NCLEX pharmacology exam (pass guaranteed)
1. The nurse is administering digoxin to a patient. Which finding would require the
nurse to withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider?
a. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
b. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
c. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
d. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Answer: c. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, so the nurse should withhold the
medication and notify the healthcare provider.
2. A client prescribed furosemide asks why they need to increase potassium-rich
foods in their diet. What is the nurse’s best response?
a. "Furosemide causes retention of potassium, so you need to balance it."
b. "Furosemide depletes potassium, and you need to replace it."
c. "Potassium prevents constipation caused by furosemide."
d. "Potassium is required to regulate your blood pressure."
Answer: b. "Furosemide depletes potassium, and you need to replace it."
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about taking warfarin. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I will avoid green leafy vegetables in my diet."
b. "I will notify my healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications."
c. "I will get my INR checked regularly."
d. "I will take my warfarin at the same time each day."
Answer: a. "I will avoid green leafy vegetables in my diet."
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin can consume green leafy vegetables but need to maintain a
consistent intake to avoid fluctuating INR levels.
1. The nurse is administering digoxin to a patient. Which finding would require the
nurse to withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider?
a. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
b. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
c. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
d. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Answer: c. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, so the nurse should withhold the
medication and notify the healthcare provider.
2. A client prescribed furosemide asks why they need to increase potassium-rich
foods in their diet. What is the nurse’s best response?
a. "Furosemide causes retention of potassium, so you need to balance it."
b. "Furosemide depletes potassium, and you need to replace it."
c. "Potassium prevents constipation caused by furosemide."
d. "Potassium is required to regulate your blood pressure."
Answer: b. "Furosemide depletes potassium, and you need to replace it."
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about taking warfarin. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I will avoid green leafy vegetables in my diet."
b. "I will notify my healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications."
c. "I will get my INR checked regularly."
d. "I will take my warfarin at the same time each day."
Answer: a. "I will avoid green leafy vegetables in my diet."
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin can consume green leafy vegetables but need to maintain a
consistent intake to avoid fluctuating INR levels.
