Genitourinary System Exam Questions with
Detailed Rationales |
NGN Nursing Practice Test |
Medication Safety Study Guide
Part 1: Questions 1–5
Topic: Reproductive and Genitourinary System Pharmacology
Question 1
Clinical Scenario
A 26-year-old woman is prescribed nitrofurantoin for an
uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). She reports urinary
frequency, dysuria, and suprapubic discomfort for 2 days. Her
temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), blood pressure is 118/74 mm
Hg, heart rate is 78/min, and respiratory rate is 16/min. She has
no medication allergies. The nurse reviews her laboratory
results, which reveal a serum creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL and
normal liver function tests.
,Question Stem
Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding
of the prescribed medication?
A. "I should stop taking the medication as soon as my
symptoms improve."
B. "It is normal if my urine becomes dark yellow or brown while
taking this medication."
C. "I should avoid drinking fluids while taking this medication."
D. "I should take the medication only when I have urinary pain."
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. "It is normal if my urine becomes dark
yellow or brown while taking this medication."
Detailed Rationale
Nitrofurantoin is commonly prescribed for uncomplicated lower
urinary tract infections. A harmless adverse effect is brown or
dark yellow discoloration of the urine, and patients should be
reassured that this is expected. Completing the full prescribed
course is essential to eradicate bacteria and reduce
antimicrobial resistance.
Option A is incorrect because stopping antibiotics early
increases the risk of treatment failure and resistant organisms.
Option C is incorrect because increased fluid intake helps flush
,bacteria from the urinary tract and supports hydration. Option
D is incorrect because nitrofurantoin should be taken on a
scheduled basis to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations
rather than only when symptoms occur.
The nurse should also teach the patient to take nitrofurantoin
with food to improve absorption and decrease gastrointestinal
upset. Although pulmonary toxicity is uncommon with short-
term therapy, patients should report persistent cough or
shortness of breath. Monitoring renal function is important
because reduced renal clearance can decrease urinary drug
concentrations while increasing systemic toxicity.
Learning Objectives
After completing this question, the learner should be able to:
• Educate patients receiving nitrofurantoin.
• Identify expected harmless adverse effects.
• Reinforce completion of prescribed antibiotic therapy.
• Recognize the importance of renal function assessment
before administration.
Medication Safety Focus
Patient Education
Question 2
, Clinical Scenario
A 72-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
begins therapy with tamsulosin. Before discharge, the nurse
provides medication teaching. His blood pressure is 128/76 mm
Hg while sitting and 110/68 mm Hg when standing. He reports
occasional dizziness when getting out of bed.
Question Stem
Which nursing instruction is the priority?
A. Limit fluid intake to reduce urinary frequency.
B. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
C. Take the medication only when urinary symptoms occur.
D. Avoid eating foods rich in potassium.
Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Detailed Rationale
Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic blocker that
relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck,
improving urine flow in patients with BPH. One of the most
clinically significant adverse effects is orthostatic hypotension,
particularly during initiation of therapy. Since this patient
already demonstrates a measurable postural blood pressure