RN NCLEX COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW:
PHARMACOLOGY IN NURSING COMPLETE
STUDY GUIDE 2026 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,1 tbsp = ? tsp 3 tsp
37.0 degrees Celsius = ? degrees Fahrenheit 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Formula to find Celsius C=(F-32)x(5/9)
Formula to find Fahrenheit F=(Cx9/5)+32
Adverse Reaction Negative effects experienced by a client as a result of a specific medication; may
be hazardous, tolerated, or subside with continued use
RN must assess before administering medications to a pt. 1. Allergies and adverse effects
(3) 2. Current medication regimen for potential interactions
3. Physiologic status compared to baseline assessment data
6 Rights of Medication Administration 1. Right client
2. Right medication
3. Right dose
4. Right time
5. Right route
6. Right documentation
Average time to draw peak levels: Oral (PO) 1-2 hours after administration
Average time to draw peak levels: Intramuscular (IM) 1 hour after administration
Average time to draw peak levels: Intravenous (IV) 30 minutes
Trough Level Reflect the lowest concentration or residual level and are usually obtained within
15 minutes prior to administration of the next scheduled dose
Culture and Sensitivity Cultures are obtained to detect the presence of pathogens within the specimen
collected. If a culture produces organisms, testing is performed in the laboratory
to identify the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Begin antibiotic therapy after
obtaining lab sample.
, Guidelines for Safe IV Administration (5) 1. Review medication guidelines for precautions related to IV administration for
compatibility, rate of admin., necessity of infusion pump, and serious adverse
reactions
2. Never administer medications through tubing being used for blood
administration
3. Implement standard precautions when performing and IV site change
4. Fluids should be infused within 24 hours to prevent infection (discard unused
portion)
5. Maintain patency of IV access
Prevent Infiltration of IV site (3) 1. Use smallest catheter for prescribed therapy
2. Stabilize port-access
3. Assess blood return
Treatment for Infiltrated IV (5) 1. Stop infusion
2. Remove peripheral catheters
3. Apply cold compress
4. Elevate extremity
5. Insert new catheter into opposite extremity
Prevent Extravasation of IV (1) 1. Know vesicant potential before giving med.
Treatment for Extravasated IV (5) 1. Stop infusion
2. Discontinue administration set
3. Aspirate drug if possible
4. Apply cold compress
5. Document condition of site (may photograph)
Infiltration When IV fluid or medication leaks into surrounding tissue
Extravasation Leakage of IV fluid or medication into the extravascular tissue around the site of
infusion
Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis Inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form able block one or more
vein
Prevent Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis (3) 1. Rotate site every 72h-96h
2. Secure catheter
3. Use aseptic technique
PHARMACOLOGY IN NURSING COMPLETE
STUDY GUIDE 2026 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,1 tbsp = ? tsp 3 tsp
37.0 degrees Celsius = ? degrees Fahrenheit 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Formula to find Celsius C=(F-32)x(5/9)
Formula to find Fahrenheit F=(Cx9/5)+32
Adverse Reaction Negative effects experienced by a client as a result of a specific medication; may
be hazardous, tolerated, or subside with continued use
RN must assess before administering medications to a pt. 1. Allergies and adverse effects
(3) 2. Current medication regimen for potential interactions
3. Physiologic status compared to baseline assessment data
6 Rights of Medication Administration 1. Right client
2. Right medication
3. Right dose
4. Right time
5. Right route
6. Right documentation
Average time to draw peak levels: Oral (PO) 1-2 hours after administration
Average time to draw peak levels: Intramuscular (IM) 1 hour after administration
Average time to draw peak levels: Intravenous (IV) 30 minutes
Trough Level Reflect the lowest concentration or residual level and are usually obtained within
15 minutes prior to administration of the next scheduled dose
Culture and Sensitivity Cultures are obtained to detect the presence of pathogens within the specimen
collected. If a culture produces organisms, testing is performed in the laboratory
to identify the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Begin antibiotic therapy after
obtaining lab sample.
, Guidelines for Safe IV Administration (5) 1. Review medication guidelines for precautions related to IV administration for
compatibility, rate of admin., necessity of infusion pump, and serious adverse
reactions
2. Never administer medications through tubing being used for blood
administration
3. Implement standard precautions when performing and IV site change
4. Fluids should be infused within 24 hours to prevent infection (discard unused
portion)
5. Maintain patency of IV access
Prevent Infiltration of IV site (3) 1. Use smallest catheter for prescribed therapy
2. Stabilize port-access
3. Assess blood return
Treatment for Infiltrated IV (5) 1. Stop infusion
2. Remove peripheral catheters
3. Apply cold compress
4. Elevate extremity
5. Insert new catheter into opposite extremity
Prevent Extravasation of IV (1) 1. Know vesicant potential before giving med.
Treatment for Extravasated IV (5) 1. Stop infusion
2. Discontinue administration set
3. Aspirate drug if possible
4. Apply cold compress
5. Document condition of site (may photograph)
Infiltration When IV fluid or medication leaks into surrounding tissue
Extravasation Leakage of IV fluid or medication into the extravascular tissue around the site of
infusion
Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis Inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form able block one or more
vein
Prevent Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis (3) 1. Rotate site every 72h-96h
2. Secure catheter
3. Use aseptic technique
