PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS

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Q & A Pharmacology

Question Number 1 of 40
A client with an aplastic sickle cell crisis is receiving a blood transfusion
and begins to complain of "feeling hot". Almost immediately, the client
begins to wheeze. What is the nurse's first action?

A) Stop the blood infusion

B) Notify the health care provider
C) Take/record vital signs
D) Send blood samples to lab

The correct answer is A: Stop the blood infusion

If a reaction of any type is suspected during administration of blood

products, stop the infusion immediately, keep the line open with
saline, notify the health care provider, monitor vital signs and other
changes, and then send a blood sample to the lab.

Question Number 1 of 40
The use of atropine for treatment of symptomatic bradycardia is
contraindicated for a client with which of the following conditions?

A) Urinary incontinence
B) Glaucoma
C) Increased intracranial pressure
D) Right sided heart failure

The correct answer is B: Glaucoma

Atropine is contraindicated in clients with angle-closure glaucoma

because it can cause pupillary dilation with an increase in aqueous
humor with resultant increase in optic pressure.

Question Number 2 of 40
The nurse is assessing a client who is on long term glucocorticoid
therapy. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?

A) Buffalo hump
 B) Increased muscle mass
C) Peripheral edema
D) Jaundice

The correct answer is A: Buffalo hump

With high doses of glucocorticoid, iatrogenic Cushing''s syndrome

develops. The exaggerated physiological action causes abnormal fat
distribution which results in a moon-shaped face, a dorsocervical pad
on the neck (buffalo hump) and truncal obesity with slender limbs

Question Number 3 of 40
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving procainnamide
(Pronestyl) intravenously. It is important for the nurse to monitor
which of the following parameters?

A) Hourly urinary output

B) Serum potassium levels
C) Continuous EKG readings
D) Neurological signs

The correct answer is C: Continuous EKG readings

Procainnamide (Pronestyl) is used to suppress cardiac arrythmias.

When administered intravenously, it must be accompanied by
continuous cardiac monitoring by ECG.

Question Number 4 of 40
In providing care for a client with pain from a sickle cell crisis, which
one of the following medication orders for pain control should be
questioned by the nurse?

A) Demerol
B) Morphine
C) Methadone
D) Codeine

The correct answer is A: Demerol

Meperidine is not recommended in clients with sickle cell disease.

Normeperidine, a metabolite of meperidine, is a central nervous
system stimulant that produces anxiety, tremors, myoclonus, and
generalized seizures when it accumulates with repetitive dosing.
Clients with sickle cell disease are particularly at risk for
normeperidine-induced seizures

Question Number 5 of 40
The health care provider has written "Morphine sulfate 2 mgs IV every
3-4 hours prn for pain" on the chart of a child weighing 22 lb. (10 kg).
What is the nurse's initial action?

A) Check with the pharmacist

B) Hold the medication and contact the health care provider
C) Administer the prescribed dose as ordered
D) Give the dose every 6-8 hours

The correct answer is B: Hold the medication and contact the health
care provider

The usual pediatric dose of morphine is 0.1 mg/kg every 3 to 4 hours.

At 10 kg, this child should receive 1.0 mg every 3 to 4 hours

Question Number 6 of 40
The nurse is administering an intravenous vesicant chemotherapeutic
agent to a client. Which assessment would require the nurse's
immediate action?

A) Stomatitis lesion in the mouth

B) Severe nausea and vomiting
C) Complaints of pain at site of infusion
D) A rash on the client's extremities

The correct answer is C: Complaints of pain at site of infusion

A vesicant is a chemotherapeutic agent capable of causing blistering of

tissues and possible tissue necrosis if there is extravasation. These
agents are irritants which cause pain along the vein wall, with or
without inflammation.

Question Number 7 of 40
The nurse is providing education for a client with newly diagnosed
tuberculosis. Which statement should be included in the information
that is given to the client?

"Isolate yourself from others until you are finished taking your
A)
medication."
"Follow up with your primary care health care provider in 3
B)
months."
"Continue to take your medications even when you are feeling
C)
fine."
D) "Continue to get yearly tuberculin skin tests."

The correct answer is C: "Continue to take your medications even

when you are feeling fine."

The most important piece of information the tuberculosis client needs

is to understand the importance of medication compliance even if he is
no longer experiencing symptoms. Clients are most infective early in
the course of therapy. The numbers of acid-fast bacilli are greatly
reduced as early as 2 weeks after therapy begins

Question Number 8 of 40
A client with anemia has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. In
teaching the client about diet and iron supplements, the nurse should
emphasize that absorption of iron is enhanced if taken with which
substance?

A) Acetaminophen
B) Orange juice
C) Low fat milk
D) An antacid

The correct answer is B: Orange juice Ascorbic acid enhances

absorption of iron

Question Number 9 of 40
The nurse is administering diltiazem (Cardizem) to a client. Prior to
administration, it is important for the nurse to assess which
parameter?

A) Temperature
B) Blood pressure
C) Vision
D) Bowel sounds
The correct answer is B: Blood pressure

Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that causes systemic

vasodilation resulting in decreased blood pressure

Question Number 10 of 40
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving methyldopa
hydrochloride (Aldomet) intravenously. Which of the following
assessment findings would indicate to the nurse that the client may be
having an adverse reaction to the medication?

A) Headache
B) Mood changes
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Palpitations

The correct answer is B: Mood changes The nurse should assess

the client for alterations in mental status such as mood changes.
These symptoms should be reported promptly

Question Number 11 of 40
The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who has been
treated with Quetiapine (Seroquel) for 1 month. Today the client is
increasingly agitated and complains of muscle stiffness. Which of these
assessments should be reported to the health care provider?

A) Elevated temperature and sweating.

B) Decreased pulse and blood pressure.
C) Mental confusion and general weakness.
D) Muscle spasms and seizures.

The correct answer is A: Elevated temperature and sweating.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare disorder characterized
by muscular rigidity, tachycardia, hyperthermia, sweating, altered
consciousness, autonomic dysfunction, and increase in CPK. This is a
life-threatening complication that can occur anytime during the course
of antipsychotic treatment.

Question Number 12 of 40
The health care provider orders an IV aminophylline infusion at 30
mg/hr. The pharmacy sends a 1,000 ml bag of D5W containing 500
mg of aminophylline. In order to administer 30 mg per hour, the RN
will set the infusion rate at:
".
 A) 20 ml per hour
B) 30 ml per hour
C) 50 ml per hour
D) 60 ml per hour

The correct answer is D: 60 ml per hour . Using the ratio

method to calculate infusion rate: mg to be given (30) : ml to be
infused (X) :: mg available (500) : ml of solution (1,000). Solve for X
by cross-multiplying: 30 x 1,000 = 500 x X (or cancel), 30,000 = 500
X, X = 30,000/500, X = 60

Question Number 13 of 40
A client confides in the RN that a friend has told her the medication
she takes for depression, Wellbutrin, was taken off the market because
it caused seizures. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A) Ask your friend about the source of this information.

B) Omit the next doses until you talk with the doctor.
C) There were problems, but the recommended dose is changed.
Your health care provider knows the best drug for your
D)
condition.

The correct answer is C: There were problems, but the recommended

dose is changed.

Wellbutrin was introduced in the U.S. in 1985 and then withdrawn

because of the occurrence of seizures in some patients taking the
drug. The drug was reintroduced in 1989 with specific
recommendations regarding dose ranges to limit the occurrence of
seizures. The risk of seizure appears to be strongly associated with
dose

Question Number 14 of 40
A pregnant woman is hospitalized for treatment of pregnancy induced
hypertension in the third trimester. She is receiving magnesium sulfate
intravenously. The nurse understands that this medication is used
mainly for what purpose?

A) Maintain normal blood pressure

B) Prevent convulsive seizures
C) Decrease the respiratory rate
D) Increase uterine blood flow
The correct answer is B: Prevent convulsive seizures

Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant. While it

has many systemic effects, it is used in the client with pregnancy
induced hypertension (PIH) to prevent seizures.

Question Number 15 of 40
An elderly client is on an anticholinergic metered dose inhaler (MDI)
for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Why should the nurse
suggest a spacer?

A) Decrease administration time of the medication

B) Increase client compliance
Improve aerosol delivery in clients who are not able to
C)
coordinate the MDI
D) Prevent exacerbation of COPD

The correct answer is C: Improve aerosol delivery in clients who are

not able to coordinate the MDI

Inhalers improve the medication delivery in clients who are unable to

coordinate the MDI.

Question Number 16 of 40
A client has been receiving dexamethasone (Decadron) for control of
cerebral edema. Which of the following assessments would indicate
that the treatment is effective?

A) A positive Babinski's reflex

B) Increased response to motor stimuli
C) A widening pulse pressure
D) Temperature of 37 degrees Celsius

The correct answer is B: Increased response to motor stimuli

Decadron is a corticosteroid that acts on the cell membrane to

decrease inflammatory responses as well as stabilize the blood-brain
barrier. Once Decadron reaches a therapeutic level, there should be a
decrease in symptomology with improvement in motor skills

Question Number 17 of 40
The health care provider has ordered transdermal nitroglycerin patches
for a client. Which of these instructions should be included when
teaching a client about how touse the patches?
 A) Remove the patch when swimming or bathing
B) Apply the patch to any non-hairy area of the body
C) Apply a second patch with chest pain
D) Remove the patch if ankle edema occurs

The correct answer is B: Apply the patch to any non-hairy area of the
body

The patch may be applied to any non-hairy area on the body

Question Number 18 of 40
The nurse is teaching a group of women in a community clinic about
prevention of osteoporosis. Which of the following over-the-counter
medications should the nurse recognize as having the most elemental
calcium per tablet?

A) Calcium chloride
B) Calcium citrate
C) Calcium gluconate
D) Calcium carbonate

The correct answer is D: Calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate contains 400mg of elemental calcium in 1 gram of

calcium carbonate.

Question Number 19 of 40
A client with bi-polar disorder is taking lithium (Lithane). What should
the nurse emphasize when teaching about this medication?

A) Take the medication before meals

B) Maintain adequate daily salt intake
C) Reduce fluid intake to minimize diuresis
D) Use antacids to prevent heartburn

The correct answer is B: Maintain adequate daily salt intake Salt

intake affects fluid volume, which can affect lithium (Lithane) levels;
therefore, maintaining adequate salt intake is advised

Question Number 20 of 40
A client with an aplastic sickle cell crisis is receiving a blood transfusion
and begins to complain of "feeling hot". Almost immediately, the client
begins to wheeze. What is the nurse's first action?

A) Stop the blood infusion

B) Notify the health care provider
C) Take/record vital signs
D) Send blood samples to lab

The correct answer is A: Stop the blood infusion

If a reaction of any type is suspected during administration of blood

products, stop the infusion immediately, keep the line open with
saline, notify the health care provider, monitor vital signs and other
changes, and then send a blood sample to the lab.

Question Number 21 of 40
A client is receiving dexamethasone (Decadron) therapy. What should
the nurse plan to monitor in this client?

A) Urine output every 4 hours

B) Blood glucose levels every 12 hours
C) Neurological signs every 2 hours
D) Oxygen saturation every 8 hours

The correct answer is B: Blood glucose levels every twelve hours

The drug Decadron increases glycogenesis. This may lead to

hyperglycemia. Therefore the blood sugar level and acetone production
must be monitored.

Question Number 22 of 40
A child presents to the Emergency Department with documented
Acetaminophen poisoning. In order to provide counseling and
education for the parents, which principle must the nurse understand?

A) The problem occurs in stages with recovery within 12-24 hours

B) Hepatic problems may occur and may be life-threatening
C) Full and rapid recovery can be expected in most children
D) This poisoning is usually fatal, as no antidote is available

The correct answer is B: Hepatic problems may occur and may be life-
threatening
Clinical manifestations associated with acetaminophen poisoning
occurs in 4 stages. The third stage is hepatic involvement which may
last up to 7 days and be permanent. Clients who do not die in the
hepatic stage, gradually recover.

Question Number 23 of 40
The nurse is teaching a child and the family about the medication
phenytoin (Dilantin) prescribed for seizure control. Which of the
following side effects is most likely to occur?

A) Vertigo
B) Drowsiness
C) Gum hyperplasia
D) Vomiting

The correct answer is C: Gum hyperplasia

Swollen and tender gums occur often with use of phenytoin. Oral
hygiene and regular visits to the dentist should be emphasized.

Question Number 24 of 40
The nurse is monitoring a client receiving a thrombolitic agent,
Alteplase (activase tissue plasminogen activator) for treatment of a
myocardial infarction. What outcome indicates the client is receiving
adequate therapy within the first hours of therapy?
".
A) Absence of a dysrhythmia (or arrhythmia)
B) Blood pressure reduction
C) Cardiac enzymes are within normal limits
D) Return of ST segment to baseline on ECG

The correct answer is D: Return of ST segment to baseline on ECG

Improved perfusion should result form this medication with the
reduction ST segment elevation.

Question Number 25 of 40
The nurse is caring for a 10 year-old client who will be placed on
heparin therapy. Which assessment is critical for the nurse to make
before initiating therapy

A) Vital signs
B) Weight
C) Lung sounds
 D) Skin turgor

The correct answer is B: Weight

Check the client''s weight because dosage is calculated on the basis of

weight.

Question Number 26 of 40
The health care provider has ordered daily high doses of aspirin for a
client with rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse instructs the client to
discontinue the medication and contact the health care provider if
which of the following symptoms occurs?

A) Infection of the gums

B) Diarrhea for more than one day
C) Numbness in the lower extremities
D) Ringing in the ears

The correct answer is D: Ringing in the ears

Aspirin stimulates the central nervous system which may result in

ringing in the ears.

Question Number 27 of 40
The nurse is applying silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) to a child with
severe burns to arms and legs. Which side effect should the nurse be
monitoring for?

A) Skin discoloration
B) Hardened eschar
C) Increased neutrophils
D) Urine sulfa crystals

The correct answer is D: Urine sulfa crystals

Silver sulfadiazine is a broad spectrum anti-microbial, especially

effective against pseudomonas. When applied to extensive areas,
however, it may cause a transient neutropenia, as well as renal
function changes with sulfa crystals production and kernicterus.

Question Number 28 of 40
A client is ordered Atropine to be administered preoperatively. Which
physiological effect should the nurse monnitor for?
 A) Elevate blood pressure
B) Dry secretions
C) Reduce heart rate
D) Enhance sedation

The correct answer is B: Dry secretions

Atropine dries secretions which may get in the way

Question Number 29 of 40
A five year-old has been rushed to the emergency room several hours
after acetaminophen poisoning. Which laboratory result should receive
attention by the nurse?
".
A) Sedimentation rate
B) Profile 2
C) Bilirubin
D) Neutrophils

The correct answer is C: Bilirubin

Bilirubin, along with liver enzymes ALT and AST, may rise in the
second stage (1-3 days) after a significant overdose, indicating cellular
necrosis and liver dysfunction. A prolonged prothrombin may also
occur

Question Number 30 of 40
A client is receiving digitalis. The nurse should instruct the client to
report which of the following side effects

The correct response is "A".

A) Nausea, vomiting, fatigue
B) Rash, dyspnea, edema
C) Polyuria, thirst, dry skin
D) Hunger, dizziness, diaphoresis

The correct answer is A: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue

Side effects of digitalis include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia,

and bradycardia. Digitalis inhibits the sodium potassium ATPase, which
makes more calcium available for contractile proteins, resulting in
increased cardiac output.
Question Number 31 of 40
A newly admitted client has a diagnosis of depression. She complains
of “twitching muscles” and a “racing heart”, and states she stopped
taking Zoloft a few days ago because it was not helping her
depression. Instead, she began to take her husband’s Parnate. The
nurse should immediately assess forwhich of these adverse reactions?

A) Pulmonary edema
B) Atrial fibrillation
C) Mental status changes
D) Muscle weakness

The correct answer is C: Mental status changes

Use of serotonergic agents may result in Serotonin Syndrome with

confusion, nausea, palpitations, increased muscle tone with twitching
muscles, and agitation. Serotonin syndrome is most often reported in
patients taking 2 or more medications that increase CNS serotonin
levels by different mechanisms. The most common drug combinations
associated with serotonin syndrome involve the MAOIs, SSRIs, and the
tricyclic antidepressants.

Question Number 32 of 40
The nurse is teaching a parent how to administer oral iron
supplements to a 2 year-old child. Which of the following interventions
should be included in the teaching?

A) Stop the medication if the stools become tarry green

B) Give the medicine with orange juice and through a straw
C) Add the medicine to a bottle of formula
D) Administer the iron with your child's meals

The correct answer is B: Give the medicine with orange juice and
through a straw

Absorption of iron is facilitated in an environment rich in Vitamin C.

Since liquid iron preparation will stain teeth, a straw is preferred.

Question Number 33 of 40
The nurse is assessing a 7 year-old after several days of treatment for
a documented strep throat. Which of the following statements
suggests that further teaching is needed?

A) "Sometimes I take my medicine with fruit juice."

 B) "My mother makes me take my medicine right after school."
C) "Sometimes I take the pills in the morning and at night."
D) "I am feeling much better than I did last week."

The correct answer is C: "Sometimes I take the pills in the morning

and at night."

Inconsistency in taking the prescribed medication indicates more

teaching is needed.

Question Number 34 of 40
A nurse is assigned to perform well child assessments at a day care
center. A staff member interrupts the examinations to ask for
assistance. They find a crying 3 year-old child on the floor with her
mouth wide open and gums bleeding. Two unlabeled open bottles lie
next to her. The nurse's first action should be

A) Call the poison control center, then 911

B) Administer syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting
C) Give the child milk to coat her stomach
D) Ask the staff about the contents of the bottles

The correct answer is D: Ask the staff about the contents of the bottles

The nurse needs to assess what the child ingested before determining
the next action. Once the substance is identified, the poison control
center and emergency response team should be called.

Question Number 35 of 40
A client is receiving erythromycin 500mg IV every 6 hours to treat a
pneumonia. Which of the following is the most common side effect of
the medication?

A) Blurred vision
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Severe headache
D) Insomnia
The correct answer is B: Nausea and vomiting Nausea is a
common side-effect of erythromycin in both oral and intravenous
forms.

Question Number 35 of 40
A client is receiving erythromycin 500mg IV every 6 hours to treat a
pneumonia. Which of the following is the most common side effect of
the medication?

A) Blurred vision
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Severe headache
D) Insomnia

The correct answer is B: Nausea and vomiting ..Nausea is a common

side-effect of erythromycin in both oral and intravenous forms.

Question Number 36 of 40
The nurse is instructing a client with moderate persistent asthma on
the proper method for using MDI's (multi-dose inhalers). Which
medication should be administered first?

A) Steroid
B) Anticholinergic
C) Mast cell stabilizer
D) Beta agonist

The correct answer is D: Beta agonist The beta-agonist drugs

help to relieve bronchospasm by relaxing the smooth muscle of the
airway. These drugs should be taken first so that other medications
can reach the lungs

Question Number 37 of 40
The nurse practicing in a long term care facility recognizes that elderly
clients are at greater risk for drug toxicity than younger adults
because of which of the following physiological changes of advancing
age?

A) Absorb drugs more readily from the GI tract

B) Have less body water and more fat
C) Have more rapid hepatic metabolism
D) Are often malnourished and anemic
The correct answer is B: Have less body water and more fat

Because elderly persons have decreased lean body tissue/water in

which to distribute medications, more drug remains in the circulatory
system with potential for drug toxicity. Increased body fat results in
greater amounts of fat-soluble drugs being absorbed, leaving less in
circulation, thus increasing the duration of action of the drug

Question Number 38 of 40
When providing discharge teaching to a client with asthma, the nurse
will warn against the use of which of the following over-the-counter
medications?

A) Cortisone ointments for skin rashes

B) Aspirin products for pain relief
C) Cough medications containing guaifenesin
D) Histamine blockers for gastric distress

The correct answer is B: Aspirin products for pain relief

Aspirin is known to induce asthma attacks. Aspirin can also cause

nasal polyps and rhinitis. Warn individuals with asthma about signs
and symptoms resulting from complications due to aspirin ingestion

Question Number 39 of 40
A post-operative client has a prescription for acetaminophen with
codeine. What should the nurse recognizes as a primary effect of this
combination?

A) Enhanced pain relief

B) Minimized side effects
C) Prevention of drug tolerance
D) Increased onset of action

The correct answer is A: Enhanced pain relief

Combination of analgesics with different mechanisms of action can

afford greater pain relief

Question Number 40 of 40
A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of
these assessments is most important for the nurse to perform?

A) Monitor blood pressure every 4 hours

 B) Measure apical pulse prior to administration
C) Maintain accurate intake and output records
D) Record an EKG strip after administration
The correct answer is B: Measure apical pulse prior to administration

Digitoxin decreases conduction velocity through the AV node and

prolongs the refractory period. If the apical heart rate is less than 60
beats/minute, withhold the drug. The apical pulse should be taken with
a stethoscope so that there will be no mistake about what the heart
rate actually is