,PNR 105 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide &
150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed gentamicin for a severe infection. Which diagnostic laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely to detect potential nephrotoxicity?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Creatinine and BUN
C. White blood cell count
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aminoglycosides like gentamicin are known for being highly nephrotoxic. Monitoring
creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is essential to assess kidney function during therapy. If
these levels rise significantly, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose or
discontinue the medication to prevent permanent damage.
2. When administering vancomycin intravenously, the nurse notes the patient's face and neck
have become bright red and itchy. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Immediately stop the infusion
B. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously
C. Apply cool compresses to the affected area
,D. Slow the rate of the infusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This reaction is known as Red Man Syndrome, which is caused by the rapid infusion
of vancomycin. It is not a true allergic reaction but an infusion-related histamine release. The
standard protocol is to slow the infusion rate and notify the provider, rather than stopping it
entirely unless an actual anaphylactic response is suspected.
3. A patient with a history of a severe anaphylactic reaction to penicillin is prescribed
cephalexin. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Administer the cephalexin as prescribed
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Administer diphenhydramine before the cephalexin
D. Administer half the prescribed dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cephalosporins share a beta-lactam ring structure with penicillins, creating a risk for
cross-reactivity. A patient with a severe anaphylactic reaction to penicillin should not receive
cephalosporins without careful evaluation. The nurse should hold the medication and notify the
provider immediately.
, 4. A patient is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) for a bacterial infection. Which instruction
should the nurse include in patient teaching?
A. "Take this medication with alcohol to enhance its effectiveness."
B. "Avoid alcohol during and for 3 days after completing therapy."
C. "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
D. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol,
characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, and tachycardia. Patients must avoid alcohol
during therapy and for at least 3 days after completion.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about tetracycline. Which instruction is essential?
A. "Take this medication with milk to prevent stomach upset."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
C. "This medication is safe for children under 8 years."
D. "Take this medication with antacids."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours
after meals. It chelates with calcium, magnesium, and iron, reducing absorption. It is
contraindicated in children under 8 years because it can cause permanent tooth discoloration.
150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed gentamicin for a severe infection. Which diagnostic laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely to detect potential nephrotoxicity?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Creatinine and BUN
C. White blood cell count
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aminoglycosides like gentamicin are known for being highly nephrotoxic. Monitoring
creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is essential to assess kidney function during therapy. If
these levels rise significantly, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose or
discontinue the medication to prevent permanent damage.
2. When administering vancomycin intravenously, the nurse notes the patient's face and neck
have become bright red and itchy. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Immediately stop the infusion
B. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously
C. Apply cool compresses to the affected area
,D. Slow the rate of the infusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This reaction is known as Red Man Syndrome, which is caused by the rapid infusion
of vancomycin. It is not a true allergic reaction but an infusion-related histamine release. The
standard protocol is to slow the infusion rate and notify the provider, rather than stopping it
entirely unless an actual anaphylactic response is suspected.
3. A patient with a history of a severe anaphylactic reaction to penicillin is prescribed
cephalexin. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Administer the cephalexin as prescribed
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Administer diphenhydramine before the cephalexin
D. Administer half the prescribed dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cephalosporins share a beta-lactam ring structure with penicillins, creating a risk for
cross-reactivity. A patient with a severe anaphylactic reaction to penicillin should not receive
cephalosporins without careful evaluation. The nurse should hold the medication and notify the
provider immediately.
, 4. A patient is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) for a bacterial infection. Which instruction
should the nurse include in patient teaching?
A. "Take this medication with alcohol to enhance its effectiveness."
B. "Avoid alcohol during and for 3 days after completing therapy."
C. "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
D. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol,
characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, and tachycardia. Patients must avoid alcohol
during therapy and for at least 3 days after completion.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about tetracycline. Which instruction is essential?
A. "Take this medication with milk to prevent stomach upset."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
C. "This medication is safe for children under 8 years."
D. "Take this medication with antacids."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours
after meals. It chelates with calcium, magnesium, and iron, reducing absorption. It is
contraindicated in children under 8 years because it can cause permanent tooth discoloration.
