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NR 293 Pharmacology Final Exam Practice Test | Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales | 2026–2027
Chamberlain University| Grade A
Question 1
Best practice before administering an antibiotic is to:
A. Administer the first dose immediately
B. Obtain a culture and sensitivity
C. Check the patient's temperature
D. Ensure the patient has eaten
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Obtain a culture and sensitivity
Rationale: Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S) before initiating
antibiotic therapy is crucial to identify the causative organism and its susceptibility to
specific antibiotics, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
Question 2
Patients with Parkinson's disease often take benztropine, an anticholinergic, which:
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A. Increases dopamine levels
B. Decreases tremors and rigidity
C. Improves memory
D. Treats depression
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decreases tremors and rigidity
Rationale: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic drug used to treat Parkinson's
symptoms by helping to balance the levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. It is
particularly effective in reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.
Question 3
The timing of administration for the short-acting insulin, lispro, is:
A. 30-60 minutes before a meal
B. At bedtime
C. 15 minutes before a meal
D. With the first bite of a meal
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 15 minutes before a meal
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15 minutes. It
should be administered just before (0-15 minutes) a meal to cover the postprandial rise
in blood glucose.
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Question 4
True or False: Nurses should give patients with a new antihypertensive prescription
the insert from the manufacturer.
A. True
B. False
CORRECT ANSWER: B. False
Rationale: Nurses should not simply give patients the manufacturer's insert. Patient
education should be provided by the nurse, using clear, understandable language
tailored to the patient's needs, and should include verbal instructions and an
opportunity for questions.
Question 5
Signs of thrush when patients use steroid inhalers include:
A. Dry mouth
B. White lesions in the mouth or throat
C. Increased thirst
D. Cough
CORRECT ANSWER: B. White lesions in the mouth or throat
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oral fungal infections (thrush), which
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present as white, patchy lesions in the mouth or throat. Patients should rinse their
mouth with water after each use to prevent this.
Question 6
This drug is often given for rapid diuresis and heart failure. Which lab should the nurse
monitor?
Drug: Furosemide
Monitor lab:
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium loss
(hypokalemia). Potassium levels must be monitored closely to prevent cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 7
Describe the adverse effects of phenytoin: (Select all that apply.)
A. Suicidal ideation and behaviors
B. Hepatic failure
NR 293 Pharmacology Final Exam Practice Test | Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales | 2026–2027
Chamberlain University| Grade A
Question 1
Best practice before administering an antibiotic is to:
A. Administer the first dose immediately
B. Obtain a culture and sensitivity
C. Check the patient's temperature
D. Ensure the patient has eaten
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Obtain a culture and sensitivity
Rationale: Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S) before initiating
antibiotic therapy is crucial to identify the causative organism and its susceptibility to
specific antibiotics, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
Question 2
Patients with Parkinson's disease often take benztropine, an anticholinergic, which:
,2|Page
A. Increases dopamine levels
B. Decreases tremors and rigidity
C. Improves memory
D. Treats depression
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decreases tremors and rigidity
Rationale: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic drug used to treat Parkinson's
symptoms by helping to balance the levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. It is
particularly effective in reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.
Question 3
The timing of administration for the short-acting insulin, lispro, is:
A. 30-60 minutes before a meal
B. At bedtime
C. 15 minutes before a meal
D. With the first bite of a meal
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 15 minutes before a meal
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15 minutes. It
should be administered just before (0-15 minutes) a meal to cover the postprandial rise
in blood glucose.
,3|Page
Question 4
True or False: Nurses should give patients with a new antihypertensive prescription
the insert from the manufacturer.
A. True
B. False
CORRECT ANSWER: B. False
Rationale: Nurses should not simply give patients the manufacturer's insert. Patient
education should be provided by the nurse, using clear, understandable language
tailored to the patient's needs, and should include verbal instructions and an
opportunity for questions.
Question 5
Signs of thrush when patients use steroid inhalers include:
A. Dry mouth
B. White lesions in the mouth or throat
C. Increased thirst
D. Cough
CORRECT ANSWER: B. White lesions in the mouth or throat
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oral fungal infections (thrush), which
, 4|Page
present as white, patchy lesions in the mouth or throat. Patients should rinse their
mouth with water after each use to prevent this.
Question 6
This drug is often given for rapid diuresis and heart failure. Which lab should the nurse
monitor?
Drug: Furosemide
Monitor lab:
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium loss
(hypokalemia). Potassium levels must be monitored closely to prevent cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 7
Describe the adverse effects of phenytoin: (Select all that apply.)
A. Suicidal ideation and behaviors
B. Hepatic failure
