Pharmacology Exam: Nursing Considerations Study
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students and
Healthcare Professionals | Safe Medication
Administration, Patient Assessment, Side Effects,
Drug Interactions, Clinical Decision-Making, and
Nursing Interventions | Comprehensive
Pharmacology Exam Preparation to Strengthen
Clinical Judgment, Patient Safety, and Test
Performance
,Question 1:
What is the most common side effect of opioids?
A) Nausea
B) Respiratory depression
C) Insomnia
D) Hypertension
Correct Answer: A) Nausea
Rationale:
Opioids commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, with nausea being one of the
most frequently reported. This is attributed to their action on the central nervous
system, which can trigger the vomiting center in the brain. Nurses must monitor
patients for this side effect, especially after initiating therapy or increasing dosages, and
provide interventions such as antiemetics or advice on repositioning to alleviate
discomfort.
Question 2:
Which antidote is used for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose?
A) Activated charcoal
B) Naloxone
C) N-acetylcysteine
D) Atropine
Correct Answer: C) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale:
N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose and works by
replenishing glutathione, a critical antioxidant that helps detoxify harmful metabolites
formed during acetaminophen metabolism. Timely administration is crucial, preferably
within 8 to 10 hours of ingestion, to prevent liver damage. Nurses must be aware of this
timing and the importance of monitoring liver function tests in patients receiving this
antidote.
Question 3:
What is a major side effect of amiodarone that nurses should monitor for?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Edema
D) Constipation
, Correct Answer: A) Hyperthyroidism
Rationale:
Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can affect thyroid hormone levels due to its high
iodine content. It can lead to both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs in some patients, particularly in those with preexisting thyroid
abnormalities. Nurses should perform regular thyroid function tests and assess
patients for symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, and
tachycardia, to manage and mitigate risks associated with this medication effectively.
Question 4:
Which medication requires the administration of vitamin K as an antidote?
A) Warfarin
B) Heparin
C) Aspirin
D) Clopidogrel
Correct Answer: A) Warfarin
Rationale:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors,
increasing the risk of bleeding. If a patient experiences excessive bleeding or requires
urgent reversal of anticoagulation, vitamin K is used as an antidote. Nurses must be
vigilant in monitoring INR levels to ensure they remain within therapeutic ranges and
should educate patients on the signs of bleeding to facilitate early intervention if
necessary.
Question 5:
What side effect is most commonly associated with the use of SSRIs (Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
A) Dry mouth
B) Sexual dysfunction
C) Weight gain
D) Drowsiness
Correct Answer: B) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale:
SSRIs are widely prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders, but one of the most
commonly reported side effects is sexual dysfunction, which can include impaired
libido, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia. This side effect can significantly affect
patient compliance and quality of life. Nurses should assess patients for this side effect
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students and
Healthcare Professionals | Safe Medication
Administration, Patient Assessment, Side Effects,
Drug Interactions, Clinical Decision-Making, and
Nursing Interventions | Comprehensive
Pharmacology Exam Preparation to Strengthen
Clinical Judgment, Patient Safety, and Test
Performance
,Question 1:
What is the most common side effect of opioids?
A) Nausea
B) Respiratory depression
C) Insomnia
D) Hypertension
Correct Answer: A) Nausea
Rationale:
Opioids commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, with nausea being one of the
most frequently reported. This is attributed to their action on the central nervous
system, which can trigger the vomiting center in the brain. Nurses must monitor
patients for this side effect, especially after initiating therapy or increasing dosages, and
provide interventions such as antiemetics or advice on repositioning to alleviate
discomfort.
Question 2:
Which antidote is used for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose?
A) Activated charcoal
B) Naloxone
C) N-acetylcysteine
D) Atropine
Correct Answer: C) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale:
N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose and works by
replenishing glutathione, a critical antioxidant that helps detoxify harmful metabolites
formed during acetaminophen metabolism. Timely administration is crucial, preferably
within 8 to 10 hours of ingestion, to prevent liver damage. Nurses must be aware of this
timing and the importance of monitoring liver function tests in patients receiving this
antidote.
Question 3:
What is a major side effect of amiodarone that nurses should monitor for?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Edema
D) Constipation
, Correct Answer: A) Hyperthyroidism
Rationale:
Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can affect thyroid hormone levels due to its high
iodine content. It can lead to both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs in some patients, particularly in those with preexisting thyroid
abnormalities. Nurses should perform regular thyroid function tests and assess
patients for symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, and
tachycardia, to manage and mitigate risks associated with this medication effectively.
Question 4:
Which medication requires the administration of vitamin K as an antidote?
A) Warfarin
B) Heparin
C) Aspirin
D) Clopidogrel
Correct Answer: A) Warfarin
Rationale:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors,
increasing the risk of bleeding. If a patient experiences excessive bleeding or requires
urgent reversal of anticoagulation, vitamin K is used as an antidote. Nurses must be
vigilant in monitoring INR levels to ensure they remain within therapeutic ranges and
should educate patients on the signs of bleeding to facilitate early intervention if
necessary.
Question 5:
What side effect is most commonly associated with the use of SSRIs (Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
A) Dry mouth
B) Sexual dysfunction
C) Weight gain
D) Drowsiness
Correct Answer: B) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale:
SSRIs are widely prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders, but one of the most
commonly reported side effects is sexual dysfunction, which can include impaired
libido, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia. This side effect can significantly affect
patient compliance and quality of life. Nurses should assess patients for this side effect
