RELIAS RN
Pharmacology Test A | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• RN Pharmacology Test A practice questions
• Answers for self-assessment
• Detailed rationales and explanations
• Medication-class review
• Nursing interventions and precautions
• Clinical application questions
• Pharmacology exam preparation
• Comprehensive nursing review
, Relias RN Pharmacology Test A | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide
1. What medication is a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
A. Montelukast
B. Albuterol
C. Prednisone
D. Theophylline
Answer: A
Rationale: Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist
used in the management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It works by
blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators that cause
bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and airway edema. Albuterol is a
beta-2 agonist, prednisone is a corticosteroid, and theophylline is a
methylxanthine.
2. Which statement made by a person regarding hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ) is correct?
A. "I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions."
B. "I can stop taking this medication when my blood pressure is normal."
C. "I should take this medication at bedtime."
D. "This medication will increase my potassium levels."
Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause
,orthostatic hypotension due to volume depletion. Patients should be
instructed to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness
and falls. HCTZ does not increase potassium; it can cause hypokalemia. It
should be taken in the morning to avoid nocturia.
3. A 250mg dose of an oral medication has been ordered. The
medication is supplied only in 100mg tablets. How many tablets
would you administer?
A. 2 tablets
B. 2.5 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 2.25 tablets
Answer: B
Rationale: 250 mg ÷ 100 mg per tablet = 2.5 tablets. The nurse should
administer two and one-half tablets. When possible, the nurse should
confirm with pharmacy if a different strength is available to avoid splitting
tablets.
4. What medication is considered a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
D. Bumetanide (Bumex)
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that
, works by blocking aldosterone in the distal convoluted tubule, promoting
sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium. Furosemide,
HCTZ, and bumetanide all cause potassium loss.
5. You receive report from the off-going nurse that the person being
cared for just received their fourth dose of IV vancomycin that was
administered over 30 minutes. Upon assessment of them, you notice
their face and neck are red and they are itching all over. What would
you suspect?
A. Anaphylactic reaction
B. Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate
C. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
D. Serum sickness
Answer: B
Rationale: Red man syndrome is a histamine-mediated reaction to rapid
infusion of vancomycin, characterized by flushing, erythema, and pruritus of
the face, neck, and upper torso. It is not a true allergic reaction. Prevention
includes infusing vancomycin over at least 60 minutes. The symptoms
should resolve with slowing the infusion or administering antihistamines.
6. Sildenafil (Viagra) is prescribed to treat a patient with erectile
dysfunction. A nurse reviews the patient's medical record and would
question the prescription if which of the following is noted in the
history?
Pharmacology Test A | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• RN Pharmacology Test A practice questions
• Answers for self-assessment
• Detailed rationales and explanations
• Medication-class review
• Nursing interventions and precautions
• Clinical application questions
• Pharmacology exam preparation
• Comprehensive nursing review
, Relias RN Pharmacology Test A | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide
1. What medication is a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
A. Montelukast
B. Albuterol
C. Prednisone
D. Theophylline
Answer: A
Rationale: Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist
used in the management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It works by
blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators that cause
bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and airway edema. Albuterol is a
beta-2 agonist, prednisone is a corticosteroid, and theophylline is a
methylxanthine.
2. Which statement made by a person regarding hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ) is correct?
A. "I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions."
B. "I can stop taking this medication when my blood pressure is normal."
C. "I should take this medication at bedtime."
D. "This medication will increase my potassium levels."
Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause
,orthostatic hypotension due to volume depletion. Patients should be
instructed to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness
and falls. HCTZ does not increase potassium; it can cause hypokalemia. It
should be taken in the morning to avoid nocturia.
3. A 250mg dose of an oral medication has been ordered. The
medication is supplied only in 100mg tablets. How many tablets
would you administer?
A. 2 tablets
B. 2.5 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 2.25 tablets
Answer: B
Rationale: 250 mg ÷ 100 mg per tablet = 2.5 tablets. The nurse should
administer two and one-half tablets. When possible, the nurse should
confirm with pharmacy if a different strength is available to avoid splitting
tablets.
4. What medication is considered a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
D. Bumetanide (Bumex)
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that
, works by blocking aldosterone in the distal convoluted tubule, promoting
sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium. Furosemide,
HCTZ, and bumetanide all cause potassium loss.
5. You receive report from the off-going nurse that the person being
cared for just received their fourth dose of IV vancomycin that was
administered over 30 minutes. Upon assessment of them, you notice
their face and neck are red and they are itching all over. What would
you suspect?
A. Anaphylactic reaction
B. Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate
C. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
D. Serum sickness
Answer: B
Rationale: Red man syndrome is a histamine-mediated reaction to rapid
infusion of vancomycin, characterized by flushing, erythema, and pruritus of
the face, neck, and upper torso. It is not a true allergic reaction. Prevention
includes infusing vancomycin over at least 60 minutes. The symptoms
should resolve with slowing the infusion or administering antihistamines.
6. Sildenafil (Viagra) is prescribed to treat a patient with erectile
dysfunction. A nurse reviews the patient's medical record and would
question the prescription if which of the following is noted in the
history?
