NUR 2474 PHARMACOLOGY CORRECT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔40. A patient who is pregnant has a history of recurrent genital herpesvirus (HSV).
The patient asks the nurse what will be done to suppress an outbreak when she is near
term. The nurse will tell the patient that:
a. antiviral medications are not safe during pregnancy.
b. intravenous antiviral agents will be used if an outbreak occurs.
c. oral acyclovir (Zovirax) may be used during pregnancy.
d.topical acyclovir (Zovirax) must be used to control outbreaks - ✔✔c. oral acyclovir
(Zovirax) may be used during pregnancy.
*is considered safe for use during pregnancy to suppress or treat outbreaks of genital
herpes.
✔✔41. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving intravenous acyclovir (Zovirax). To
prevent nephrotoxicity associated with intravenous acyclovir, the nurse will:
a. hydrate the patient during the infusion and for 2 hours after the infusion.
b. increase the patient's intake of foods rich in vitamin C.
c. monitor urinary output every 30 minutes.
d. provide a low-protein diet for 1 day before and 2 days after the acyclovir infusion. -
✔✔a. hydrate the patient during the infusion and for 2 hours after the infusion.
*Intravenous acyclovir has the potential to cause nephrotoxicity, and one of the
preventive measures is to ensure adequate hydration.
✔✔42. A nurse is performing a preoperative drug history on a patient who is admitted to
the hospital for surgery. To evaluate the risk of hemorrhage, the nurse will ask the
patient about antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications as well as which dietary
supplement?
a. Coenzyme Q-10
,b. Ginkgo biloba
c. Ma Huang (ephedra)
d. St. John's wort - ✔✔b. Ginkgo biloba
*known to have anti-platelet effects (G, G, G, G, G)
✔✔43. A patient will begin taking immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.
The nurse will caution this patient to avoid which dietary supplement?
a. Black cohosh
b. Echinacea
c. Feverfew
d. Glucosamine - ✔✔b. Echinacea
*known to stimulate the immune system and RA clients are taking immunosuppressant
medications.
✔✔44. An infant has allergies and often develops a pruritic rash when exposed to
allergens. The infant's parents ask the nurse about using a topical antihistamine. What
does the nurse tell them?
a. Antihistamines given by this route are not absorbed as well in children.
b. Applying this medication to the skin can cause toxicity in this age group.
c. The child will also need oral medication to achieve effective results.
d. Topical medications have fewer side effects than those given by other routes. - ✔✔b.
Applying this medication to the skin can cause toxicity in this age group.
*Infants have a larger body surface area in proportion to their weight, which can lead to
increased absorption of the medication through the skin.
✔✔45. The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral
corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which
information that is true for children?
a. Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth.
b. Frequent use of this drug may lead to a decreased response.
c. A hypersensitivity reaction to this drug may occur.
d. Systemic steroids can be toxic. - ✔✔a. Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth.
*corticosteroids in children can potentially impact growth.
✔✔46. Parents ask the nurse why an over-the-counter cough suppressant with sedative
side effects is not recommended for infants. Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. "Babies have a more rapid gastric emptying time and don't absorb drugs well."
b. "Cough medicine tastes bad, and infants usually won't take it."
,c. "Infants are more susceptible to central nervous system effects than are adults."
d. "Infants metabolize drugs too rapidly, so drugs aren't as effective." - ✔✔c. "Infants are
more susceptible to central nervous system effects than are adults."
*Infants have a heightened susceptibility to CNS depressants / sedatives due to
differences in drug metabolism and elimination in infants compared to adults.
✔✔47. A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the
ordered dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a
narcotic analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse
notes respirations of 22 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 110 beats per minute.
The infant is asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are
assessed. The nurse understands that these findings are the result of:
a. an allergic reaction to the medication.
b. immaturity of the blood-brain barrier in the infant.
c. toxic effects of the narcotic, requiring naloxone (Narcan) as an antidote.
d. unexpected side effects of medications in infants. - ✔✔b. immaturity of the blood-
brain barrier in the infant.
*allows medications, especially those with central nervous system effects like narcotic
analgesics, to penetrate more easily, leading to a higher susceptibility to sedation and
respiratory depression.
✔✔48. An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The
nurse reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the
kidneys. When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for:
a. decreased effectiveness of the drug.
b. shorter period of the drug's effects.
c. signs of drug toxicity.
d. unusual CNS effects. - ✔✔c. signs of drug toxicity.
*The potential for toxicity is higher when the drug is not effectively cleared from the
body, such as in cases of impaired renal function.
✔✔49. A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is
eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to:
a. order a dose that is lower than an adult dose.
b. order a dose that is higher than an adult dose.
c. increase the frequency of medication dosing.
d. discontinue the drug after one or two doses. - ✔✔a. order a dose that is lower than
an adult dose.
, *avoid risk of toxicity due to their immature liver function, may metabolize drugs more
slowly than adults
✔✔50. A nurse caring for a 5-year-old child notes that the child has discoloration of
several teeth. When taking a medication history, the nurse will ask about which group of
medications?
a. Glucocorticoids
b. Salicylates
c. Sulfonamides
d. Tetracyclines - ✔✔d. Tetracyclines
*When given during tooth development (especially in children under 8 years old), can
lead to tooth discoloration.
✔✔51. A nurse is caring for a patient and her newborn immediately after delivery. The
patient's medication history includes prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy, one or
two glasses of wine before knowing she was pregnant, occasional use of an albuterol
inhaler in her last trimester, and intravenous morphine during labor. What will the nurse
expect to do?
a. Administer opioids to the infant to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
b. Monitor the infant's respirations closely and prepare to administer oxygen.
c. Note a high-pitched cry and irritability in the infant.
d. Prepare the patient for motor delays in the infant caused by the alcohol use. - ✔✔b.
Monitor the infant's respirations closely and prepare to administer oxygen.
*if respiratory depression is observed due to prenatal opioid use.
✔✔52. A patient who has just learned she is pregnant has stopped using a prescription
medication that she takes for asthma because she doesn't want to harm her baby. What
will the nurse tell her?
a. That asthma medications will not affect the fetus
b. That her baby's health is dependent on hers
c. To avoid taking medications during her pregnancy
d. To resume the medication in her second trimester - ✔✔b. That her baby's health is
dependent on hers
*Uncontrolled asthma can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus. Benefit
outweighs the risk.
✔✔53. A pregnant patient asks the nurse about the safe use of medications during the
third trimester. What will the nurse tell her about drugs taken at this stage?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔40. A patient who is pregnant has a history of recurrent genital herpesvirus (HSV).
The patient asks the nurse what will be done to suppress an outbreak when she is near
term. The nurse will tell the patient that:
a. antiviral medications are not safe during pregnancy.
b. intravenous antiviral agents will be used if an outbreak occurs.
c. oral acyclovir (Zovirax) may be used during pregnancy.
d.topical acyclovir (Zovirax) must be used to control outbreaks - ✔✔c. oral acyclovir
(Zovirax) may be used during pregnancy.
*is considered safe for use during pregnancy to suppress or treat outbreaks of genital
herpes.
✔✔41. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving intravenous acyclovir (Zovirax). To
prevent nephrotoxicity associated with intravenous acyclovir, the nurse will:
a. hydrate the patient during the infusion and for 2 hours after the infusion.
b. increase the patient's intake of foods rich in vitamin C.
c. monitor urinary output every 30 minutes.
d. provide a low-protein diet for 1 day before and 2 days after the acyclovir infusion. -
✔✔a. hydrate the patient during the infusion and for 2 hours after the infusion.
*Intravenous acyclovir has the potential to cause nephrotoxicity, and one of the
preventive measures is to ensure adequate hydration.
✔✔42. A nurse is performing a preoperative drug history on a patient who is admitted to
the hospital for surgery. To evaluate the risk of hemorrhage, the nurse will ask the
patient about antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications as well as which dietary
supplement?
a. Coenzyme Q-10
,b. Ginkgo biloba
c. Ma Huang (ephedra)
d. St. John's wort - ✔✔b. Ginkgo biloba
*known to have anti-platelet effects (G, G, G, G, G)
✔✔43. A patient will begin taking immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.
The nurse will caution this patient to avoid which dietary supplement?
a. Black cohosh
b. Echinacea
c. Feverfew
d. Glucosamine - ✔✔b. Echinacea
*known to stimulate the immune system and RA clients are taking immunosuppressant
medications.
✔✔44. An infant has allergies and often develops a pruritic rash when exposed to
allergens. The infant's parents ask the nurse about using a topical antihistamine. What
does the nurse tell them?
a. Antihistamines given by this route are not absorbed as well in children.
b. Applying this medication to the skin can cause toxicity in this age group.
c. The child will also need oral medication to achieve effective results.
d. Topical medications have fewer side effects than those given by other routes. - ✔✔b.
Applying this medication to the skin can cause toxicity in this age group.
*Infants have a larger body surface area in proportion to their weight, which can lead to
increased absorption of the medication through the skin.
✔✔45. The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral
corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which
information that is true for children?
a. Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth.
b. Frequent use of this drug may lead to a decreased response.
c. A hypersensitivity reaction to this drug may occur.
d. Systemic steroids can be toxic. - ✔✔a. Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth.
*corticosteroids in children can potentially impact growth.
✔✔46. Parents ask the nurse why an over-the-counter cough suppressant with sedative
side effects is not recommended for infants. Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. "Babies have a more rapid gastric emptying time and don't absorb drugs well."
b. "Cough medicine tastes bad, and infants usually won't take it."
,c. "Infants are more susceptible to central nervous system effects than are adults."
d. "Infants metabolize drugs too rapidly, so drugs aren't as effective." - ✔✔c. "Infants are
more susceptible to central nervous system effects than are adults."
*Infants have a heightened susceptibility to CNS depressants / sedatives due to
differences in drug metabolism and elimination in infants compared to adults.
✔✔47. A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the
ordered dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a
narcotic analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse
notes respirations of 22 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 110 beats per minute.
The infant is asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are
assessed. The nurse understands that these findings are the result of:
a. an allergic reaction to the medication.
b. immaturity of the blood-brain barrier in the infant.
c. toxic effects of the narcotic, requiring naloxone (Narcan) as an antidote.
d. unexpected side effects of medications in infants. - ✔✔b. immaturity of the blood-
brain barrier in the infant.
*allows medications, especially those with central nervous system effects like narcotic
analgesics, to penetrate more easily, leading to a higher susceptibility to sedation and
respiratory depression.
✔✔48. An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The
nurse reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the
kidneys. When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for:
a. decreased effectiveness of the drug.
b. shorter period of the drug's effects.
c. signs of drug toxicity.
d. unusual CNS effects. - ✔✔c. signs of drug toxicity.
*The potential for toxicity is higher when the drug is not effectively cleared from the
body, such as in cases of impaired renal function.
✔✔49. A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is
eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to:
a. order a dose that is lower than an adult dose.
b. order a dose that is higher than an adult dose.
c. increase the frequency of medication dosing.
d. discontinue the drug after one or two doses. - ✔✔a. order a dose that is lower than
an adult dose.
, *avoid risk of toxicity due to their immature liver function, may metabolize drugs more
slowly than adults
✔✔50. A nurse caring for a 5-year-old child notes that the child has discoloration of
several teeth. When taking a medication history, the nurse will ask about which group of
medications?
a. Glucocorticoids
b. Salicylates
c. Sulfonamides
d. Tetracyclines - ✔✔d. Tetracyclines
*When given during tooth development (especially in children under 8 years old), can
lead to tooth discoloration.
✔✔51. A nurse is caring for a patient and her newborn immediately after delivery. The
patient's medication history includes prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy, one or
two glasses of wine before knowing she was pregnant, occasional use of an albuterol
inhaler in her last trimester, and intravenous morphine during labor. What will the nurse
expect to do?
a. Administer opioids to the infant to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
b. Monitor the infant's respirations closely and prepare to administer oxygen.
c. Note a high-pitched cry and irritability in the infant.
d. Prepare the patient for motor delays in the infant caused by the alcohol use. - ✔✔b.
Monitor the infant's respirations closely and prepare to administer oxygen.
*if respiratory depression is observed due to prenatal opioid use.
✔✔52. A patient who has just learned she is pregnant has stopped using a prescription
medication that she takes for asthma because she doesn't want to harm her baby. What
will the nurse tell her?
a. That asthma medications will not affect the fetus
b. That her baby's health is dependent on hers
c. To avoid taking medications during her pregnancy
d. To resume the medication in her second trimester - ✔✔b. That her baby's health is
dependent on hers
*Uncontrolled asthma can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus. Benefit
outweighs the risk.
✔✔53. A pregnant patient asks the nurse about the safe use of medications during the
third trimester. What will the nurse tell her about drugs taken at this stage?
