscle cramps. Hypokalemic clients are more
sensitive to digoxin toxicity.

Question Number 28 of 40
The nurse prepares to give a one year-old child an intramuscular
injection. Where is the best site for this injection?

A) Deltoid muscle
B) Ventrogluteal muscle
C) Dorsogluteal muscle
 D) Vastus lateralis muscle

The correct answer is D: Vastus lateralis muscle

The preferred site for an injection for an infant is the vastus lateralis
muscle which lies along the lateral aspect of the thigh. This site is able
to tolerate larger volumes, and it is not located near any nerves or
blood vessels

Question Number 29 of 40
An adolescent client is hospitalized with menarthrosis from a
Hemophilia A bleeding episode. Which order should be questioned by
the nurse?

A) Passive range of motion

B) Replacement of factor VIII
C) Aspirin for pain management
D) Immobilization splint

The correct answer is C: Aspirin for pain management …..Aspirin is

contraindicated in any client who is actively bleeding. Ibuprofen is a
more common pain medication.

Question Number 30 of 40
The nurse is giving instructions to the mother of a newborn infant with
oral candidiasis. Which statement by the mother would indicate the
need for further teaching?

A) "Nystatin should be given 4 times a day after my baby eats."

B) "I will boil the nipples and pacifiers for twenty minutes."
C) "I should be taking the medication prescribed for this infection."
D) "The therapy can be discontinued when the spots disappear."

The correct answer is D: "The therapy can be discontinued when the

spots disappear."

The therapy should be continued for a week, even if lesions have

disappeared within a few days

Question Number 31 of 40
A client who is receiving chemotherapy through a central line is
admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis. Which of the
following nursing interventions should receive priority?

A) Inspect all sites that may serve as entry ports for bacteria
B) Place the client in reverse isolation
 C) Change the dressing over the site of the central line
Restrict contact with persons having known, or recent,
D)
infections

The correct answer is A: Inspect all sites that may serve as entry ports
for bacteria

Prompt recognition of source of infection and subsequent initiation of

therapy will reduce morbidity and mortality

Question Number 32 of 40
A depressed client is experiencing severe insomnia. The health care
provider orders trazadone (Desyrel). The nurse tells the client to
expect

A) Improvement of acne
B) Relief of insomnia
C) Reduced arthritic pain
D) Less nasal stuffiness

The correct answer is B: Relief of insomnia …..The sedative effects of

the antidepressant are expected to relieve insomnia

Question Number 33 of 40
The nurse is administering an intravenous piggyback infusion of
penicillin. Which of the following client statements would require the
nurse's immediate attention?

A) "I have a burning sensation when I urinate."

B) "I have soreness and aching in my muscles."
C) "I am itching all over."
D) "I have cramping in my stomach."

The correct answer is C: "I am itching all over."

Complaints of itching, feeling hot all over and/or the appearance of

raised, red welts on the skin are symptoms of an allergic reaction to
the penicillin infusion. Therefore, the drug administration should be
stopped immediately

Question Number 34 of 40
A hospitalized 8 month-old infant is receiving digoxin for the treatment
of Tetralogy of Fallot. Prior to administering the next dose of
medication, the parent reports that the baby has vomited one time,
just after breakfast. The heart rate is 72. What is the initial response
of the nurse?
 A) Give the dose after lunch
B) Reduce the next dose by half
C) Double the next dose
D) Hold the medication

The correct answer is D: Hold the medication

Toxic side effects of digoxin include bradycardia, dysrhythmia, nausea,

vomiting, anorexia, dizziness, headache, weakness and fatigue. In
infants and young children, only 1 episode of vomiting, associated with
mealtime, does not usually warrant withholding the medication.
However, bradycardia (normal rate in this age child is 80-100 in the
awake stage) is sufficient reason to hold the medication and notify the
appropriate practitioner

Question Number 35 of 40
When caring for a client with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), what is
the most important action on the part of the nurse?

A) Record the number of stools per day

B) Maintain strict intake and output records
C) Sterile technique for dressing change at IV site
D) Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias

The correct answer is C: Sterile technique for dressing change at IV

site

Clients receiving TPN are very susceptible to infection. The

concentrated glucose solutions are a good medium for bacterial
growth. Strict sterile technique is crucial in preventing infection at IV
infusion site.

Question Number 36 of 40
The nurse is preparing a client for discharge following in-patient
treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of these instructions
should be given to the client?

A) Continue medication until findings are relieved

B) Continue medication use as prescribed
Avoid contact with children, pregnant women or immuno
C)
depressed persons
 D) Take medication with Amphogel if epigastric distress occurs

The correct answer is B: Continue medication as prescribed. …..Early

cessation of treatment may lead to development of drug resistant
bacteria.

Question Number 37 of 40
A client with diabetes has a blood sugar is 306 this morning. After the
nurse reports this lab result and the client's symptoms of excessive
hunger and thirst, what would the nurse expect the health care
provider to order?

A) Orange juice
B) Regular insulin
C) NPH Insulin
D) Repeat blood sugar level

The correct answer is B: Regular insulin …

….Regular Insulin is a short-acting insulin which will help reduce the

client''s glucose quickly.

Question Number 38 of 40
The nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who has
developed hallucinations. Which of the following medications that the
client is receiving may have been a contributing factor?

A) L-Dopa
B) Cogentin
C) Baclofen
D) Benadryl

The correct answer is A: L-Dopa …….While it is unclear whether some

1/3 of clients with Parkinson''s disease have a dementia, the nurse
should ask about hallucinations because the Parkinson''s disease
medications will cause hallucinations when they are at too high a dose.
This should be asked at each client visit in home care or clinic visits.
Question Number 39 of 40
The nurse is caring for an 81 year-old client with colorectal cancer. The
client's pain has been managed until now with acetaminophen with
codeine. Because of increased pain, intravenous morphine is added.
What should the nurse recognize about the validity of this order?

A) Inappropriate because of potential respiratory depression

B) Appropriate despite the expected effect of mental confusion
C) Inappropriate and demonstrates poor knowledge of pain control
D) Appropriate pain management around-the-clock

The correct answer is D: Appropriate pain management around-the-

clock

Elderly clients with cancer pain are frequently under medicated. This
management is appropriate, and should be offered throughout the day
and night.

Question Number 40 of 40
The nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for
sublingual nitroglycerin. Which of the following must be emphasized?

A) Rest in bed for an hour after taking medication

B) Take the medication at the same time each day
C) Keep the medication bottle in the refrigerator
D) Carry the nitroglycerine with you at all times

The correct answer is D: Carry the nitroglycerine with you at all times

Nitroglycerin should be carried with the client in and out of the home,
so it can be used when angina pain occurs.