NUR 106 (Pharmacology, Ch. 18 & 19) NCLEX STYLE Questions
with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: A 10-year-old boy with generalized tonic seizures is seen by his dentist at a routine
checkup. The dentist observes that the patient has an overgrowth of gum tissue.The patient was most
likely receiving which of the following agents?
A. Ethosuximide
B. Clonazepam
C. Primidone
D. Phenytoin
E. Zonisamide
Answer: D (Phenytoin)
Question 2: A 14-year-old patient is diagnosed with absence epilepsy. Any of the following drugs could
be considered a reasonable choice to prescribe EXCEPT:
A. Ethosuximide
B. Phenobarbital
C. Carbamazepine
D. Valproic acid
Answer: C (Carbamazepine)
Question 3: Which of the following agent was first introduced for treatment of epilepsy?
A. Phenobarbital
B. Phenytoin
C. Carbamazepine
D. Valproic acid
E. Tiagabin
Answer: A (Phenobarbital)
Question 4: Sodium Channel Blocking antiepileptic agents include, all EXCEPT
A. Phenytoin
B. Carbamazepine
C. Topiramate
D. Valproic acid
E. Diazepam
Answer: E (Diazepam)
Page 1
,Question 5: The most serious adverse effect associated with valproic acid is:
A. Fatal hepatic failure
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Drowsiness Copyright@
D. Mood disorder
E. Dementia
Answer: A (Fatal Hepatic Failure)
Question 6: Which statement indicates the development of opioid tolerance?
A. Larger doses of opioids are needed to control pain, as compared to several weeks earlier
B. Stimulants are needed to counteract the sedating effects of opioids
C. The patient becomes anxious about knowing the exact time of the next dose of opioid
D. The patient no longer experiences constipation from the usual dose of opioid
Answer: A (Larger doses of opioids are needed to control pain, as compared to several weeks earlier)
Question 7: The pain management nurse follows the recommended protocol for preventing constipation
when starting a patient on opioids by:
A. adding bulk fiber to the diet
B. giving the patient enemas as needed
C. increasing fluids and exercise
D. using a bowel stimulant and stool softener
Answer: D (using a bowel stimulant and stool softener)
Question 8: An 85-year-old, male patient with a history of prostate cancer and metastasis to the lumbar
spine, is receiving methadone (Dolophine), 10 mg, three times a day. The patient's spouse tells the pain
management nurse that the patient exhibits a lack of motivation, loss of appetite, and an inability to get
out of bed. The nurse initially focuses on:
A. need for antidepressants
B. physical therapy evaluation
C. psychological evaluation
D. the patient's pain assessment
Answer: D (the patient's pain assessment)
Page 2
, Question 9: A patient arrives at the emergency department complaining of back pain. He reports
taking at least 3 acetaminophen tablets every three hours for the past week without relief. Which of the
following symptoms suggests acetaminophen toxicity?
A. Tinnitus
B. Diarrhea
C. Hypertension
D. Hepatic damage.
Answer: D (Hepatic damage)
Question 10: A nurse is caring for a cancer patient receiving subcutaneous morphine sulfate for pain.
Which of the following nursing actions is most important in the care of this patient?
A. Monitor urine output
B. Monitor respiratory rate
C. Monitor heart rate
D. Monitor temperature.
Answer: B (Monitor respiratory rate)
Question 11: A postoperative patient has an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate (Astramorph). The
patient's respiratory rate declines to 8 breaths/min. Which medication would the nurse anticipate
administering?
A. Naloxone (Narcan)
B. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
C. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
D. Protamine sulfate
Answer: A (Naloxone (Narcan))
Question 12: A patient takes oxycodone (OxyContin), 40 mg PO twice daily, for the management of
chronic pain. Which intervention should be added to the plan of care to minimize the gastrointestinal
adverse effects?
A. Take an antacid with each dose B). Eat foods high in lactobacilli
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Increase fluid and fiber in the diet.
Answer: D (Increase fluid and fiber in the diet)
Page 3
with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: A 10-year-old boy with generalized tonic seizures is seen by his dentist at a routine
checkup. The dentist observes that the patient has an overgrowth of gum tissue.The patient was most
likely receiving which of the following agents?
A. Ethosuximide
B. Clonazepam
C. Primidone
D. Phenytoin
E. Zonisamide
Answer: D (Phenytoin)
Question 2: A 14-year-old patient is diagnosed with absence epilepsy. Any of the following drugs could
be considered a reasonable choice to prescribe EXCEPT:
A. Ethosuximide
B. Phenobarbital
C. Carbamazepine
D. Valproic acid
Answer: C (Carbamazepine)
Question 3: Which of the following agent was first introduced for treatment of epilepsy?
A. Phenobarbital
B. Phenytoin
C. Carbamazepine
D. Valproic acid
E. Tiagabin
Answer: A (Phenobarbital)
Question 4: Sodium Channel Blocking antiepileptic agents include, all EXCEPT
A. Phenytoin
B. Carbamazepine
C. Topiramate
D. Valproic acid
E. Diazepam
Answer: E (Diazepam)
Page 1
,Question 5: The most serious adverse effect associated with valproic acid is:
A. Fatal hepatic failure
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Drowsiness Copyright@
D. Mood disorder
E. Dementia
Answer: A (Fatal Hepatic Failure)
Question 6: Which statement indicates the development of opioid tolerance?
A. Larger doses of opioids are needed to control pain, as compared to several weeks earlier
B. Stimulants are needed to counteract the sedating effects of opioids
C. The patient becomes anxious about knowing the exact time of the next dose of opioid
D. The patient no longer experiences constipation from the usual dose of opioid
Answer: A (Larger doses of opioids are needed to control pain, as compared to several weeks earlier)
Question 7: The pain management nurse follows the recommended protocol for preventing constipation
when starting a patient on opioids by:
A. adding bulk fiber to the diet
B. giving the patient enemas as needed
C. increasing fluids and exercise
D. using a bowel stimulant and stool softener
Answer: D (using a bowel stimulant and stool softener)
Question 8: An 85-year-old, male patient with a history of prostate cancer and metastasis to the lumbar
spine, is receiving methadone (Dolophine), 10 mg, three times a day. The patient's spouse tells the pain
management nurse that the patient exhibits a lack of motivation, loss of appetite, and an inability to get
out of bed. The nurse initially focuses on:
A. need for antidepressants
B. physical therapy evaluation
C. psychological evaluation
D. the patient's pain assessment
Answer: D (the patient's pain assessment)
Page 2
, Question 9: A patient arrives at the emergency department complaining of back pain. He reports
taking at least 3 acetaminophen tablets every three hours for the past week without relief. Which of the
following symptoms suggests acetaminophen toxicity?
A. Tinnitus
B. Diarrhea
C. Hypertension
D. Hepatic damage.
Answer: D (Hepatic damage)
Question 10: A nurse is caring for a cancer patient receiving subcutaneous morphine sulfate for pain.
Which of the following nursing actions is most important in the care of this patient?
A. Monitor urine output
B. Monitor respiratory rate
C. Monitor heart rate
D. Monitor temperature.
Answer: B (Monitor respiratory rate)
Question 11: A postoperative patient has an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate (Astramorph). The
patient's respiratory rate declines to 8 breaths/min. Which medication would the nurse anticipate
administering?
A. Naloxone (Narcan)
B. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
C. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
D. Protamine sulfate
Answer: A (Naloxone (Narcan))
Question 12: A patient takes oxycodone (OxyContin), 40 mg PO twice daily, for the management of
chronic pain. Which intervention should be added to the plan of care to minimize the gastrointestinal
adverse effects?
A. Take an antacid with each dose B). Eat foods high in lactobacilli
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Increase fluid and fiber in the diet.
Answer: D (Increase fluid and fiber in the diet)
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