NURS 316 PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 1
NURS 316 PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 1 Q&A BANK: 200 VERIFIED
NCLEX-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
DETAILED RATIONALES
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires
therapeutic drug monitoring. Which laboratory value is most important
to assess before administration?
A. Complete blood count
B. Serum drug level
C. Liver function tests
D. Serum electrolyte levels
B
Rationale: Therapeutic drug monitoring involves measuring serum drug
levels to ensure the medication remains within the therapeutic range.
This is essential for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices to prevent
toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
Question 2
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. The nurse
understands that this medication works by:
,A. Stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors
B. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart
C. Inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme
D. Blocking calcium channels in blood vessels
B
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors,
particularly in the heart, which decreases heart rate, contractility, and
cardiac output, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
Question 3
A patient is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which finding would
indicate digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 72 beats per minute
B. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
C. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, including seeing yellow-green halos
around lights, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include
nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin therapy. Which statement
indicates the patient understands the teaching?
,A. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches while on this medication."
B. "I will avoid eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables."
C. "I will take my medication at different times each day."
D. "I will stop taking the medication if I notice bruising."
B
Rationale: Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which can
antagonize the effects of warfarin. Patients should maintain consistent
vitamin K intake to keep INR levels stable.
Question 5
A patient is prescribed a medication that is a weak acid. The nurse
understands that this medication will be better absorbed in which part
of the gastrointestinal tract?
A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine
B
Rationale: Weak acids are better absorbed in the stomach because the
acidic environment promotes the non-ionized form of the drug, which is
more lipid-soluble and can readily cross cell membranes.
Question 6
, The nurse is administering a medication that has a narrow therapeutic
index. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the medication with food
B. Monitor serum drug levels regularly
C. Administer the medication at bedtime
D. Increase the dose if no response is seen
B
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index have a small margin
between therapeutic and toxic doses. Regular monitoring of serum drug
levels is essential to maintain safe and effective concentrations.
Question 7
A patient is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Aged cheese
C. Rice
D. Bread
B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese,
causing a hypertensive crisis. Patients must avoid these foods to
prevent dangerous blood pressure elevations.
Question 8
NURS 316 PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 1 Q&A BANK: 200 VERIFIED
NCLEX-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
DETAILED RATIONALES
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires
therapeutic drug monitoring. Which laboratory value is most important
to assess before administration?
A. Complete blood count
B. Serum drug level
C. Liver function tests
D. Serum electrolyte levels
B
Rationale: Therapeutic drug monitoring involves measuring serum drug
levels to ensure the medication remains within the therapeutic range.
This is essential for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices to prevent
toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
Question 2
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. The nurse
understands that this medication works by:
,A. Stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors
B. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart
C. Inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme
D. Blocking calcium channels in blood vessels
B
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors,
particularly in the heart, which decreases heart rate, contractility, and
cardiac output, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
Question 3
A patient is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which finding would
indicate digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 72 beats per minute
B. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
C. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, including seeing yellow-green halos
around lights, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include
nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin therapy. Which statement
indicates the patient understands the teaching?
,A. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches while on this medication."
B. "I will avoid eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables."
C. "I will take my medication at different times each day."
D. "I will stop taking the medication if I notice bruising."
B
Rationale: Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which can
antagonize the effects of warfarin. Patients should maintain consistent
vitamin K intake to keep INR levels stable.
Question 5
A patient is prescribed a medication that is a weak acid. The nurse
understands that this medication will be better absorbed in which part
of the gastrointestinal tract?
A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine
B
Rationale: Weak acids are better absorbed in the stomach because the
acidic environment promotes the non-ionized form of the drug, which is
more lipid-soluble and can readily cross cell membranes.
Question 6
, The nurse is administering a medication that has a narrow therapeutic
index. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the medication with food
B. Monitor serum drug levels regularly
C. Administer the medication at bedtime
D. Increase the dose if no response is seen
B
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index have a small margin
between therapeutic and toxic doses. Regular monitoring of serum drug
levels is essential to maintain safe and effective concentrations.
Question 7
A patient is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which food?
A. Apples
B. Aged cheese
C. Rice
D. Bread
B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese,
causing a hypertensive crisis. Patients must avoid these foods to
prevent dangerous blood pressure elevations.
Question 8
