NRS 2020 EXAM 3 (LATEST UPDATE
2026/2027) PHARMACOLOGY QUESTION
WITH VERIFIED ANSWER (ORIGINAL
EXAM) {GRADE A} -OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Which of the following is NOT a common adverse effect of opioid analgesics?
Sedation
Nausea
Diarrhea
Respiratory Depression - Correct answer Diarrhea
The client is taking prednisone for the flare up of Rheumatoid arthritis. Which
information regarding the prescribed prednisone should the nurse teach? Select all
that apply.
Stop taking the medication if you develop a round face.
b. When discontinuing this medication, it must be tapered.
c. Notify the HCP if you start feeling thirsty all the time.
d. Take the medication as prescribed; do not skip doses. - Correct answer B, D
A nursing student asks the nurse why the provider has ordered a combination product
containing an opioid analgesic and an NSAID for a patient who has cancer. Which
response by the nurse is correct?
,"There are decreased effects of NSAIDs on the GI tract when a combination product is
used."
"There is a decreased likelihood of opioid dependence when it is given in combination
with an NSAID."
"There are fewer adverse effects from both drugs when used in a combination
product."
"There is increased pain relief with the combination than when either product is used
alone." - Correct answer "There is increased pain relief with the combination than
when either product is used alone."
A client with thyroid cancer has just received Iodine-131 ablative therapy. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I must flush the toilet three times after I use it."
"I'm ready to hold my newborn grandson now."
"I need to wash my clothes separately from everyone else's clothes."
"I cannot share my toothpaste with anyone." - Correct answer "I'm ready to hold my
newborn grandson now."
A 17 year-old high school athlete with a history of asthma comes to your clinic seeking
a preventative medication for migraine headaches. Which of the following would be
contraindicated?
Valproate (valproic acid)
, Amitriptyline (Axert)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Propranolol (Inderal) - Correct answer Propranolol (Inderal)
A patient with cancer is admitted to the hospital. The nurse obtains an admission
history and learns that the patient has been taking oxycodone and a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID) for a year. The patient reports a recent increase in the
intensity of pain, along with a new pain described as "burning" and "shooting." The
nurse anticipates that the prescriber will order:
A combination opioid/NSAID and an adjunctive analgesic.
A fentanyl transdermal patch, acetaminophen, and an adjunctive analgesic for nerve
pain.
Intramuscular morphine sulfate and acetaminophen.
An increase in the oxycodone and NSAID doses. - Correct answer A fentanyl
transdermal patch, acetaminophen, and an adjunctive analgesic for nerve pain.
When titrating an analgesic to manage pain, what is the priority goal?
Titrate downwards to prevent toxicity.
Administer smallest dose that provides relief with the fewest side effects.
Titrate upward until the client is pain free.
Ensure that the drug is adequate to meet the client's subjective needs. - Correct
answer Administer smallest dose that provides relief with the fewest side effects.
2026/2027) PHARMACOLOGY QUESTION
WITH VERIFIED ANSWER (ORIGINAL
EXAM) {GRADE A} -OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Which of the following is NOT a common adverse effect of opioid analgesics?
Sedation
Nausea
Diarrhea
Respiratory Depression - Correct answer Diarrhea
The client is taking prednisone for the flare up of Rheumatoid arthritis. Which
information regarding the prescribed prednisone should the nurse teach? Select all
that apply.
Stop taking the medication if you develop a round face.
b. When discontinuing this medication, it must be tapered.
c. Notify the HCP if you start feeling thirsty all the time.
d. Take the medication as prescribed; do not skip doses. - Correct answer B, D
A nursing student asks the nurse why the provider has ordered a combination product
containing an opioid analgesic and an NSAID for a patient who has cancer. Which
response by the nurse is correct?
,"There are decreased effects of NSAIDs on the GI tract when a combination product is
used."
"There is a decreased likelihood of opioid dependence when it is given in combination
with an NSAID."
"There are fewer adverse effects from both drugs when used in a combination
product."
"There is increased pain relief with the combination than when either product is used
alone." - Correct answer "There is increased pain relief with the combination than
when either product is used alone."
A client with thyroid cancer has just received Iodine-131 ablative therapy. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I must flush the toilet three times after I use it."
"I'm ready to hold my newborn grandson now."
"I need to wash my clothes separately from everyone else's clothes."
"I cannot share my toothpaste with anyone." - Correct answer "I'm ready to hold my
newborn grandson now."
A 17 year-old high school athlete with a history of asthma comes to your clinic seeking
a preventative medication for migraine headaches. Which of the following would be
contraindicated?
Valproate (valproic acid)
, Amitriptyline (Axert)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Propranolol (Inderal) - Correct answer Propranolol (Inderal)
A patient with cancer is admitted to the hospital. The nurse obtains an admission
history and learns that the patient has been taking oxycodone and a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID) for a year. The patient reports a recent increase in the
intensity of pain, along with a new pain described as "burning" and "shooting." The
nurse anticipates that the prescriber will order:
A combination opioid/NSAID and an adjunctive analgesic.
A fentanyl transdermal patch, acetaminophen, and an adjunctive analgesic for nerve
pain.
Intramuscular morphine sulfate and acetaminophen.
An increase in the oxycodone and NSAID doses. - Correct answer A fentanyl
transdermal patch, acetaminophen, and an adjunctive analgesic for nerve pain.
When titrating an analgesic to manage pain, what is the priority goal?
Titrate downwards to prevent toxicity.
Administer smallest dose that provides relief with the fewest side effects.
Titrate upward until the client is pain free.
Ensure that the drug is adequate to meet the client's subjective needs. - Correct
answer Administer smallest dose that provides relief with the fewest side effects.
