VATI PN Pharmacology Assessment | 60 Practice Q&A for LPN

VATI PN Pharmacology Assessment | Complete Package
Bundle (3 Set Exams) | Updated 2026/2027
SET 1: VATI PN Pharmacology Assessment (20 Questions)
Fundamentals, Dosage Calculations, & Safety
1. A provider orders 500 mg of cephalexin PO. The pharmacy supplies a
suspension containing 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse
administer?
A) 5 mL
B) 10 mL
C) 2.5 mL
D) 15 mL
Answer: B
Rationale: Use the formula: Desired / Have x Volume = (500 mg / 250
mg) x 5 mL = 2 x 5 mL = 10 mL.


2. Which phase of pharmacokinetics involves the movement of a drug
from its site of administration into the bloodstream?
A) Metabolism
B) Excretion
C) Absorption
D) Distribution
Answer: C

,Rationale: Absorption is the process by which a drug moves from its site
of administration into the bloodstream. Metabolism is breakdown,
distribution is transport, and excretion is elimination.


3. The "first-pass effect" significantly reduces the bioavailability of
certain drugs. Which route of administration bypasses the first-pass
effect?
A) Oral
B) Sublingual
C) Enteral
D) Rectal
Answer: B
Rationale: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is absorbed from the
GI tract into the portal circulation and passes through the liver before
reaching systemic circulation. Sublingual, IV, and intramuscular routes
bypass the liver's initial metabolism.


4. A medication is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. What
does this indicate?
A) The drug has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
B) The drug has a high potential for abuse but has an accepted medical
use.
C) The drug has a low potential for abuse and is available over-the-
counter.

,D) The drug is an herbal supplement.
Answer: B
Rationale: Schedule II drugs (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) have a high
potential for abuse and severe psychological/physical dependence, but
they do have accepted medical uses. Schedule I drugs have no accepted
medical use.


5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication when they notice the
dose seems unusually high. What is the nurse's best action?
A) Administer the medication and monitor the patient closely.
B) Administer half the dose and document the rationale.
C) Hold the medication and clarify the order with the prescribing
provider.
D) Ask the pharmacist to change the dose.
Answer: C
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. If a dose seems unsafe or
unusually high, the nurse must hold the medication and clarify the
order with the provider before administering.


Cardiovascular & Respiratory Pharmacology
6. A patient taking digoxin for heart failure presents with nausea,
vomiting, and visual disturbances (yellow halos). The nurse notes the
patient is also taking furosemide. The nurse should suspect:

, A) Therapeutic effect of digoxin
B) Digoxin toxicity exacerbated by hypokalemia from furosemide
C) An allergic reaction to furosemide
D) Gastroenteritis
Answer: B
Rationale: Yellow halos and GI distress are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity. Loop diuretics like furosemide cause hypokalemia, which
increases the heart's sensitivity to digoxin, increasing toxicity risk.


7. A common, persistent side effect of ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
that often leads to discontinuation of the drug is:
A) A dry, nonproductive cough
B) Profuse sweating
C) Bradycardia
D) Constipation
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which
accumulates in the lungs and causes a dry, persistent cough in up to
20% of patients.


8. A patient with asthma is prescribed a short-acting beta-2 agonist
(SABA) like albuterol. The nurse knows this medication is used to:
A) Prevent asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation.