Page 1 of 102
NRSG 2350 COMPREHENSIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 1 – ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTION
BANK WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & IN-DEPTH RATIONALES
(2026 UPDATE)
Nursing / Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• Section 1 (Q1-35): Hematologic Disorders & Medications
• Section 2 (Q36-55): Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets &
Hemostasis
• Section 3 (Q56-90): Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, COPD &
Gas Exchange
• Section 4 (Q91-120): Endocrine System: Diabetes, Thyroid &
Adrenal Disorders
• Section 5 (Q121-135): Renal & Urinary Pathophysiology
• Section 6 (Q136-150): Cumulative Content Review
Section 1: Hematologic Disorders & Medications (Questions 1-
35)
Sources: NRSG 2350 Modules 4-6 Exam Blueprint; hematology
and oncology pharmacotherapy guidelines.
1. A patient with iron deficiency anemia is prescribed ferrous
sulfate. Which instruction should the nurse include in patient
teaching to maximize absorption?
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A) Take the medication with antacids to prevent stomach upset
B) Take the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption
C) Take the medication with milk to reduce gastrointestinal
distress
D) Take the medication on an empty stomach only, regardless of
tolerance
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Ferrous sulfate absorption is significantly
enhanced by vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Orange juice is a good
source of vitamin C. Antacids and tetracyclines decrease iron
absorption and should be taken 2 hours apart from ferrous
sulfate .
2. A patient prescribed ferrous sulfate reports black, tarry
stools. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding; stop the
medication immediately."
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B) "This is a normal side effect of iron supplementation."
C) "This indicates an allergic reaction; notify your provider
immediately."
D) "This means the medication is not being absorbed properly."
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Darkened stools are a common and expected side
effect of oral iron therapy. The nurse should reassure the patient
that this is harmless . Black, tarry stools differ from the dark
green/black discoloration typical of iron supplementation.
3. Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions
for a patient prescribed ferrous sulfate? (Select all that apply)
A) Administer with orange juice to enhance absorption
B) Administer with milk to reduce GI upset
C) Monitor for constipation and dark stools
D) Instruct patient to take with food if GI upset occurs
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CORRECT: A, C, D
RATIONALE: Iron supplements should be taken with vitamin C to
enhance absorption. Constipation and dark stools are common
side effects. Milk and antacids decrease absorption . If GI upset
occurs, taking with food is acceptable, although absorption may
be reduced.
4. Which is the most common side effect of ferrous sulfate
therapy?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Hypertension
D) Tachycardia
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Constipation is the most common side effect of
oral iron supplements. Patients should be advised to increase
NRSG 2350 COMPREHENSIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 1 – ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTION
BANK WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & IN-DEPTH RATIONALES
(2026 UPDATE)
Nursing / Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• Section 1 (Q1-35): Hematologic Disorders & Medications
• Section 2 (Q36-55): Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets &
Hemostasis
• Section 3 (Q56-90): Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, COPD &
Gas Exchange
• Section 4 (Q91-120): Endocrine System: Diabetes, Thyroid &
Adrenal Disorders
• Section 5 (Q121-135): Renal & Urinary Pathophysiology
• Section 6 (Q136-150): Cumulative Content Review
Section 1: Hematologic Disorders & Medications (Questions 1-
35)
Sources: NRSG 2350 Modules 4-6 Exam Blueprint; hematology
and oncology pharmacotherapy guidelines.
1. A patient with iron deficiency anemia is prescribed ferrous
sulfate. Which instruction should the nurse include in patient
teaching to maximize absorption?
, Page 2 of 102
A) Take the medication with antacids to prevent stomach upset
B) Take the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption
C) Take the medication with milk to reduce gastrointestinal
distress
D) Take the medication on an empty stomach only, regardless of
tolerance
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Ferrous sulfate absorption is significantly
enhanced by vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Orange juice is a good
source of vitamin C. Antacids and tetracyclines decrease iron
absorption and should be taken 2 hours apart from ferrous
sulfate .
2. A patient prescribed ferrous sulfate reports black, tarry
stools. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding; stop the
medication immediately."
, Page 3 of 102
B) "This is a normal side effect of iron supplementation."
C) "This indicates an allergic reaction; notify your provider
immediately."
D) "This means the medication is not being absorbed properly."
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Darkened stools are a common and expected side
effect of oral iron therapy. The nurse should reassure the patient
that this is harmless . Black, tarry stools differ from the dark
green/black discoloration typical of iron supplementation.
3. Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions
for a patient prescribed ferrous sulfate? (Select all that apply)
A) Administer with orange juice to enhance absorption
B) Administer with milk to reduce GI upset
C) Monitor for constipation and dark stools
D) Instruct patient to take with food if GI upset occurs
, Page 4 of 102
CORRECT: A, C, D
RATIONALE: Iron supplements should be taken with vitamin C to
enhance absorption. Constipation and dark stools are common
side effects. Milk and antacids decrease absorption . If GI upset
occurs, taking with food is acceptable, although absorption may
be reduced.
4. Which is the most common side effect of ferrous sulfate
therapy?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Hypertension
D) Tachycardia
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Constipation is the most common side effect of
oral iron supplements. Patients should be advised to increase
