Practice Test for the NCLEX-RN exam, covering Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies. Each question includes multiple-choice answers,
and the correct answer is highlighted with a brief explanation.
Question 1: Dosage Calculation - Oral Medication
A physician orders cephalexin 500 mg orally every 6 hours for a patient with a bacterial
infection. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets should the nurse
administer per dose?
• A) 1 tablet
• B) 2 tablets
• C) 3 tablets
• D) 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B) 2 tablets.
Explanation:
The ordered dose is 500 mg, and each tablet contains 250 mg. Therefore, the nurse needs to
administer 2 tablets to make up the 500 mg dose (500 mg ÷ 250 mg = 2 tablets).
Question 2: Side Effects - Opioids
Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with the use of morphine?
• A) Diarrhea
• B) Hypertension
• C) Constipation
• D) Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: C) Constipation.
Explanation:
Opioids like morphine commonly cause constipation by slowing peristalsis. Hypertension
and hyperactivity are not typical side effects of opioids.
Question 3: IV Therapy - Infiltration
A patient receiving IV therapy reports pain and swelling at the IV site. The nurse notes that
the area around the IV site is cool to the touch. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
• A) Stop the infusion and remove the IV.
• B) Continue the infusion but apply warm compresses.
• C) Elevate the limb and increase the IV flow rate.
• D) Flush the IV with 10 mL of normal saline.
, Correct Answer: A) Stop the infusion and remove the IV.
Explanation:
Coolness, pain, and swelling at the IV site are signs of infiltration. The infusion should be
stopped, and the IV removed to prevent further tissue damage.
Question 4: Drug Interactions - Warfarin
A patient taking warfarin is prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection. What is
the nurse's priority action?
• A) Increase the warfarin dose.
• B) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids.
• C) Monitor the patient for signs of bleeding.
• D) Advise the patient to take both medications at the same time.
Correct Answer: C) Monitor the patient for signs of bleeding.
Explanation:
Ciprofloxacin can increase the effects of warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding. The nurse
should closely monitor the patient for any signs of bleeding.
Question 5: Dosage Calculation - Pediatric IV Infusion
A child weighing 25 kg is prescribed dextrose 5% in water (D5W) to be infused at 4
mL/kg/hr. What is the total hourly infusion rate?
• A) 50 mL/hr
• B) 75 mL/hr
• C) 100 mL/hr
• D) 125 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B) 100 mL/hr.
Explanation:
To calculate the infusion rate, multiply the child’s weight by the prescribed rate: 25 kg × 4
mL/kg/hr = 100 mL/hr.
Question 6: Side Effects - ACE Inhibitors
Which of the following is a common side effect of lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor)?
• A) Bradycardia
Parenteral Therapies. Each question includes multiple-choice answers,
and the correct answer is highlighted with a brief explanation.
Question 1: Dosage Calculation - Oral Medication
A physician orders cephalexin 500 mg orally every 6 hours for a patient with a bacterial
infection. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets should the nurse
administer per dose?
• A) 1 tablet
• B) 2 tablets
• C) 3 tablets
• D) 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B) 2 tablets.
Explanation:
The ordered dose is 500 mg, and each tablet contains 250 mg. Therefore, the nurse needs to
administer 2 tablets to make up the 500 mg dose (500 mg ÷ 250 mg = 2 tablets).
Question 2: Side Effects - Opioids
Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with the use of morphine?
• A) Diarrhea
• B) Hypertension
• C) Constipation
• D) Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: C) Constipation.
Explanation:
Opioids like morphine commonly cause constipation by slowing peristalsis. Hypertension
and hyperactivity are not typical side effects of opioids.
Question 3: IV Therapy - Infiltration
A patient receiving IV therapy reports pain and swelling at the IV site. The nurse notes that
the area around the IV site is cool to the touch. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
• A) Stop the infusion and remove the IV.
• B) Continue the infusion but apply warm compresses.
• C) Elevate the limb and increase the IV flow rate.
• D) Flush the IV with 10 mL of normal saline.
, Correct Answer: A) Stop the infusion and remove the IV.
Explanation:
Coolness, pain, and swelling at the IV site are signs of infiltration. The infusion should be
stopped, and the IV removed to prevent further tissue damage.
Question 4: Drug Interactions - Warfarin
A patient taking warfarin is prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection. What is
the nurse's priority action?
• A) Increase the warfarin dose.
• B) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids.
• C) Monitor the patient for signs of bleeding.
• D) Advise the patient to take both medications at the same time.
Correct Answer: C) Monitor the patient for signs of bleeding.
Explanation:
Ciprofloxacin can increase the effects of warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding. The nurse
should closely monitor the patient for any signs of bleeding.
Question 5: Dosage Calculation - Pediatric IV Infusion
A child weighing 25 kg is prescribed dextrose 5% in water (D5W) to be infused at 4
mL/kg/hr. What is the total hourly infusion rate?
• A) 50 mL/hr
• B) 75 mL/hr
• C) 100 mL/hr
• D) 125 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B) 100 mL/hr.
Explanation:
To calculate the infusion rate, multiply the child’s weight by the prescribed rate: 25 kg × 4
mL/kg/hr = 100 mL/hr.
Question 6: Side Effects - ACE Inhibitors
Which of the following is a common side effect of lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor)?
• A) Bradycardia
