NUR 210 • PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE SERIES
NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Practice Exam
2026–2027 • 110 MCQs • Integrated therapeutics, prioritization, safety and calculations
Emphasis: pain agents, neurologic and psychiatric medicines, GI agents, antibiotics, life-span safety and clinical decision-
making.
USE & SCOPE
Independent practice questions, not an official test, answer key, or course syllabus. NUR 210 varies by school. Dose
calculations are educational examples, not prescribing directions. Verify medication orders, current labeling, facility policies,
monitoring thresholds and patient-specific factors in actual care.
PRACTICE EXAM: QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES
1. A patient receiving morphine has a respiratory rate of 7/min and is difficult to arouse. What is the priority?
A. Provide an oral sedative
B. Support airway and ventilation, summon help, and give naloxone as ordered
C. Encourage the patient to sleep
D. Give another opioid dose
Correct answer: B. Support airway and ventilation, summon help, and give naloxone as ordered
Detailed rationale: Opioid-induced respiratory depression requires immediate respiratory support and appropriate
reversal.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
2. Which statement about acetaminophen is accurate?
A. It never appears in combination products
B. It is an anticoagulant
C. It always causes kidney stones
D. Excessive total daily doses can cause severe liver injury
Correct answer: D. Excessive total daily doses can cause severe liver injury
Detailed rationale: Acetaminophen overdose can cause hepatotoxicity; combination products can lead to unintentional
excess dosing.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
3. A patient taking ibuprofen reports vomiting blood. What action is needed?
A. Prompt evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Switch to aspirin at the same dose without review
C. Double the dose with food
D. Continue without assessment
Correct answer: A. Prompt evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding
Detailed rationale: NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding; hematemesis is a red flag.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
4. Why should benzodiazepines and opioids be combined only with special caution?
A. There are no pharmacodynamic interactions
B. Their sedating effects can increase respiratory-depression risk
C. Both always raise respiratory rate
D. The combination prevents falls
Correct answer: B. Their sedating effects can increase respiratory-depression risk
Detailed rationale: Central nervous system depressant effects can be additive and life-threatening.
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 1
, NUR 210 • PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE SERIES
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
5. A patient taking sertraline and tramadol develops fever, agitation, clonus, and sweating. What is suspected?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Expected analgesic action
C. Hypothyroidism only
D. Mild dehydration alone
Correct answer: A. Serotonin syndrome
Detailed rationale: Combined serotonergic effects can cause serotonin toxicity, marked by neuromuscular hyperactivity
and autonomic changes.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
6. A patient taking lithium has vomiting, coarse tremor, and confusion. What should be done?
A. Give an extra dose
B. Hold the drug and urgently assess for toxicity and check levels and renal status
C. Tell the patient it is always normal
D. Add a diuretic without review
Correct answer: B. Hold the drug and urgently assess for toxicity and check levels and renal status
Detailed rationale: Lithium toxicity can cause neurologic and gastrointestinal symptoms and is affected by hydration,
kidneys, and interactions.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
7. A patient taking a first-generation antipsychotic develops fever, rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic
instability. What is the concern?
A. Simple insomnia
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Routine antipsychotic benefit
D. Seasonal allergies
Correct answer: B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Detailed rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially fatal reaction requiring emergency care.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
8. Which instruction is most important when starting an SSRI?
A. Expect immediate full antidepressant effect in minutes
B. Stop it after one dose if symptoms persist
C. Monitor for worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially early or after dose changes
D. Combine freely with any MAOI
Correct answer: C. Monitor for worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially early or after dose changes
Detailed rationale: SSRIs take time for full benefit; emergent suicidality or activation warrants timely assessment.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
9. A patient taking phenytoin has ataxia, slurred speech, and nystagmus. What should be considered?
A. Definite iron deficiency
B. Potential phenytoin toxicity
C. Expected improved seizure control
D. Normal digestion
Correct answer: B. Potential phenytoin toxicity
Detailed rationale: Phenytoin toxicity can produce characteristic neurologic signs and warrants level and clinical
assessment.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 2
, NUR 210 • PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE SERIES
10. Which instruction is appropriate with levodopa-carbidopa?
A. Stop suddenly whenever symptoms improve
B. Expect no orthostatic effect
C. Take every dose with an iron supplement
D. Change position slowly and report troublesome involuntary movements
Correct answer: D. Change position slowly and report troublesome involuntary movements
Detailed rationale: Dopaminergic therapy may cause orthostasis and dyskinesias; abrupt interruption can be harmful.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
11. What is the primary action of omeprazole?
A. Neutralize every toxin
B. Block histamine H1 receptors
C. Suppress gastric acid through proton pump inhibition
D. Act as a stimulant laxative
Correct answer: C. Suppress gastric acid through proton pump inhibition
Detailed rationale: Proton pump inhibitors inhibit gastric H+/K+-ATPase, lowering acid secretion.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
12. A patient taking ondansetron has known prolonged QT interval. What is important?
A. Review QT risk and interacting medications before administration
B. Double the antiemetic dose
C. Ignore electrolyte disturbances
D. Assume cardiac risk is impossible
Correct answer: A. Review QT risk and interacting medications before administration
Detailed rationale: Ondansetron can prolong QT, particularly in susceptible patients or with electrolyte abnormalities.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
13. Which medication class is associated with constipation and may require a bowel regimen?
A. Opioid analgesics
B. Antidiarrheals in all cases
C. Digestive enzymes
D. Osmotic laxatives
Correct answer: A. Opioid analgesics
Detailed rationale: Opioids slow gastrointestinal motility; preventive constipation management is often necessary.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
14. Which condition makes loperamide inappropriate without further clinical evaluation?
A. Bloody diarrhea with fever
B. A normal appetite
C. Travel without symptoms
D. Mild brief nonbloody diarrhea
Correct answer: A. Bloody diarrhea with fever
Detailed rationale: An antimotility agent can be unsafe with inflammatory or invasive diarrhea and requires caution.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
15. A patient on long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy asks about review. What is the best response?
A. Use two PPIs for stronger protection
B. Continue any dose indefinitely without review
C. Stop abruptly despite high-risk bleeding indications
D. Periodically reassess indication, dose, and duration with the clinician
Correct answer: D. Periodically reassess indication, dose, and duration with the clinician
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 3
NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Practice Exam
2026–2027 • 110 MCQs • Integrated therapeutics, prioritization, safety and calculations
Emphasis: pain agents, neurologic and psychiatric medicines, GI agents, antibiotics, life-span safety and clinical decision-
making.
USE & SCOPE
Independent practice questions, not an official test, answer key, or course syllabus. NUR 210 varies by school. Dose
calculations are educational examples, not prescribing directions. Verify medication orders, current labeling, facility policies,
monitoring thresholds and patient-specific factors in actual care.
PRACTICE EXAM: QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES
1. A patient receiving morphine has a respiratory rate of 7/min and is difficult to arouse. What is the priority?
A. Provide an oral sedative
B. Support airway and ventilation, summon help, and give naloxone as ordered
C. Encourage the patient to sleep
D. Give another opioid dose
Correct answer: B. Support airway and ventilation, summon help, and give naloxone as ordered
Detailed rationale: Opioid-induced respiratory depression requires immediate respiratory support and appropriate
reversal.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
2. Which statement about acetaminophen is accurate?
A. It never appears in combination products
B. It is an anticoagulant
C. It always causes kidney stones
D. Excessive total daily doses can cause severe liver injury
Correct answer: D. Excessive total daily doses can cause severe liver injury
Detailed rationale: Acetaminophen overdose can cause hepatotoxicity; combination products can lead to unintentional
excess dosing.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
3. A patient taking ibuprofen reports vomiting blood. What action is needed?
A. Prompt evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Switch to aspirin at the same dose without review
C. Double the dose with food
D. Continue without assessment
Correct answer: A. Prompt evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding
Detailed rationale: NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding; hematemesis is a red flag.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
4. Why should benzodiazepines and opioids be combined only with special caution?
A. There are no pharmacodynamic interactions
B. Their sedating effects can increase respiratory-depression risk
C. Both always raise respiratory rate
D. The combination prevents falls
Correct answer: B. Their sedating effects can increase respiratory-depression risk
Detailed rationale: Central nervous system depressant effects can be additive and life-threatening.
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 1
, NUR 210 • PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE SERIES
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
5. A patient taking sertraline and tramadol develops fever, agitation, clonus, and sweating. What is suspected?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Expected analgesic action
C. Hypothyroidism only
D. Mild dehydration alone
Correct answer: A. Serotonin syndrome
Detailed rationale: Combined serotonergic effects can cause serotonin toxicity, marked by neuromuscular hyperactivity
and autonomic changes.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
6. A patient taking lithium has vomiting, coarse tremor, and confusion. What should be done?
A. Give an extra dose
B. Hold the drug and urgently assess for toxicity and check levels and renal status
C. Tell the patient it is always normal
D. Add a diuretic without review
Correct answer: B. Hold the drug and urgently assess for toxicity and check levels and renal status
Detailed rationale: Lithium toxicity can cause neurologic and gastrointestinal symptoms and is affected by hydration,
kidneys, and interactions.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
7. A patient taking a first-generation antipsychotic develops fever, rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic
instability. What is the concern?
A. Simple insomnia
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Routine antipsychotic benefit
D. Seasonal allergies
Correct answer: B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Detailed rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially fatal reaction requiring emergency care.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
8. Which instruction is most important when starting an SSRI?
A. Expect immediate full antidepressant effect in minutes
B. Stop it after one dose if symptoms persist
C. Monitor for worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially early or after dose changes
D. Combine freely with any MAOI
Correct answer: C. Monitor for worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially early or after dose changes
Detailed rationale: SSRIs take time for full benefit; emergent suicidality or activation warrants timely assessment.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
9. A patient taking phenytoin has ataxia, slurred speech, and nystagmus. What should be considered?
A. Definite iron deficiency
B. Potential phenytoin toxicity
C. Expected improved seizure control
D. Normal digestion
Correct answer: B. Potential phenytoin toxicity
Detailed rationale: Phenytoin toxicity can produce characteristic neurologic signs and warrants level and clinical
assessment.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 2
, NUR 210 • PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE SERIES
10. Which instruction is appropriate with levodopa-carbidopa?
A. Stop suddenly whenever symptoms improve
B. Expect no orthostatic effect
C. Take every dose with an iron supplement
D. Change position slowly and report troublesome involuntary movements
Correct answer: D. Change position slowly and report troublesome involuntary movements
Detailed rationale: Dopaminergic therapy may cause orthostasis and dyskinesias; abrupt interruption can be harmful.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
11. What is the primary action of omeprazole?
A. Neutralize every toxin
B. Block histamine H1 receptors
C. Suppress gastric acid through proton pump inhibition
D. Act as a stimulant laxative
Correct answer: C. Suppress gastric acid through proton pump inhibition
Detailed rationale: Proton pump inhibitors inhibit gastric H+/K+-ATPase, lowering acid secretion.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
12. A patient taking ondansetron has known prolonged QT interval. What is important?
A. Review QT risk and interacting medications before administration
B. Double the antiemetic dose
C. Ignore electrolyte disturbances
D. Assume cardiac risk is impossible
Correct answer: A. Review QT risk and interacting medications before administration
Detailed rationale: Ondansetron can prolong QT, particularly in susceptible patients or with electrolyte abnormalities.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
13. Which medication class is associated with constipation and may require a bowel regimen?
A. Opioid analgesics
B. Antidiarrheals in all cases
C. Digestive enzymes
D. Osmotic laxatives
Correct answer: A. Opioid analgesics
Detailed rationale: Opioids slow gastrointestinal motility; preventive constipation management is often necessary.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
14. Which condition makes loperamide inappropriate without further clinical evaluation?
A. Bloody diarrhea with fever
B. A normal appetite
C. Travel without symptoms
D. Mild brief nonbloody diarrhea
Correct answer: A. Bloody diarrhea with fever
Detailed rationale: An antimotility agent can be unsafe with inflammatory or invasive diarrhea and requires caution.
Why other options are incorrect: The remaining options are unsafe, unrelated, or inconsistent with the stated drug
mechanism/assessment.
15. A patient on long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy asks about review. What is the best response?
A. Use two PPIs for stronger protection
B. Continue any dose indefinitely without review
C. Stop abruptly despite high-risk bleeding indications
D. Periodically reassess indication, dose, and duration with the clinician
Correct answer: D. Periodically reassess indication, dose, and duration with the clinician
NUR 210 | Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027 | Page 3
