NU 150 EXAM 3 /NU 150 PHARMACOLOGY
EXAM 3 PRACTICE EXAM WITH ACTUAL
CORRECT QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
DETAILED ANSWERS| CURRENTLY TESTING
VERSION | ALREADY GRADED
A+|NEWEST|EXPERT VERIFIED FOR
GUARANTEED PASS 2026/2027
A nurse is administering aspirin to an adult patient for pain and inflammation. Which
finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the
medication?
A. Pain rated 6/10
B. History of peptic ulcer disease
C. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
D. Mild osteoarthritis
Correct Answer: B. History of peptic ulcer disease
Detailed rationale:
Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and platelet aggregation. This can increase
gastric irritation and the risk of GI bleeding. A history of peptic ulcer disease is
therefore an important safety concern. The other findings do not by themselves
contraindicate aspirin.
A parent asks why aspirin should not be given to a child who has influenza. Which
response is best?
A. "Aspirin can cause severe constipation in children."
B. "Aspirin can cause respiratory depression in children."
C. "Aspirin use during certain viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome."
D. "Aspirin permanently damages children's kidneys."
1|Page
,Correct Answer: C. "Aspirin use during certain viral illnesses is associated with Reye
syndrome."
Detailed rationale:
Aspirin administration to children and adolescents with certain viral infections,
particularly influenza or varicella, is associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially
serious condition involving hepatic dysfunction and encephalopathy. Aspirin
should generally be avoided in this population unless specifically directed by a
healthcare professional.
A patient taking aspirin reports ringing in both ears. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Therapeutic effectiveness
B. Salicylate toxicity
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Opioid withdrawal
Correct Answer: B. Salicylate toxicity
Detailed rationale:
Tinnitus is a classic warning sign of salicylate toxicity. Other concerning findings
can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, hyperventilation, and acid-base
abnormalities. The nurse should notify the provider and anticipate further
assessment.
A patient has been taking acetaminophen for several days. Which assessment finding is
most concerning?
A. Mild headache
B. Increased appetite
C. Right-upper-quadrant abdominal tenderness
D. Mild thirst
Correct Answer: C. Right-upper-quadrant abdominal tenderness
2|Page
,Detailed rationale:
Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized by the liver. Excessive dosing can cause
hepatotoxicity. Right-upper-quadrant tenderness, jaundice, nausea/vomiting,
confusion, or abnormal liver function may indicate hepatic injury.
Which patient statement indicates a need for additional teaching about
acetaminophen?
A. "I will check cold medications for acetaminophen."
B. "I should avoid taking more than the recommended amount."
C. "If one product doesn't relieve my pain, I can take several other acetaminophen-
containing products."
D. "I should tell my provider about other medications I take."
Correct Answer: C.
Detailed rationale:
Many combination cold, flu, and pain products contain acetaminophen. Taking
multiple products can unintentionally produce excessive cumulative doses and
increase the risk of liver toxicity.
A patient taking ibuprofen reports black, tarry stools. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Tell the patient this is expected.
B. Encourage the patient to take another dose.
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
D. Administer an antacid and reassess tomorrow.
Correct Answer: C. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
Detailed rationale:
Black, tarry stools (melena) can indicate GI bleeding. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin
pathways that help protect the gastric mucosa and can increase the risk of ulcers
and GI bleeding.
3|Page
, Which medication is an opioid antagonist?
A. Morphine
B. Fentanyl
C. Naloxone
D. Oxycodone
Correct Answer: C. Naloxone
Detailed rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced
respiratory and CNS depression. Morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone are opioid
analgesics.
A patient receiving IV morphine has a respiratory rate of 7/min and is difficult to arouse.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose.
B. Hold the opioid and initiate appropriate emergency intervention.
C. Encourage oral fluids.
D. Place the patient in a dark room.
Correct Answer: B. Hold the opioid and initiate appropriate emergency intervention.
Detailed rationale:
Severe respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening opioid adverse
effect. The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing, with naloxone anticipated
when clinically indicated.
Which finding is most important to assess before administering an opioid?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Hair color
C. Appetite
D. Visual acuity
4|Page
EXAM 3 PRACTICE EXAM WITH ACTUAL
CORRECT QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
DETAILED ANSWERS| CURRENTLY TESTING
VERSION | ALREADY GRADED
A+|NEWEST|EXPERT VERIFIED FOR
GUARANTEED PASS 2026/2027
A nurse is administering aspirin to an adult patient for pain and inflammation. Which
finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the
medication?
A. Pain rated 6/10
B. History of peptic ulcer disease
C. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
D. Mild osteoarthritis
Correct Answer: B. History of peptic ulcer disease
Detailed rationale:
Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and platelet aggregation. This can increase
gastric irritation and the risk of GI bleeding. A history of peptic ulcer disease is
therefore an important safety concern. The other findings do not by themselves
contraindicate aspirin.
A parent asks why aspirin should not be given to a child who has influenza. Which
response is best?
A. "Aspirin can cause severe constipation in children."
B. "Aspirin can cause respiratory depression in children."
C. "Aspirin use during certain viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome."
D. "Aspirin permanently damages children's kidneys."
1|Page
,Correct Answer: C. "Aspirin use during certain viral illnesses is associated with Reye
syndrome."
Detailed rationale:
Aspirin administration to children and adolescents with certain viral infections,
particularly influenza or varicella, is associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially
serious condition involving hepatic dysfunction and encephalopathy. Aspirin
should generally be avoided in this population unless specifically directed by a
healthcare professional.
A patient taking aspirin reports ringing in both ears. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Therapeutic effectiveness
B. Salicylate toxicity
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Opioid withdrawal
Correct Answer: B. Salicylate toxicity
Detailed rationale:
Tinnitus is a classic warning sign of salicylate toxicity. Other concerning findings
can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, hyperventilation, and acid-base
abnormalities. The nurse should notify the provider and anticipate further
assessment.
A patient has been taking acetaminophen for several days. Which assessment finding is
most concerning?
A. Mild headache
B. Increased appetite
C. Right-upper-quadrant abdominal tenderness
D. Mild thirst
Correct Answer: C. Right-upper-quadrant abdominal tenderness
2|Page
,Detailed rationale:
Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized by the liver. Excessive dosing can cause
hepatotoxicity. Right-upper-quadrant tenderness, jaundice, nausea/vomiting,
confusion, or abnormal liver function may indicate hepatic injury.
Which patient statement indicates a need for additional teaching about
acetaminophen?
A. "I will check cold medications for acetaminophen."
B. "I should avoid taking more than the recommended amount."
C. "If one product doesn't relieve my pain, I can take several other acetaminophen-
containing products."
D. "I should tell my provider about other medications I take."
Correct Answer: C.
Detailed rationale:
Many combination cold, flu, and pain products contain acetaminophen. Taking
multiple products can unintentionally produce excessive cumulative doses and
increase the risk of liver toxicity.
A patient taking ibuprofen reports black, tarry stools. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Tell the patient this is expected.
B. Encourage the patient to take another dose.
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
D. Administer an antacid and reassess tomorrow.
Correct Answer: C. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
Detailed rationale:
Black, tarry stools (melena) can indicate GI bleeding. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin
pathways that help protect the gastric mucosa and can increase the risk of ulcers
and GI bleeding.
3|Page
, Which medication is an opioid antagonist?
A. Morphine
B. Fentanyl
C. Naloxone
D. Oxycodone
Correct Answer: C. Naloxone
Detailed rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced
respiratory and CNS depression. Morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone are opioid
analgesics.
A patient receiving IV morphine has a respiratory rate of 7/min and is difficult to arouse.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose.
B. Hold the opioid and initiate appropriate emergency intervention.
C. Encourage oral fluids.
D. Place the patient in a dark room.
Correct Answer: B. Hold the opioid and initiate appropriate emergency intervention.
Detailed rationale:
Severe respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening opioid adverse
effect. The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing, with naloxone anticipated
when clinically indicated.
Which finding is most important to assess before administering an opioid?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Hair color
C. Appetite
D. Visual acuity
4|Page
