Test Bank for Clayton's Basic Pharmacology for
Nurses 20th Edition by Willihnganz & Gurevitz |
Verified Questions & Correct Answers
1. Which symptom may indicate toxicity during vitamin D therapy?
A. Anorexia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Muscle weakness
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia may indicate vitamin D toxicity.
2. Which condition increases the risk of digitalis toxicity?
A. Hypomagnesemia and renal failure
B. Hypocalcemia and young age
C. Hyperkalemia and hypothyroidism
D. Hypercalcemia and advanced age
Answer: D
Rationale: Advanced age, atrioventricular block, dysrhythmias, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia,
hypothyroid, respiratory or kidney disease, liver dysfunction, use of a pacemaker, and ventricular
fibrillation are conditions that predispose a patient to digitalis toxicity.
3. Which statement describes an advantage of catechol ortho-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors
in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
A. They directly stimulate dopamine receptors.
B. They have a shorter duration of action.
C. They prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the synapse.
D. They increase the synthesis of dopamine in the brain.
Answer: B
Rationale: COMT inhibitors, such as entacapone, work by inhibiting the enzyme catechol
ortho-methyltransferase, which breaks down levodopa in the periphery. This increases the amount of
levodopa that reaches the brain, enhancing its therapeutic effect in Parkinson's disease.
4. An 18-year-old basketball player falls and twists his ankle during a game. Which type of
analgesic is he most likely to be given?
A. A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine
B. An opioid analgesic, such as morphine
Page 1
,C. A non-opioid analgesic, such as tramadol
D. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen
Answer: C
Rationale: Pain originating from skeletal muscles, ligaments, and joints usually responds to non-opioid
analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All drugs in the NSAID class are
especially useful for pain associated with inflammatory conditions because these drugs have analgesic
and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. What is the primary goal of initiating anticoagulant therapy in a patient?
A. To dissolve existing blood clots
B. To prevent thrombus formation
C. To reduce blood viscosity
D. To increase platelet aggregation
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent thrombus formation and do not dissolve an existing thrombus.
6. A 58-year-old male who has had a myocardial infarction (MI) is completing rehabilitation and
preparing for discharge. When he receives a prescription for metoprolol (Lopressor®), he becomes
upset and says, "I don't have high blood pressure! Why did my doctor give me this medicine?"
What is the nurse's best explanation to the patient?
A. Metoprolol will help prevent future blood pressure spikes that could damage your heart.
B. Studies have shown that this medication greatly increases survival in post-MI patients.
C. This medication is prescribed to reduce the workload on your heart and prevent arrhythmias.
D. Your doctor prescribed this to treat the underlying atherosclerosis that caused your heart attack.
Answer: B
Rationale: Because of their cardioprotective properties, ðb-blockers are frequently prescribed to patients
who have suffered an MI. However, some contraindications may preclude the use of -blockers for all
post-MI patients.
7. When teaching patients about over-the-counter (OTC) and natural health products, which of the
following should the nurse emphasize?
A. Natural health products do not interact with prescription medications, so they can be taken together safely.
B. Natural health products are generally safer than OTC drugs because they are derived from natural sources.
C. OTC drugs are regulated by the FDA, so they are safe for use in all populations without consultation.
D. Natural health products and OTC drugs cannot be safely administered to infants, children, and pregnant or
lactating women without first checking with the health care provider.
Answer: D
Rationale: Natural health products and OTC drugs are not necessarily safe for infants, children, and
pregnant or lactating women; the health care provider should be contacted before use.
8. When a patient is taking an adrenergic drug, which effect should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased blood pressure
Page 2
,B. Increased heart rate
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchoconstriction
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased heart rate is one of the effects of adrenergic drugs. Bronchial dilation, peripheral
constriction, and decreased intestinal peristalsis are not effects of adrenergic drugs.
9. What is the recommended position for a patient to maintain for 15 to 20 minutes after the
insertion of a rectal suppository?
A. Encouraging the patient to lie on the left side of the body for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
B. Encouraging the patient to lie supine with knees bent for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
C. Encouraging the patient to lie on the right side of the body for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
D. Encouraging the patient to sit upright for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
Answer: A
Rationale: For rectal suppository insertion, the patient should be positioned on the left side of the body.
Lubricate the suppository with a small amount of water-soluble lubricant, have the patient take a deep
breath and exhale through the mouth during insertion, and then have the patient remain lying on the left
side for 15 to 20 minutes to allow absorption of the drug.
10. A patient who has undergone abdominal surgery is being discharged with a prescription for a
cholinergic drug to enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis. What therapeutic effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor for?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Passage of flatus
C. Relief of incisional pain
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients experiencing a postoperative decrease in gastrointestinal peristalsis should watch for
an increase in bowel sounds, the passage of flatus, and the occurrence of bowel movements that indicate
increased gastrointestinal peristalsis.
11. Which condition is an indication for the use of a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug?
A. Appetite suppression
B. Hypertension
C. Insomnia
D. Anxiety disorders
Answer: A
Rationale: CNS stimulant drugs can be used as appetite suppressants (anorexiants) for appetite control.
12. Which class of antihypertensive drugs is associated with a persistent cough as an adverse
effect?
A. Diuretics
Page 3
, B. ACE inhibitors
C. Beta blockers
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors cause a characteristic dry, hacking, nonproductive chronic cough that reverses
when therapy is stopped.
13. At which time should the nurse use the Z-track method for intramuscular medication
administration?
A. When the medication volume exceeds 3 mL
B. When the medication is known to be irritating to tissues
C. When the patient is at risk for bleeding
D. When the patient has a history of allergic reactions
Answer: B
Rationale: The Z-track method should be used for medications known to irritate tissues. This method
prevents the deposit of medication through sensitive tissues and reduces pain, irritation, and staining at
the injection site.
14. When a neuromuscular blocking drug is administered, the effects occur in a specific sequence.
Arrange the following effects in the correct order of occurrence, using the letters A through C.
A. A, C, B
B. A, B, C
C. B, C, A
D. C, B, A
Answer: D
Rationale: The first sensation typically experienced is muscle weakness. This is usually followed by a
total flaccid paralysis. Small, rapidly moving muscles such as those of the fingers and eyes are typically
the first to be paralyzed. The next are those of the limbs, neck, and trunk. Finally, the intercostal muscles
and the diaphragm are paralyzed. The patient can no longer breathe independently.
15. While assisting a patient with medication administration, the nurse accidentally drops the
medication cup, spilling its contents. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Wipe the medications with a clean cloth and return them to the cup.
B. Rinse the medications with water and give them to the patient.
C. Discard the medications and repeat the preparation.
D. Retrieve the medications from the floor and administer them to the patient.
Answer: C
Rationale: Medications that fall onto the floor need to be discarded, and the procedure must be repeated
with new medications.
16. A person experiencing chest pain while playing tennis has a bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin.
Which actions are appropriate for this person to take? (Select all that apply.)
Page 4
Nurses 20th Edition by Willihnganz & Gurevitz |
Verified Questions & Correct Answers
1. Which symptom may indicate toxicity during vitamin D therapy?
A. Anorexia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Muscle weakness
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia may indicate vitamin D toxicity.
2. Which condition increases the risk of digitalis toxicity?
A. Hypomagnesemia and renal failure
B. Hypocalcemia and young age
C. Hyperkalemia and hypothyroidism
D. Hypercalcemia and advanced age
Answer: D
Rationale: Advanced age, atrioventricular block, dysrhythmias, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia,
hypothyroid, respiratory or kidney disease, liver dysfunction, use of a pacemaker, and ventricular
fibrillation are conditions that predispose a patient to digitalis toxicity.
3. Which statement describes an advantage of catechol ortho-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors
in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
A. They directly stimulate dopamine receptors.
B. They have a shorter duration of action.
C. They prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the synapse.
D. They increase the synthesis of dopamine in the brain.
Answer: B
Rationale: COMT inhibitors, such as entacapone, work by inhibiting the enzyme catechol
ortho-methyltransferase, which breaks down levodopa in the periphery. This increases the amount of
levodopa that reaches the brain, enhancing its therapeutic effect in Parkinson's disease.
4. An 18-year-old basketball player falls and twists his ankle during a game. Which type of
analgesic is he most likely to be given?
A. A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine
B. An opioid analgesic, such as morphine
Page 1
,C. A non-opioid analgesic, such as tramadol
D. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen
Answer: C
Rationale: Pain originating from skeletal muscles, ligaments, and joints usually responds to non-opioid
analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All drugs in the NSAID class are
especially useful for pain associated with inflammatory conditions because these drugs have analgesic
and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. What is the primary goal of initiating anticoagulant therapy in a patient?
A. To dissolve existing blood clots
B. To prevent thrombus formation
C. To reduce blood viscosity
D. To increase platelet aggregation
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent thrombus formation and do not dissolve an existing thrombus.
6. A 58-year-old male who has had a myocardial infarction (MI) is completing rehabilitation and
preparing for discharge. When he receives a prescription for metoprolol (Lopressor®), he becomes
upset and says, "I don't have high blood pressure! Why did my doctor give me this medicine?"
What is the nurse's best explanation to the patient?
A. Metoprolol will help prevent future blood pressure spikes that could damage your heart.
B. Studies have shown that this medication greatly increases survival in post-MI patients.
C. This medication is prescribed to reduce the workload on your heart and prevent arrhythmias.
D. Your doctor prescribed this to treat the underlying atherosclerosis that caused your heart attack.
Answer: B
Rationale: Because of their cardioprotective properties, ðb-blockers are frequently prescribed to patients
who have suffered an MI. However, some contraindications may preclude the use of -blockers for all
post-MI patients.
7. When teaching patients about over-the-counter (OTC) and natural health products, which of the
following should the nurse emphasize?
A. Natural health products do not interact with prescription medications, so they can be taken together safely.
B. Natural health products are generally safer than OTC drugs because they are derived from natural sources.
C. OTC drugs are regulated by the FDA, so they are safe for use in all populations without consultation.
D. Natural health products and OTC drugs cannot be safely administered to infants, children, and pregnant or
lactating women without first checking with the health care provider.
Answer: D
Rationale: Natural health products and OTC drugs are not necessarily safe for infants, children, and
pregnant or lactating women; the health care provider should be contacted before use.
8. When a patient is taking an adrenergic drug, which effect should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased blood pressure
Page 2
,B. Increased heart rate
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchoconstriction
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased heart rate is one of the effects of adrenergic drugs. Bronchial dilation, peripheral
constriction, and decreased intestinal peristalsis are not effects of adrenergic drugs.
9. What is the recommended position for a patient to maintain for 15 to 20 minutes after the
insertion of a rectal suppository?
A. Encouraging the patient to lie on the left side of the body for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
B. Encouraging the patient to lie supine with knees bent for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
C. Encouraging the patient to lie on the right side of the body for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
D. Encouraging the patient to sit upright for 15 to 20 minutes after insertion
Answer: A
Rationale: For rectal suppository insertion, the patient should be positioned on the left side of the body.
Lubricate the suppository with a small amount of water-soluble lubricant, have the patient take a deep
breath and exhale through the mouth during insertion, and then have the patient remain lying on the left
side for 15 to 20 minutes to allow absorption of the drug.
10. A patient who has undergone abdominal surgery is being discharged with a prescription for a
cholinergic drug to enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis. What therapeutic effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor for?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Passage of flatus
C. Relief of incisional pain
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients experiencing a postoperative decrease in gastrointestinal peristalsis should watch for
an increase in bowel sounds, the passage of flatus, and the occurrence of bowel movements that indicate
increased gastrointestinal peristalsis.
11. Which condition is an indication for the use of a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug?
A. Appetite suppression
B. Hypertension
C. Insomnia
D. Anxiety disorders
Answer: A
Rationale: CNS stimulant drugs can be used as appetite suppressants (anorexiants) for appetite control.
12. Which class of antihypertensive drugs is associated with a persistent cough as an adverse
effect?
A. Diuretics
Page 3
, B. ACE inhibitors
C. Beta blockers
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors cause a characteristic dry, hacking, nonproductive chronic cough that reverses
when therapy is stopped.
13. At which time should the nurse use the Z-track method for intramuscular medication
administration?
A. When the medication volume exceeds 3 mL
B. When the medication is known to be irritating to tissues
C. When the patient is at risk for bleeding
D. When the patient has a history of allergic reactions
Answer: B
Rationale: The Z-track method should be used for medications known to irritate tissues. This method
prevents the deposit of medication through sensitive tissues and reduces pain, irritation, and staining at
the injection site.
14. When a neuromuscular blocking drug is administered, the effects occur in a specific sequence.
Arrange the following effects in the correct order of occurrence, using the letters A through C.
A. A, C, B
B. A, B, C
C. B, C, A
D. C, B, A
Answer: D
Rationale: The first sensation typically experienced is muscle weakness. This is usually followed by a
total flaccid paralysis. Small, rapidly moving muscles such as those of the fingers and eyes are typically
the first to be paralyzed. The next are those of the limbs, neck, and trunk. Finally, the intercostal muscles
and the diaphragm are paralyzed. The patient can no longer breathe independently.
15. While assisting a patient with medication administration, the nurse accidentally drops the
medication cup, spilling its contents. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Wipe the medications with a clean cloth and return them to the cup.
B. Rinse the medications with water and give them to the patient.
C. Discard the medications and repeat the preparation.
D. Retrieve the medications from the floor and administer them to the patient.
Answer: C
Rationale: Medications that fall onto the floor need to be discarded, and the procedure must be repeated
with new medications.
16. A person experiencing chest pain while playing tennis has a bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin.
Which actions are appropriate for this person to take? (Select all that apply.)
Page 4
