PHARMACOLOGY
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
100 Comprehensive Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
,1. A patient receiving vancomycin develops flushing and redness during infusion. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Assess for infusion-related reaction and notify the provider as needed
C. Stop monitoring vital signs
D. Administer the medication faster
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid vancomycin infusion may cause an infusion reaction known as red man
syndrome. Slowing the infusion and monitoring the patient can reduce complications.
2. A patient taking warfarin asks which symptom should be reported immediately. Which
response is best?
A. Mild thirst
B. Unusual bleeding or bruising
C. Increased appetite
D. Temporary fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk by reducing clotting ability. Unexpected bleeding,
bruising, or signs of hemorrhage require prompt evaluation.
3. A patient taking an SSRI reports agitation, fever, and muscle rigidity. Which
complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Renal failure
D. Hypertension only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome can occur from excessive serotonin activity. Symptoms may
include agitation, fever, sweating, and neuromuscular changes.
4. A patient receiving insulin becomes shaky and confused. Which finding should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
, C. Hypertension
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lowers blood glucose and can cause hypoglycemia. Shakiness, confusion, and
sweating are common warning signs requiring treatment.
5. A patient prescribed phenytoin should receive which teaching?
A. Stop the medication when symptoms improve
B. Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental care
C. Double missed doses
D. Avoid all laboratory monitoring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenytoin may cause gingival hyperplasia and requires consistent oral care. Patients
should also receive monitoring for therapeutic levels and adverse effects.
6. A patient receiving vancomycin develops flushing and redness during infusion. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Assess for infusion-related reaction and notify the provider as needed
C. Stop monitoring vital signs
D. Administer the medication faster
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid vancomycin infusion may cause an infusion reaction known as red man
syndrome. Slowing the infusion and monitoring the patient can reduce complications.
7. A patient taking warfarin asks which symptom should be reported immediately. Which
response is best?
A. Mild thirst
B. Unusual bleeding or bruising
C. Increased appetite
D. Temporary fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk by reducing clotting ability. Unexpected bleeding,
bruising, or signs of hemorrhage require prompt evaluation.