NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Galen College
of Nursing | 350 Practice Questions with Marked
Answers & Rationales
Table of Contents
1. Medication Safety & Administration — 25 questions
2. Pharmacokinetics — 25 questions
3. Pharmacodynamics — 25 questions
4. Dosage Calculations & Measurement — 25 questions
5. Routes & Formulations — 25 questions
6. Autonomic & Cardiovascular Pharmacology — 25 questions
7. CNS, Pain & Psychiatric Pharmacology — 25 questions
8. Endocrine & Metabolic Pharmacology — 25 questions
9. Antimicrobials & Infection — 25 questions
10. Respiratory & GI Pharmacology — 25 questions
11. Special Populations, Monitoring & Adverse Effects — 25 questions
12. Integrated Pharmacology Review — 25 questions
13. Hematology, Oncology & Renal Pharmacology — 25 questions
14. Medication Interactions, Education & Clinical Judgment — 25 questions
Medication Safety & Administration
1. Which action best verifies the right patient before medication administration?
A. Ask a family member to identify the patient
B. Ask the patient to nod when their name is spoken
C. Use two approved patient identifiers
D. Use the room number as the only identifier
✓ Correct Answer: Use two approved patient identifiers
Rationale: Two independent identifiers reduce wrong-patient medication errors.
2. How many times should the nurse compare the medication label with the MAR according to common safe-
administration practice?
A. Only when the medication is unfamiliar
B. Three times
C. Twice
D. Once
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 1
, ✓ Correct Answer: Three times
Rationale: Three label checks are commonly taught: when obtaining, preparing, and returning/administering the
medication.
3. When should the nurse document a medication that has been administered?
A. At the end of the shift
B. Only if an adverse effect occurs
C. Immediately after administration
D. Before giving the medication
✓ Correct Answer: Immediately after administration
Rationale: Prompt documentation reduces omissions and duplicate-dose errors.
4. A patient says, “This pill looks different from what I usually take.” What is the best response?
A. Give it because it is on the MAR
B. Ask the patient to take it and report symptoms later
C. Pause and verify the medication before giving it
D. Tell the patient the pharmacy must have changed the color
✓ Correct Answer: Pause and verify the medication before giving it
Rationale: A discrepancy should be investigated before administration.
5. Which abbreviation is safest to avoid because it can be misread as a different dose?
A. mL
B. kg
C. mg
D. U for units
✓ Correct Answer: U for units
Rationale: Unsafe abbreviations can cause serious medication errors; write units rather than U.
6. A nurse discovers that a prescribed dose appears unusually high. What should the nurse do first? A.
Change the dose independently
B. Give the dose and monitor closely
C. Hold the dose and clarify the order
D. Ask another patient whether the dose seems high
✓ Correct Answer: Hold the dose and clarify the order
Rationale: An unclear or potentially unsafe order must be clarified before administration.
7. Which action is appropriate when a patient refuses a medication?
A. Force the medication
B. Assess the reason, provide appropriate teaching, and document the refusal
C. Document that the patient received it
D. Hide the medication in food
✓ Correct Answer: Assess the reason, provide appropriate teaching, and document the refusal
Rationale: Patients generally have the right to refuse; the nurse should assess, educate, notify as appropriate, and
document.
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 2
, 8. Which finding most strongly suggests a medication allergy rather than a common side effect?
A. Mild constipation
B. Transient dry mouth
C. Mild nausea
D. Wheezing and facial swelling
✓ Correct Answer: Wheezing and facial swelling
Rationale: Airway symptoms and facial swelling may indicate anaphylaxis and require immediate action.
9. A medication is ordered PRN for pain. What should the nurse assess before giving it?
A. The patient's meal preference
B. Only the patient's room number
C. Pain severity and relevant clinical parameters
D. Whether the medication package is attractive
✓ Correct Answer: Pain severity and relevant clinical parameters
Rationale: PRN medications require assessment of the indication and relevant safety parameters.
10. What is the safest way to administer a medication through an enteral feeding tube?
A. Mix all medications directly into the feeding formula
B. Skip flushing because it may dilute the dose
C. Crush every medication together
D. Verify compatibility and follow the medication-specific tube-administration procedure
✓ Correct Answer: Verify compatibility and follow the medication-specific tube-administration procedure
Rationale: Some medications must not be crushed, and appropriate flushing prevents clogging and interactions.
11. Which medication formulation generally should not be crushed?
A. Immediate-release scored tablet when appropriate
B. Extended-release tablet
C. A medication specifically labeled as crushable
D. Plain powder intended for suspension
✓ Correct Answer: Extended-release tablet
Rationale: Crushing extended-release products can cause dose dumping.
12. Why should enteric-coated tablets generally not be crushed?
A. It makes the tablet too cold
B. It always increases absorption safely
C. It prevents all adverse effects
D. Crushing can destroy the protective coating and alter drug delivery
✓ Correct Answer: Crushing can destroy the protective coating and alter drug delivery
Rationale: Enteric coatings protect the drug or stomach from early release.
13. Which action is appropriate when administering a medication from a multidose vial?
A. Use aseptic technique and follow facility policy for vial access
B. Leave the vial uncapped on the bedside table
C. Reuse a syringe after changing only the needle
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 3
, D. Use the same needle for multiple patients
✓ Correct Answer: Use aseptic technique and follow facility policy for vial access
Rationale: Aseptic technique helps prevent contamination and infection.
14. A patient has difficulty swallowing a tablet. What is the safest approach?
A. Split every tablet in half
B. Crush every tablet
C. Check whether a liquid or other appropriate formulation is available
D. Ask the patient to swallow it without water
✓ Correct Answer: Check whether a liquid or other appropriate formulation is available
Rationale: Not all tablets may be crushed or split; an alternative formulation may be needed.
15. Which route provides a medication directly into the bloodstream?
A. Topical
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Oral
✓ Correct Answer: Intravenous
Rationale: IV administration places medication directly into the vascular system.
16. What should the nurse do after removing a transdermal medication patch?
A. Cut the old patch into pieces and place it in a pocket
B. Document removal and follow disposal precautions
C. Apply a second patch immediately
D. Leave the old patch on
✓ Correct Answer: Document removal and follow disposal precautions
Rationale: Old patches can continue releasing medication and require appropriate disposal.
17. Which statement about medication reconciliation is correct?
A. It replaces allergy assessment
B. It is only for antibiotics
C. It compares a patient's medication list across transitions of care
D. It is performed only after discharge
✓ Correct Answer: It compares a patient's medication list across transitions of care
Rationale: Medication reconciliation helps identify omissions, duplications, and discrepancies.
18. Which patient statement demonstrates correct understanding of medication safety?
A. “I can double my dose if one dose does not work.”
B. “I will keep an updated list of my medicines and allergies.”
C. “I do not need to tell providers about over-the-counter drugs.”
D. “I will use my friend's prescription if I run out.”
✓ Correct Answer: “I will keep an updated list of my medicines and allergies.”
Rationale: An accurate medication and allergy list supports safe care.
19. A nurse prepares several medications for different patients. What is the safest practice?
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 4
of Nursing | 350 Practice Questions with Marked
Answers & Rationales
Table of Contents
1. Medication Safety & Administration — 25 questions
2. Pharmacokinetics — 25 questions
3. Pharmacodynamics — 25 questions
4. Dosage Calculations & Measurement — 25 questions
5. Routes & Formulations — 25 questions
6. Autonomic & Cardiovascular Pharmacology — 25 questions
7. CNS, Pain & Psychiatric Pharmacology — 25 questions
8. Endocrine & Metabolic Pharmacology — 25 questions
9. Antimicrobials & Infection — 25 questions
10. Respiratory & GI Pharmacology — 25 questions
11. Special Populations, Monitoring & Adverse Effects — 25 questions
12. Integrated Pharmacology Review — 25 questions
13. Hematology, Oncology & Renal Pharmacology — 25 questions
14. Medication Interactions, Education & Clinical Judgment — 25 questions
Medication Safety & Administration
1. Which action best verifies the right patient before medication administration?
A. Ask a family member to identify the patient
B. Ask the patient to nod when their name is spoken
C. Use two approved patient identifiers
D. Use the room number as the only identifier
✓ Correct Answer: Use two approved patient identifiers
Rationale: Two independent identifiers reduce wrong-patient medication errors.
2. How many times should the nurse compare the medication label with the MAR according to common safe-
administration practice?
A. Only when the medication is unfamiliar
B. Three times
C. Twice
D. Once
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 1
, ✓ Correct Answer: Three times
Rationale: Three label checks are commonly taught: when obtaining, preparing, and returning/administering the
medication.
3. When should the nurse document a medication that has been administered?
A. At the end of the shift
B. Only if an adverse effect occurs
C. Immediately after administration
D. Before giving the medication
✓ Correct Answer: Immediately after administration
Rationale: Prompt documentation reduces omissions and duplicate-dose errors.
4. A patient says, “This pill looks different from what I usually take.” What is the best response?
A. Give it because it is on the MAR
B. Ask the patient to take it and report symptoms later
C. Pause and verify the medication before giving it
D. Tell the patient the pharmacy must have changed the color
✓ Correct Answer: Pause and verify the medication before giving it
Rationale: A discrepancy should be investigated before administration.
5. Which abbreviation is safest to avoid because it can be misread as a different dose?
A. mL
B. kg
C. mg
D. U for units
✓ Correct Answer: U for units
Rationale: Unsafe abbreviations can cause serious medication errors; write units rather than U.
6. A nurse discovers that a prescribed dose appears unusually high. What should the nurse do first? A.
Change the dose independently
B. Give the dose and monitor closely
C. Hold the dose and clarify the order
D. Ask another patient whether the dose seems high
✓ Correct Answer: Hold the dose and clarify the order
Rationale: An unclear or potentially unsafe order must be clarified before administration.
7. Which action is appropriate when a patient refuses a medication?
A. Force the medication
B. Assess the reason, provide appropriate teaching, and document the refusal
C. Document that the patient received it
D. Hide the medication in food
✓ Correct Answer: Assess the reason, provide appropriate teaching, and document the refusal
Rationale: Patients generally have the right to refuse; the nurse should assess, educate, notify as appropriate, and
document.
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 2
, 8. Which finding most strongly suggests a medication allergy rather than a common side effect?
A. Mild constipation
B. Transient dry mouth
C. Mild nausea
D. Wheezing and facial swelling
✓ Correct Answer: Wheezing and facial swelling
Rationale: Airway symptoms and facial swelling may indicate anaphylaxis and require immediate action.
9. A medication is ordered PRN for pain. What should the nurse assess before giving it?
A. The patient's meal preference
B. Only the patient's room number
C. Pain severity and relevant clinical parameters
D. Whether the medication package is attractive
✓ Correct Answer: Pain severity and relevant clinical parameters
Rationale: PRN medications require assessment of the indication and relevant safety parameters.
10. What is the safest way to administer a medication through an enteral feeding tube?
A. Mix all medications directly into the feeding formula
B. Skip flushing because it may dilute the dose
C. Crush every medication together
D. Verify compatibility and follow the medication-specific tube-administration procedure
✓ Correct Answer: Verify compatibility and follow the medication-specific tube-administration procedure
Rationale: Some medications must not be crushed, and appropriate flushing prevents clogging and interactions.
11. Which medication formulation generally should not be crushed?
A. Immediate-release scored tablet when appropriate
B. Extended-release tablet
C. A medication specifically labeled as crushable
D. Plain powder intended for suspension
✓ Correct Answer: Extended-release tablet
Rationale: Crushing extended-release products can cause dose dumping.
12. Why should enteric-coated tablets generally not be crushed?
A. It makes the tablet too cold
B. It always increases absorption safely
C. It prevents all adverse effects
D. Crushing can destroy the protective coating and alter drug delivery
✓ Correct Answer: Crushing can destroy the protective coating and alter drug delivery
Rationale: Enteric coatings protect the drug or stomach from early release.
13. Which action is appropriate when administering a medication from a multidose vial?
A. Use aseptic technique and follow facility policy for vial access
B. Leave the vial uncapped on the bedside table
C. Reuse a syringe after changing only the needle
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 3
, D. Use the same needle for multiple patients
✓ Correct Answer: Use aseptic technique and follow facility policy for vial access
Rationale: Aseptic technique helps prevent contamination and infection.
14. A patient has difficulty swallowing a tablet. What is the safest approach?
A. Split every tablet in half
B. Crush every tablet
C. Check whether a liquid or other appropriate formulation is available
D. Ask the patient to swallow it without water
✓ Correct Answer: Check whether a liquid or other appropriate formulation is available
Rationale: Not all tablets may be crushed or split; an alternative formulation may be needed.
15. Which route provides a medication directly into the bloodstream?
A. Topical
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Oral
✓ Correct Answer: Intravenous
Rationale: IV administration places medication directly into the vascular system.
16. What should the nurse do after removing a transdermal medication patch?
A. Cut the old patch into pieces and place it in a pocket
B. Document removal and follow disposal precautions
C. Apply a second patch immediately
D. Leave the old patch on
✓ Correct Answer: Document removal and follow disposal precautions
Rationale: Old patches can continue releasing medication and require appropriate disposal.
17. Which statement about medication reconciliation is correct?
A. It replaces allergy assessment
B. It is only for antibiotics
C. It compares a patient's medication list across transitions of care
D. It is performed only after discharge
✓ Correct Answer: It compares a patient's medication list across transitions of care
Rationale: Medication reconciliation helps identify omissions, duplications, and discrepancies.
18. Which patient statement demonstrates correct understanding of medication safety?
A. “I can double my dose if one dose does not work.”
B. “I will keep an updated list of my medicines and allergies.”
C. “I do not need to tell providers about over-the-counter drugs.”
D. “I will use my friend's prescription if I run out.”
✓ Correct Answer: “I will keep an updated list of my medicines and allergies.”
Rationale: An accurate medication and allergy list supports safe care.
19. A nurse prepares several medications for different patients. What is the safest practice?
NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology — Original Practice Page 4
