RN Pharmacology A Relias EXAM 2025 COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS 100% RATED CORRECT(ACCURATELY PASSED)GRADED
A+
Question 1
Which medication is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
A) Albuterol
B) Fluticasone
C) Montelukast
D) Ipratropium
E) Theophylline
Correct Answer: C) Montelukast
Rationale: Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks
the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators involved in asthma and
allergic rhinitis.
Question 2
Which statement made by a person regarding hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is correct?
A) "I should take this medication before bed to ensure good sleep."
B) "I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions."
C) "This medication will likely cause me to gain weight."
D) "I should increase my intake of salty foods while taking this."
E) "This medication will turn my urine orange."
Correct Answer: B) I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions.
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic that can cause orthostatic
hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) due to fluid and electrolyte shifts.
Patients should be advised to change positions slowly to prevent dizziness and falls.
Question 3
A 250mg dose of an oral medication has been ordered. The medication is supplied only in 100mg
tablets. How many tablets would you administer?
A) 1 tablet
B) 1.5 tablets
C) 2 tablets
D) 2.5 tablets
E) 3 tablets
Correct Answer: D) 2.5
Rationale: To calculate the number of tablets: (Desired dose / Available dose) = (250 mg /
100 mg/tablet) = 2.5 tablets.
Question 4
Which medication is considered a potassium-sparing diuretic?
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A) Furosemide (Lasix)
B) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
C) Bumetanide (Bumex)
D) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
E) Torsemide (Demadex)
Correct Answer: D) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Rationale: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is an aldosterone antagonist that works in the
collecting ducts of the kidneys to promote sodium and water excretion while retaining
potassium, hence it is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Question 5
You receive report from the off-going nurse that the person being cared for just received their
fourth dose of IV vancomycin that was administered over 30 minutes. Upon assessment of them,
you notice their face and neck are red and they are itching all over. What would you suspect?
A) Anaphylactic shock.
B) Septic shock.
C) Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate.
D) A localized allergic reaction at the IV site.
E) Fluid overload.
Correct Answer: C) Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate.
Rationale: Red man syndrome is a non-allergic (pseudoallergic) reaction associated with
rapid intravenous infusion of vancomycin. It is characterized by flushing and erythema
(redness) of the face, neck, and upper torso, often accompanied by itching (pruritus). This
is caused by histamine release, not an IgE-mediated allergy. Vancomycin should typically
be infused over at least 60 minutes (or longer for higher doses) to prevent this.
Question 6
Sildenafil (Viagra) is prescribed to treat a patient with erectile dysfunction. A nurse reviews the
patient's medical record and would question the prescription if which of the following is noted in
the history?
A) Hypertension
B) Diabetes Mellitus
C) Nitroglycerin use
D) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
E) History of myocardial infarction (MI) 3 years ago
Correct Answer: C) Nitroglycerin
Rationale: Sildenafil (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is absolutely
contraindicated with nitrates (like nitroglycerin) because their combined vasodilatory
effects can lead to a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure (profound hypotension).
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Question 7
You are caring for a person with a capillary blood glucose of 33 mg/dL and they are unable to
tolerate oral intake. Which of the following would you administer?
A) Glucagon subcutaneous
B) 4 oz of orange juice
C) Dextrose 50% IV push
D) Regular insulin IV
E) Normal saline IV
Correct Answer: C) Dextrose 50% IV push
Rationale: A blood glucose of 33 mg/dL is severe hypoglycemia. For a patient who is unable
to tolerate oral intake (e.g., unconscious, obtunded), intravenous 50% dextrose (D50W) is
the rapid and appropriate treatment to quickly raise blood glucose levels. Oral intake
would risk aspiration. Glucagon IM is an alternative if IV access is unavailable, but IV
dextrose is faster.
Question 8
A physician's written order for the person you are caring for is as follows: Insulin glargine
(Lantus), 10 U, subQ QD. What changes would you suggest for safety and to avoid the use of
"do not use" abbreviations?
A) Change "U" to "Units" and "QD" to "Daily."
B) Change "U" to "Units" and "subQ" to "SC."
C) Change "QD" to "Every day" and "subQ" to "SQ."
D) Change "U" to "Units" and "QD" to "q.d."
E) Change "10 U" to "ten units" and "QD" to "q daily."
Correct Answer: A) Spell out units and daily
Rationale: According to the Joint Commission's "Do Not Use" list, "U" (for units) can be
mistaken for "0" or "4," and "QD" (for daily) can be mistaken for "QID" (four times
daily). Therefore, spelling out "Units" and "Daily" (or "every day") enhances patient
safety by reducing the risk of medication errors.
Question 9
Which statement, if made by the person you are caring for, reflects the need for further education
regarding a new prescription of warfarin (Coumadin)?
A) "I need to have my blood tested regularly to check my INR."
B) "I should try to keep my intake of green leafy vegetables consistent."
C) "If I get headaches, aspirin is my best option for pain."
D) "I need to tell all my other healthcare providers that I am taking warfarin."
E) "I should report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
Correct Answer: C) If I get headaches, aspirin is my best options for pain
Rationale: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding. Taking
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aspirin concurrently with warfarin (an anticoagulant) significantly increases the risk of
hemorrhage. Therefore, aspirin is generally contraindicated for pain relief in patients
taking warfarin. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically a safer choice for pain in this
population.
Question 10
A person is noted to have a penicillin allergy. What medication would you question if ordered by
a physician?
A) Azithromycin
B) Levofloxacin
C) Ceftriaxone
D) Vancomycin
E) Doxycycline
Correct Answer: C) Ceftriaxone
Rationale: Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins are beta-lactam
antibiotics, structurally similar to penicillins. There is a potential for cross-reactivity
(allergic reaction) in patients with a penicillin allergy, especially if the penicillin allergy was
severe (e.g., anaphylaxis). Therefore, the nurse would question this order and clarify with
the physician.
Question 11
You receive an order to start a Heparin drip at 18 units/kg/hr for a person weighing 75 kg. The
heparin comes in a 500 mL bag with 25,000 units. What is the starting rate of the infusion in
mL/hr? (Round to the nearest whole number if necessary.)
A) 20 mL/hr
B) 25 mL/hr
C) 27 mL/hr
D) 30 mL/hr
E) 35 mL/hr
Correct Answer: C) 27 mL/hr
Rationale: 1. Calculate total units per hour: 18 units/kg/hr * 75 kg = 1350 units/hr.
2. Calculate concentration of heparin bag: 25,000 units / 500 mL = 50 units/mL.
3. Calculate infusion rate in mL/hr: (1350 units/hr) / (50 units/mL) = 27 mL/hr.
Question 12
The physician orders 0.5 mg/kg of a medication. The medication is supplied in a 10 mg/mL
solution. The person you are caring for weighs 40 kg. How many mL of the drug would you
administer?
A) 1 mL
B) 2 mL
C) 2.5 mL
ANSWERS 100% RATED CORRECT(ACCURATELY PASSED)GRADED
A+
Question 1
Which medication is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
A) Albuterol
B) Fluticasone
C) Montelukast
D) Ipratropium
E) Theophylline
Correct Answer: C) Montelukast
Rationale: Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks
the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators involved in asthma and
allergic rhinitis.
Question 2
Which statement made by a person regarding hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is correct?
A) "I should take this medication before bed to ensure good sleep."
B) "I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions."
C) "This medication will likely cause me to gain weight."
D) "I should increase my intake of salty foods while taking this."
E) "This medication will turn my urine orange."
Correct Answer: B) I should take extra care when standing up or changing positions.
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic that can cause orthostatic
hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) due to fluid and electrolyte shifts.
Patients should be advised to change positions slowly to prevent dizziness and falls.
Question 3
A 250mg dose of an oral medication has been ordered. The medication is supplied only in 100mg
tablets. How many tablets would you administer?
A) 1 tablet
B) 1.5 tablets
C) 2 tablets
D) 2.5 tablets
E) 3 tablets
Correct Answer: D) 2.5
Rationale: To calculate the number of tablets: (Desired dose / Available dose) = (250 mg /
100 mg/tablet) = 2.5 tablets.
Question 4
Which medication is considered a potassium-sparing diuretic?
,[Type here]
A) Furosemide (Lasix)
B) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
C) Bumetanide (Bumex)
D) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
E) Torsemide (Demadex)
Correct Answer: D) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Rationale: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is an aldosterone antagonist that works in the
collecting ducts of the kidneys to promote sodium and water excretion while retaining
potassium, hence it is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Question 5
You receive report from the off-going nurse that the person being cared for just received their
fourth dose of IV vancomycin that was administered over 30 minutes. Upon assessment of them,
you notice their face and neck are red and they are itching all over. What would you suspect?
A) Anaphylactic shock.
B) Septic shock.
C) Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate.
D) A localized allergic reaction at the IV site.
E) Fluid overload.
Correct Answer: C) Red man syndrome due to a rapid infusion rate.
Rationale: Red man syndrome is a non-allergic (pseudoallergic) reaction associated with
rapid intravenous infusion of vancomycin. It is characterized by flushing and erythema
(redness) of the face, neck, and upper torso, often accompanied by itching (pruritus). This
is caused by histamine release, not an IgE-mediated allergy. Vancomycin should typically
be infused over at least 60 minutes (or longer for higher doses) to prevent this.
Question 6
Sildenafil (Viagra) is prescribed to treat a patient with erectile dysfunction. A nurse reviews the
patient's medical record and would question the prescription if which of the following is noted in
the history?
A) Hypertension
B) Diabetes Mellitus
C) Nitroglycerin use
D) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
E) History of myocardial infarction (MI) 3 years ago
Correct Answer: C) Nitroglycerin
Rationale: Sildenafil (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is absolutely
contraindicated with nitrates (like nitroglycerin) because their combined vasodilatory
effects can lead to a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure (profound hypotension).
,[Type here]
Question 7
You are caring for a person with a capillary blood glucose of 33 mg/dL and they are unable to
tolerate oral intake. Which of the following would you administer?
A) Glucagon subcutaneous
B) 4 oz of orange juice
C) Dextrose 50% IV push
D) Regular insulin IV
E) Normal saline IV
Correct Answer: C) Dextrose 50% IV push
Rationale: A blood glucose of 33 mg/dL is severe hypoglycemia. For a patient who is unable
to tolerate oral intake (e.g., unconscious, obtunded), intravenous 50% dextrose (D50W) is
the rapid and appropriate treatment to quickly raise blood glucose levels. Oral intake
would risk aspiration. Glucagon IM is an alternative if IV access is unavailable, but IV
dextrose is faster.
Question 8
A physician's written order for the person you are caring for is as follows: Insulin glargine
(Lantus), 10 U, subQ QD. What changes would you suggest for safety and to avoid the use of
"do not use" abbreviations?
A) Change "U" to "Units" and "QD" to "Daily."
B) Change "U" to "Units" and "subQ" to "SC."
C) Change "QD" to "Every day" and "subQ" to "SQ."
D) Change "U" to "Units" and "QD" to "q.d."
E) Change "10 U" to "ten units" and "QD" to "q daily."
Correct Answer: A) Spell out units and daily
Rationale: According to the Joint Commission's "Do Not Use" list, "U" (for units) can be
mistaken for "0" or "4," and "QD" (for daily) can be mistaken for "QID" (four times
daily). Therefore, spelling out "Units" and "Daily" (or "every day") enhances patient
safety by reducing the risk of medication errors.
Question 9
Which statement, if made by the person you are caring for, reflects the need for further education
regarding a new prescription of warfarin (Coumadin)?
A) "I need to have my blood tested regularly to check my INR."
B) "I should try to keep my intake of green leafy vegetables consistent."
C) "If I get headaches, aspirin is my best option for pain."
D) "I need to tell all my other healthcare providers that I am taking warfarin."
E) "I should report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
Correct Answer: C) If I get headaches, aspirin is my best options for pain
Rationale: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding. Taking
, [Type here]
aspirin concurrently with warfarin (an anticoagulant) significantly increases the risk of
hemorrhage. Therefore, aspirin is generally contraindicated for pain relief in patients
taking warfarin. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically a safer choice for pain in this
population.
Question 10
A person is noted to have a penicillin allergy. What medication would you question if ordered by
a physician?
A) Azithromycin
B) Levofloxacin
C) Ceftriaxone
D) Vancomycin
E) Doxycycline
Correct Answer: C) Ceftriaxone
Rationale: Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins are beta-lactam
antibiotics, structurally similar to penicillins. There is a potential for cross-reactivity
(allergic reaction) in patients with a penicillin allergy, especially if the penicillin allergy was
severe (e.g., anaphylaxis). Therefore, the nurse would question this order and clarify with
the physician.
Question 11
You receive an order to start a Heparin drip at 18 units/kg/hr for a person weighing 75 kg. The
heparin comes in a 500 mL bag with 25,000 units. What is the starting rate of the infusion in
mL/hr? (Round to the nearest whole number if necessary.)
A) 20 mL/hr
B) 25 mL/hr
C) 27 mL/hr
D) 30 mL/hr
E) 35 mL/hr
Correct Answer: C) 27 mL/hr
Rationale: 1. Calculate total units per hour: 18 units/kg/hr * 75 kg = 1350 units/hr.
2. Calculate concentration of heparin bag: 25,000 units / 500 mL = 50 units/mL.
3. Calculate infusion rate in mL/hr: (1350 units/hr) / (50 units/mL) = 27 mL/hr.
Question 12
The physician orders 0.5 mg/kg of a medication. The medication is supplied in a 10 mg/mL
solution. The person you are caring for weighs 40 kg. How many mL of the drug would you
administer?
A) 1 mL
B) 2 mL
C) 2.5 mL
