NUR 2474 Pharmacology Module 8 Practice Test 2026/2027 | Most Frequently Tested Questions | Graded A+| Rasmussen College

NUR 2474 Pharmacology Module 8 Practice
Test 2026/2027 | Most Frequently Tested
Questions | Graded A+| Rasmussen College
Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action (MOA) of
morphine?

A. Blocks dopamine receptors in the CNS
B. Agonist at mu (μ) opioid receptors
C. Antagonist at mu (μ) opioid receptors
D. Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes

Correct Answer: B. Agonist at mu (μ) opioid receptors

Rationale: Morphine is a full agonist at mu opioid receptors in the CNS, producing
analgesia, euphoria, and respiratory depression .



Question 2

A patient is anxious about becoming addicted to morphine. What should the nurse
include in the teaching plan about tolerance and dependence?

A. Tolerance and addiction are the same thing
B. Dependence always leads to addiction
C. Tolerance means increased dosage is needed to obtain the same response;
dependence is a physical adaptation
D. Addiction is rare in patients taking opioids for acute pain, but tolerance always
develops

Correct Answer: C. Tolerance means increased dosage is needed to obtain the same
response; dependence is a physical adaptation

Rationale: Tolerance is defined as needing increased dosage to achieve the same effect.
Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt

,discontinuation. Physical dependence is rare when opioids are used correctly for pain
management .



Question 3

A patient is on a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump with morphine. What is
the most important teaching point for the patient and family?

A. Family members can press the button if the patient is sleeping
B. Only the patient should control the PCA pump to prevent overdose
C. The pump should be set to deliver a continuous infusion only
D. The patient should press the button every 15 minutes regardless of pain

Correct Answer: B. Only the patient should control the PCA pump to prevent overdose

Rationale: Only the patient should control the PCA pump. Family members pressing the
button can cause an overdose. Education should be completed prior to surgery .



Question 4

A patient on morphine has not had any urine output for 5 hours. What is the
nurse's interpretation of this finding?

A. The patient is dehydrated and needs more fluids
B. The patient is experiencing urinary retention from morphine
C. The patient is in renal failure
D. The patient is not drinking enough water

Correct Answer: B. The patient is experiencing urinary retention from morphine

Rationale: Morphine can cause urinary retention as an adverse effect. Depending on the
results of a bladder scan, the patient may need a straight catheter to drain urine .



Question 5

The telemetry monitor calls about a patient admitted for pain management who is
on Morphine 1.0 mg IV qh and Hydrocodone-ASAP 10/325mg PO. The patient is

,sleeping soundly and snoring, with BP 70/40, RR 6 bpm, and SpO2 85% on 2L
oxygen. What has happened?

A. The patient is having an allergic reaction
B. Opioid overdose
C. The patient is sleeping normally
D. The patient is experiencing breakthrough pain

Correct Answer: B. Opioid overdose

Rationale: The patient is showing signs of opioid overdose: respiratory depression (RR
6), hypotension (BP 70/40), hypoxia (SpO2 85%), and altered consciousness. The
combination of morphine and hydrocodone has caused respiratory depression .



Question 6

What is the antidote for opioid overdose?

A. Flumazenil
B. Naloxone (Narcan)
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Atropine

Correct Answer: B. Naloxone (Narcan)

Rationale: Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose. It can be administered IV, IM,
SubQ, or intranasally. It has a 2-hour half-life and may need to be given as a series of
small doses .



Question 7

What adverse effects should the nurse monitor for in a patient on morphine?

A. Hypertension and tachycardia
B. Respiratory depression, constipation, and urinary retention
C. Hypoglycemia and weight gain
D. Diarrhea and nausea only

Correct Answer: B. Respiratory depression, constipation, and urinary retention

, Rationale: Morphine can cause respiratory depression (monitor RR, SpO2, respiratory
depth), constipation, urinary retention, sedation, and nausea/vomiting. If using PCA,
monitor CO2 levels .



Question 8

If a patient on a PCA pump has a respiratory rate of 8 bpm, what is the nurse's
priority action?

A. Increase the PCA dose
B. Administer Naloxone and notify the provider
C. Turn off the PCA pump and reassess in 30 minutes
D. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths

Correct Answer: B. Administer Naloxone and notify the provider

Rationale: Respiratory depression (RR < 10) is a sign of opioid overdose requiring
immediate intervention. Naloxone should be administered .



Question 9

Which of the following statements about physical dependence and addiction with
opioids is correct?

A. Physical dependence and addiction are the same condition
B. Physical dependence is rare when opioids are used short-term for pain
C. All patients on opioids will develop addiction
D. Physical dependence is a psychological condition

Correct Answer: B. Physical dependence is rare when opioids are used short-term for
pain

Rationale: Physical dependence is NOT the same as addiction. Significant physical
dependence is rare when opioids are used short term for pain relief. There is no
justification for withholding opioids from patients in pain based on concerns about
physical dependence .