CMS Pharmacology Exam LATEST
VERSION / QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS / A GRADE SCORE SOLUTION
2025.
1. A nurse is caring for a client taking lithium carbonate for bipolar
disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Weight gain
B. Confusion
C. Increased appetite
D. Dry mouth
Rationale: Confusion is a sign of lithium toxicity and must be reported
immediately.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking
phenytoin. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. “I will stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
B. “I will take the medication with antacids if I get an upset stomach.”
C. “I will notify my dentist that I am taking this medication.”
D. “I can skip doses if I forget.”
,Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia; dental providers
should be informed.
3. A nurse is administering IV furosemide to a client. Which of the
following is the most important to monitor?
A. Blood glucose
B. Red blood cell count
C. Potassium levels
D. Heart rate
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia.
4. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
C. Increase intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
D. Report signs of lactic acidosis, such as muscle pain or weakness.
Rationale: Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis, which is a medical
emergency.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about taking warfarin. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
B. Have your blood tested regularly to monitor INR.
C. Take aspirin daily to prevent bleeding.
D. Skip a dose if you feel fine.
Rationale: Warfarin requires regular INR monitoring to ensure therapeutic
effect and prevent bleeding.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client taking digoxin. Which of the following
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Visual disturbances (such as seeing halos)
C. Increased urination
D. Rash
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
7. Which medication is contraindicated in clients with a known allergy to
sulfa drugs?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Furosemide
D. Atenolol
Rationale: Furosemide is a sulfonamide and should be avoided in clients
with sulfa allergies.
8. A client is prescribed albuterol inhaler for asthma. Which is an
expected side effect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tremors
C. Hypotension
D. Drowsiness
Rationale: Tremors are common with beta-2 agonists like albuterol.
9. A nurse administers morphine to a postoperative client. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Sedation
B. Constipation
VERSION / QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS / A GRADE SCORE SOLUTION
2025.
1. A nurse is caring for a client taking lithium carbonate for bipolar
disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Weight gain
B. Confusion
C. Increased appetite
D. Dry mouth
Rationale: Confusion is a sign of lithium toxicity and must be reported
immediately.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking
phenytoin. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. “I will stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
B. “I will take the medication with antacids if I get an upset stomach.”
C. “I will notify my dentist that I am taking this medication.”
D. “I can skip doses if I forget.”
,Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia; dental providers
should be informed.
3. A nurse is administering IV furosemide to a client. Which of the
following is the most important to monitor?
A. Blood glucose
B. Red blood cell count
C. Potassium levels
D. Heart rate
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia.
4. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
C. Increase intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
D. Report signs of lactic acidosis, such as muscle pain or weakness.
Rationale: Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis, which is a medical
emergency.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about taking warfarin. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
B. Have your blood tested regularly to monitor INR.
C. Take aspirin daily to prevent bleeding.
D. Skip a dose if you feel fine.
Rationale: Warfarin requires regular INR monitoring to ensure therapeutic
effect and prevent bleeding.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client taking digoxin. Which of the following
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Visual disturbances (such as seeing halos)
C. Increased urination
D. Rash
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
7. Which medication is contraindicated in clients with a known allergy to
sulfa drugs?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Furosemide
D. Atenolol
Rationale: Furosemide is a sulfonamide and should be avoided in clients
with sulfa allergies.
8. A client is prescribed albuterol inhaler for asthma. Which is an
expected side effect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tremors
C. Hypotension
D. Drowsiness
Rationale: Tremors are common with beta-2 agonists like albuterol.
9. A nurse administers morphine to a postoperative client. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Sedation
B. Constipation
