NURS 6521 Advanced
Pharmacology 2026/2027 Midterm
Comprehensive Examination with
Verified Questions and Correct
Answer Rationales highly graded
A+
A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the ordered
dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a narcotic
analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse notes
respirations of 22 breaths/minute and a heart rate of 110 beats/minute. The infant is
asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are assessed. The
nurse understands that these findings are the result of: - CORRECT ANSWERS-
immaturity of the blood-brain barrier in the infant.
A child will receive 750 mg of an antibiotic for 10 days. The child attends day care. The
drug may be dosed in several ways and is available in two concentrations. Which
dosing regimen will the nurse discuss with the child's provider? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-500 mg/5 mL to 375 mg PO twice daily
Parents ask the nurse why an over-the-counter cough suppressant with sedative side
effects is not recommended for infants. Which response by the nurse is correct? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"Infants are more susceptible to central nervous system effects
than are adults."
A nurse caring for a 5-year-old child notes that the child has discoloration of several
teeth. When taking a medication history, the nurse will ask about which group of
medications? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Tetracyclines
An infant has allergies and often develops a pruritic rash when exposed to allergens.
The infant's parents ask the nurse about using a topical antihistamine. What should the
nurse tell them? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Applying an antihistamine to the skin can
cause toxicity in this age group.
,An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The nurse
reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the kidneys.
When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for: - CORRECT
ANSWERS-signs of drug toxicity.
A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students to calculate medication doses for children
using a formula based on body surface area. Which statement by a nursing student
indicates understanding of the teaching? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"This formula helps
approximate the first dose; other doses should be based on clinical observations."
A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students about medication administration in
children. Which statement by a student indicates an understanding of the teaching? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"Drugs effective in adults may not work in children, even if the
dose is proportional for weight and size."
A nurse is teaching nursing students about pediatric medication administration. What
will the nurse include when discussing pediatric drug research? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Studies showed a significant percentage of unanticipated and potentially
lethal side effects in children.
A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is eliminated
primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to: - CORRECT
ANSWERS-order a dose that is lower than an adult dose.
The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child can not use oral
corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which
information that is true for children? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Chronic steroid use can
inhibit growth.
A patient with schizophrenia receives a dose of risperidone [Risperdal Consta] IM. The
nurse teaching this patient about this medication will make which statement? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"You will need to take an oral antipsychotic drug for 3 weeks."
A patient with schizophrenia shows suicidal behaviors, and the provider orders
clozapine [Clozaril]. The nurse teaches the family about the medication and its side
effects. Which statement by a family member indicates a need for further teaching about
this drug? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"If the ANC is less than 3000, the drug will be
discontinued permanently."
A patient in whom drug therapy has failed several times in the past is readmitted to a
hospital to begin therapy for schizophrenia. What will the nurse do to help improve
adherence? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Teach the patient about drug side effects and how
to manage them.
A nurse provides teaching for a patient about to begin taking an FGA drug for
schizophrenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching
, about side effects of these drugs? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"Dry mouth and
constipation are uncommon with this medication."
A patient taking an FGA medication develops severe parkinsonism and is treated with
amantadine [Symmetrel]. The amantadine is withdrawn 2 months later, and the
parkinsonism returns. The nurse will expect the provider to: - CORRECT ANSWERS-try
a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA).
What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia? Select all that apply. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Poor judgment
Poor self-care
Poverty of speech
A patient is taking an FGA for schizophrenia. The nurse notes that the patient has
trouble speaking and chewing and observes slow, wormlike-movements of the patient's
tongue. The nurse recognizes which adverse effect in this patient? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Tardive dyskinesia
A nurse and a nursing student are discussing the plan of care for a patient with
schizophrenia. The patient, who has been taking a high-potency FGA for 2 months, has
become restless and constantly needs to be in motion. Which statement by the student
indicates a need for further education? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"Because this may be
an exacerbation of psychosis, the provider may increase the dose of the FGA."
A patient who is taking a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) drug for schizophrenia
comes to the clinic for evaluation. The nurse observes that the patient has a shuffling
gait and mild tremors. The nurse will ask the patient's provider about which course of
action? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Giving an anticholinergic medication
A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an oral FGA for 1 week. The patient has
been taking the drug daily in two divided doses. The individual complains of daytime
drowsiness. The patient's family reports a decrease in the person's hostility and anxiety
but states that the patient remains antisocial with disordered thinking. What will the
nurse tell the patient and the family? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Some symptoms take
months to improve.
A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic drug for several days.
The nurse enters the patient's room to administer a dose of haloperidol [Haldol] and
finds the patient having facial spasms. The patient's head is thrust back, and the patient
is unable to speak. What will the nurse do? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Request an order
to give diphenhydramine.
A parent reports being afraid that a child may have schizophrenia because of
disorganized speech and asocial behaviors. The nurse will tell this parent that which of
the following must also be present to make a diagnosis? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS-A decrease in self-care, job, or school function
Pharmacology 2026/2027 Midterm
Comprehensive Examination with
Verified Questions and Correct
Answer Rationales highly graded
A+
A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the ordered
dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a narcotic
analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse notes
respirations of 22 breaths/minute and a heart rate of 110 beats/minute. The infant is
asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are assessed. The
nurse understands that these findings are the result of: - CORRECT ANSWERS-
immaturity of the blood-brain barrier in the infant.
A child will receive 750 mg of an antibiotic for 10 days. The child attends day care. The
drug may be dosed in several ways and is available in two concentrations. Which
dosing regimen will the nurse discuss with the child's provider? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-500 mg/5 mL to 375 mg PO twice daily
Parents ask the nurse why an over-the-counter cough suppressant with sedative side
effects is not recommended for infants. Which response by the nurse is correct? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"Infants are more susceptible to central nervous system effects
than are adults."
A nurse caring for a 5-year-old child notes that the child has discoloration of several
teeth. When taking a medication history, the nurse will ask about which group of
medications? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Tetracyclines
An infant has allergies and often develops a pruritic rash when exposed to allergens.
The infant's parents ask the nurse about using a topical antihistamine. What should the
nurse tell them? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Applying an antihistamine to the skin can
cause toxicity in this age group.
,An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The nurse
reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the kidneys.
When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for: - CORRECT
ANSWERS-signs of drug toxicity.
A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students to calculate medication doses for children
using a formula based on body surface area. Which statement by a nursing student
indicates understanding of the teaching? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"This formula helps
approximate the first dose; other doses should be based on clinical observations."
A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students about medication administration in
children. Which statement by a student indicates an understanding of the teaching? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"Drugs effective in adults may not work in children, even if the
dose is proportional for weight and size."
A nurse is teaching nursing students about pediatric medication administration. What
will the nurse include when discussing pediatric drug research? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Studies showed a significant percentage of unanticipated and potentially
lethal side effects in children.
A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is eliminated
primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to: - CORRECT
ANSWERS-order a dose that is lower than an adult dose.
The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child can not use oral
corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which
information that is true for children? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Chronic steroid use can
inhibit growth.
A patient with schizophrenia receives a dose of risperidone [Risperdal Consta] IM. The
nurse teaching this patient about this medication will make which statement? -
CORRECT ANSWERS-"You will need to take an oral antipsychotic drug for 3 weeks."
A patient with schizophrenia shows suicidal behaviors, and the provider orders
clozapine [Clozaril]. The nurse teaches the family about the medication and its side
effects. Which statement by a family member indicates a need for further teaching about
this drug? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"If the ANC is less than 3000, the drug will be
discontinued permanently."
A patient in whom drug therapy has failed several times in the past is readmitted to a
hospital to begin therapy for schizophrenia. What will the nurse do to help improve
adherence? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Teach the patient about drug side effects and how
to manage them.
A nurse provides teaching for a patient about to begin taking an FGA drug for
schizophrenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching
, about side effects of these drugs? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"Dry mouth and
constipation are uncommon with this medication."
A patient taking an FGA medication develops severe parkinsonism and is treated with
amantadine [Symmetrel]. The amantadine is withdrawn 2 months later, and the
parkinsonism returns. The nurse will expect the provider to: - CORRECT ANSWERS-try
a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA).
What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia? Select all that apply. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Poor judgment
Poor self-care
Poverty of speech
A patient is taking an FGA for schizophrenia. The nurse notes that the patient has
trouble speaking and chewing and observes slow, wormlike-movements of the patient's
tongue. The nurse recognizes which adverse effect in this patient? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Tardive dyskinesia
A nurse and a nursing student are discussing the plan of care for a patient with
schizophrenia. The patient, who has been taking a high-potency FGA for 2 months, has
become restless and constantly needs to be in motion. Which statement by the student
indicates a need for further education? - CORRECT ANSWERS-"Because this may be
an exacerbation of psychosis, the provider may increase the dose of the FGA."
A patient who is taking a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) drug for schizophrenia
comes to the clinic for evaluation. The nurse observes that the patient has a shuffling
gait and mild tremors. The nurse will ask the patient's provider about which course of
action? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Giving an anticholinergic medication
A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an oral FGA for 1 week. The patient has
been taking the drug daily in two divided doses. The individual complains of daytime
drowsiness. The patient's family reports a decrease in the person's hostility and anxiety
but states that the patient remains antisocial with disordered thinking. What will the
nurse tell the patient and the family? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Some symptoms take
months to improve.
A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic drug for several days.
The nurse enters the patient's room to administer a dose of haloperidol [Haldol] and
finds the patient having facial spasms. The patient's head is thrust back, and the patient
is unable to speak. What will the nurse do? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Request an order
to give diphenhydramine.
A parent reports being afraid that a child may have schizophrenia because of
disorganized speech and asocial behaviors. The nurse will tell this parent that which of
the following must also be present to make a diagnosis? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS-A decrease in self-care, job, or school function
