NCLEX-RN Pharmacology Practice Exam
Questions with Rationales |
Introduction to Pharmacology |
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy |
NGN | Nursing Test Bank |
20 Original NCLEX-Style MCQs
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 68-year-old man is admitted with community-acquired
pneumonia. His medical history includes hypertension, stage 3
chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis. During medication
reconciliation, the nurse notes that the client takes lisinopril,
acetaminophen as needed, and an over-the-counter herbal
supplement. The provider prescribes an intravenous antibiotic
and requests that the nurse complete the medication history
before administering the first dose.
,Question Stem
Which nursing action is the highest priority before
administering the prescribed medication?
A. Ask the client about all prescription medications, over-the-
counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements currently
used.
B. Delay all prescribed medications until the pharmacist verifies
every medication.
C. Administer the antibiotic immediately because timely
treatment is most important.
D. Ask only about medications prescribed within the past
month.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: A. Ask the client about all prescription
medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal
supplements currently used.
Detailed Rationale
Medication reconciliation is a foundational component of safe
pharmacologic care and helps prevent adverse drug events,
omissions, duplications, and harmful drug interactions. A
complete medication history includes prescription medications,
over-the-counter (OTC) products, herbal supplements, vitamins,
,recreational substances, and recently discontinued medications.
Herbal products such as St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic,
and ginseng can significantly alter drug metabolism or increase
bleeding risk. Because this client has chronic kidney disease,
identifying nephrotoxic medications and potential interactions
is especially important before initiating therapy.
Option B is incorrect because delaying urgently indicated
antibiotics without a specific safety concern can negatively
affect patient outcomes. Verification should occur efficiently
without unnecessary treatment delays.
Option C is incorrect because administering medication before
obtaining an accurate medication history increases the risk for
preventable adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions.
Option D is incorrect because medications taken beyond the
past month may still influence current therapy, particularly
long-term prescriptions and supplements.
Medication reconciliation is required during admission, transfer
between care settings, and discharge to improve patient safety
and continuity of care.
Learning Objective
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Describe the purpose of medication reconciliation.
, • Identify information required for a complete medication
history.
• Explain how herbal supplements influence medication
safety.
Medication Safety Focus
Medication Reconciliation
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A 74-year-old woman is prescribed a new antihypertensive
medication. Before administering the first dose, the nurse
assesses the client's blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate,
allergies, and recent laboratory results. The client asks why so
many assessments are necessary before receiving a medication.
Question Stem
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "These assessments help determine whether the medication
can be given safely and provide a baseline for evaluating its
effects."
B. "The assessments are required only because you are over 65
years old."
Questions with Rationales |
Introduction to Pharmacology |
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy |
NGN | Nursing Test Bank |
20 Original NCLEX-Style MCQs
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 68-year-old man is admitted with community-acquired
pneumonia. His medical history includes hypertension, stage 3
chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis. During medication
reconciliation, the nurse notes that the client takes lisinopril,
acetaminophen as needed, and an over-the-counter herbal
supplement. The provider prescribes an intravenous antibiotic
and requests that the nurse complete the medication history
before administering the first dose.
,Question Stem
Which nursing action is the highest priority before
administering the prescribed medication?
A. Ask the client about all prescription medications, over-the-
counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements currently
used.
B. Delay all prescribed medications until the pharmacist verifies
every medication.
C. Administer the antibiotic immediately because timely
treatment is most important.
D. Ask only about medications prescribed within the past
month.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: A. Ask the client about all prescription
medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal
supplements currently used.
Detailed Rationale
Medication reconciliation is a foundational component of safe
pharmacologic care and helps prevent adverse drug events,
omissions, duplications, and harmful drug interactions. A
complete medication history includes prescription medications,
over-the-counter (OTC) products, herbal supplements, vitamins,
,recreational substances, and recently discontinued medications.
Herbal products such as St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic,
and ginseng can significantly alter drug metabolism or increase
bleeding risk. Because this client has chronic kidney disease,
identifying nephrotoxic medications and potential interactions
is especially important before initiating therapy.
Option B is incorrect because delaying urgently indicated
antibiotics without a specific safety concern can negatively
affect patient outcomes. Verification should occur efficiently
without unnecessary treatment delays.
Option C is incorrect because administering medication before
obtaining an accurate medication history increases the risk for
preventable adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions.
Option D is incorrect because medications taken beyond the
past month may still influence current therapy, particularly
long-term prescriptions and supplements.
Medication reconciliation is required during admission, transfer
between care settings, and discharge to improve patient safety
and continuity of care.
Learning Objective
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Describe the purpose of medication reconciliation.
, • Identify information required for a complete medication
history.
• Explain how herbal supplements influence medication
safety.
Medication Safety Focus
Medication Reconciliation
Question 2
Clinical Scenario
A 74-year-old woman is prescribed a new antihypertensive
medication. Before administering the first dose, the nurse
assesses the client's blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate,
allergies, and recent laboratory results. The client asks why so
many assessments are necessary before receiving a medication.
Question Stem
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "These assessments help determine whether the medication
can be given safely and provide a baseline for evaluating its
effects."
B. "The assessments are required only because you are over 65
years old."
