NR 293 Pharmacology Week 7 Practice Exam 2026 |Chamberlain
College
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has been prescribed an
albuterol inhaler and a beclomethasone inhaler for asthma. Which instruction is
correct?
A. Use the beclomethasone inhaler first, then wait 5 minutes for the albuterol.
B. Use the beclomethasone only during an acute asthma attack.
C. Combine both medications in a nebulizer for faster administration.
D. Use the albuterol inhaler first, wait 5 minutes, then use the beclomethasone.
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should be used first to open the airways,
allowing the corticosteroid (beclomethasone) to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
2. Which of the following findings should a nurse report immediately for a
patient taking theophylline?
A. A serum theophylline level of 15 mcg/mL.
B. Increased urine output.
C. Tachycardia and tremors.
D. Occasional dry cough.
Answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia and tremors are signs of theophylline toxicity. The therapeutic
range is typically 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
,3. A patient is prescribed montelukast. The nurse should instruct the patient to
take this medication at which time?
A. Once daily in the evening.
B. Immediately at the onset of an asthma attack.
C. Thirty minutes before vigorous exercise.
D. Twice daily in the morning and afternoon.
Answer: A
Rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term
prophylaxis of asthma and is typically taken once daily in the evening.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of an inhaled corticosteroid.
Which instruction is most important to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
C. Use a spacer and rinse the mouth with water after use.
D. Limit caffeine intake while on this medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid removes residual
medication and prevents the development of fungal infections like thrush.
5. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ medication for a patient
experiencing acute bronchospasm?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Cromolyn sodium
D. Fluticasone
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used for the rapid relief of
acute asthma symptoms.
, 6. A patient taking guaifenesin should be encouraged to do which of the
following?
A. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Take the medication only before bedtime.
C. Avoid driving due to extreme drowsiness.
D. Increase fluid intake to help loosen secretions.
Answer: D
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works best when the patient is well-hydrated
to help thin and mobilize secretions.
7. A nurse is assessing a patient who is taking diphenhydramine. Which side
effect is most common?
A. Hypertension
B. Sedation
C. Diarrhea
D. Increased salivation
Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-
brain barrier, frequently causing drowsiness or sedation.
8. Which of the following is a potential side effect of long-term omeprazole use?
A. Weight gain and hirsutism
B. Magnesium deficiency and osteoporosis
C. Persistent dry cough
D. Gingival hyperplasia
Answer: B
Rationale: Long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole is linked to
decreased magnesium levels and an increased risk of bone fractures.
College
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has been prescribed an
albuterol inhaler and a beclomethasone inhaler for asthma. Which instruction is
correct?
A. Use the beclomethasone inhaler first, then wait 5 minutes for the albuterol.
B. Use the beclomethasone only during an acute asthma attack.
C. Combine both medications in a nebulizer for faster administration.
D. Use the albuterol inhaler first, wait 5 minutes, then use the beclomethasone.
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should be used first to open the airways,
allowing the corticosteroid (beclomethasone) to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
2. Which of the following findings should a nurse report immediately for a
patient taking theophylline?
A. A serum theophylline level of 15 mcg/mL.
B. Increased urine output.
C. Tachycardia and tremors.
D. Occasional dry cough.
Answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia and tremors are signs of theophylline toxicity. The therapeutic
range is typically 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
,3. A patient is prescribed montelukast. The nurse should instruct the patient to
take this medication at which time?
A. Once daily in the evening.
B. Immediately at the onset of an asthma attack.
C. Thirty minutes before vigorous exercise.
D. Twice daily in the morning and afternoon.
Answer: A
Rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term
prophylaxis of asthma and is typically taken once daily in the evening.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of an inhaled corticosteroid.
Which instruction is most important to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
C. Use a spacer and rinse the mouth with water after use.
D. Limit caffeine intake while on this medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid removes residual
medication and prevents the development of fungal infections like thrush.
5. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ medication for a patient
experiencing acute bronchospasm?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Cromolyn sodium
D. Fluticasone
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used for the rapid relief of
acute asthma symptoms.
, 6. A patient taking guaifenesin should be encouraged to do which of the
following?
A. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Take the medication only before bedtime.
C. Avoid driving due to extreme drowsiness.
D. Increase fluid intake to help loosen secretions.
Answer: D
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works best when the patient is well-hydrated
to help thin and mobilize secretions.
7. A nurse is assessing a patient who is taking diphenhydramine. Which side
effect is most common?
A. Hypertension
B. Sedation
C. Diarrhea
D. Increased salivation
Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-
brain barrier, frequently causing drowsiness or sedation.
8. Which of the following is a potential side effect of long-term omeprazole use?
A. Weight gain and hirsutism
B. Magnesium deficiency and osteoporosis
C. Persistent dry cough
D. Gingival hyperplasia
Answer: B
Rationale: Long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole is linked to
decreased magnesium levels and an increased risk of bone fractures.
