Pharmacology Exam 4 Practice Questions — with
Correct Answers & Rationales | 100% Pass
Guaranteed | graded A+
Question 1
Question : The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an intravenous antibiotic. The nurse notes that the
provider has ordered serum drug peak and trough levels. The nurse understands that these tests are necessary
for which type of drugs?
Answer Choices:
A. Drugs with a broad spectrum
B. Drugs with a narrow spectrum
C. Drugs with a broad therapeutic index
D. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
Correct Answer: D. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
B. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
C. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
D. Correct. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
Question 2
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin (Amoxil) to a patient and learns that the patient
previously experienced a rash when taking penicillin. Which action will the nurse take?
,Answer Choices:
A. Administer the amoxicillin and have epinephrine available
B. Ask the provider to order an antihistamine
C. Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic
D. Request an order for a beta-lactamase resistant drug
Correct Answer: C. Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
B. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
C. Correct. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
D. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
Question 3
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary
tract infection. Which action is most important prior to administering the antibiotic?
Answer Choices:
A. Administering a small test dose to determine whether hypersensitivity exists
B. Having epinephrine available in the event of a severe hypersensitivity reaction
C. Monitoring baseline vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure
D. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Correct Answer: D. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
, B. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
C. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
D. Correct. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
Question 4
Question : The nurse is teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin
(Amoxil) twice daily for 10 days. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
Answer Choices:
A. "Discontinue the antibiotic when your temperature returns to normal and your symptoms have improved."
B. "If diarrhea occurs, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your provider."
C. "Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug."
D. "You may save any unused antibiotic to use if your symptoms recur."
Correct Answer: C. "Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug."
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
B. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
C. Correct. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
, D. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
Question 5
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient.
When reviewing the patient's chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking
amoxicillin. What is the nurse's next action?
Answer Choices:
A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
B. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used.
C. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity
D. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin
Correct Answer: A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Correct. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
B. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
C. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
D. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
Question 6
Question : The nurse is preparing to give a dose of a cephalosporin medication to a patient who has been
receiving the antibiotic for 2 weeks. The nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa. Which
action will the nurse take?
Answer Choices:
A. Hold the drug and notify the provider
Correct Answers & Rationales | 100% Pass
Guaranteed | graded A+
Question 1
Question : The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an intravenous antibiotic. The nurse notes that the
provider has ordered serum drug peak and trough levels. The nurse understands that these tests are necessary
for which type of drugs?
Answer Choices:
A. Drugs with a broad spectrum
B. Drugs with a narrow spectrum
C. Drugs with a broad therapeutic index
D. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
Correct Answer: D. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
B. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
C. Incorrect. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
D. Correct. Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a limited range between the therapeutic dose
and a toxic dose. It is important to monitor these medications closely by evaluating regular serum peak and
trough levels.
Question 2
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin (Amoxil) to a patient and learns that the patient
previously experienced a rash when taking penicillin. Which action will the nurse take?
,Answer Choices:
A. Administer the amoxicillin and have epinephrine available
B. Ask the provider to order an antihistamine
C. Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic
D. Request an order for a beta-lactamase resistant drug
Correct Answer: C. Contact the provider to discuss using a different antibiotic
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
B. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
C. Correct. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
D. Incorrect. Patients who have previously experienced manifestations of allergy to a penicillin should not use
penicillins again unless necessary. The nurse should contact the provider to discuss using another antibiotic
from a different class. Epinephrine and antihistamines are useful when patients are experiencing allergic
reactions, depending on severity.
Question 3
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary
tract infection. Which action is most important prior to administering the antibiotic?
Answer Choices:
A. Administering a small test dose to determine whether hypersensitivity exists
B. Having epinephrine available in the event of a severe hypersensitivity reaction
C. Monitoring baseline vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure
D. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Correct Answer: D. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
, B. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
C. Incorrect. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
D. Correct. To obtain the most accurate culture, the specimen should be obtained before antibiotic therapy
begins. It is important to obtain cultures when possible to correctly identify the organism and help determine
which antibiotic will be most effective. Administering test doses to determine hypersensitivity is sometimes
done when there is a strong suspicion of allergy when a particular antibiotic is needed. Epinephrine is kept
close at hand when there is a strong suspicion of allergy.
Question 4
Question : The nurse is teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin
(Amoxil) twice daily for 10 days. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
Answer Choices:
A. "Discontinue the antibiotic when your temperature returns to normal and your symptoms have improved."
B. "If diarrhea occurs, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your provider."
C. "Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug."
D. "You may save any unused antibiotic to use if your symptoms recur."
Correct Answer: C. "Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug."
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
B. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
C. Correct. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
, D. Incorrect. Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing
medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the
prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of
the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the
provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
Question 5
Question : The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient.
When reviewing the patient's chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking
amoxicillin. What is the nurse's next action?
Answer Choices:
A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
B. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used.
C. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity
D. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin
Correct Answer: A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
Rationales for All Answer Choices:
A. Correct. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
B. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
C. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
D. Incorrect. A small percentage of patients who are allergic to penicillin could also be allergic to a
cephalosporin product. Patients should be monitored closely after receiving a cephalosporin if they are allergic
to penicillin. There is no difference in hypersensitivity potential between different generations or method of
delivery of cephalosporins
Question 6
Question : The nurse is preparing to give a dose of a cephalosporin medication to a patient who has been
receiving the antibiotic for 2 weeks. The nurse notes ulcers on the patient's tongue and buccal mucosa. Which
action will the nurse take?
Answer Choices:
A. Hold the drug and notify the provider
