GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
NUR 600 Exam 3
Practice Question Bank
Advanced Clinical Pharmacology — NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with
Rationales
Comprehensive Review: Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Hematology, Pulmonary &
More
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NUR 600 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 600 EXAM 3 PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology — Cardiovascular, Endocrine,
Hematology & More
1 A nonresponsive patient in ventricular fibrillation has received multiple appropriate
defibrillations and epinephrine 1 mg IV. Which antiarrhythmic drug can be used
next?
A Lidocaine
B Cordarone (Amiodarone)
C Adenosine
D Atropine
Why B is correct: Amiodarone (Cordarone) is the antiarrhythmic of choice for refractory
ventricular fibrillation after defibrillation and epinephrine.
A — Lidocaine is no longer the preferred agent; amiodarone is recommended first.
C — Adenosine is used for supraventricular tachycardia, not VFib.
D — Atropine is for bradyarrhythmias, not VFib.
, 2 The nurse evaluates an improvement in the patient's heart failure (HF) status based
on what assessment finding?
A Increased jugular venous distention
B Using fewer pillows to sleep
C Weight gain of 2 pounds overnight
D Increased shortness of breath
Why B is correct: Using fewer pillows to sleep indicates improved orthopnea, a sign of
improving HF status.
A — Increased JVD indicates worsening HF.
C — Weight gain suggests fluid retention and worsening HF.
D — Increased SOB indicates worsening HF.
3 Which medication is commonly used for anticoagulation in patients with
mechanical heart valves?
A Enoxaparin
B Warfarin
C Apixaban
D Rivaroxaban
Why B is correct: Warfarin is the standard anticoagulant for patients with mechanical heart
valves.
A — Enoxaparin is used for VTE prophylaxis/treatment, not long-term for mechanical valves.
C — Apixaban is not approved for mechanical heart valves.
D — Rivaroxaban is not approved for mechanical heart valves.
NUR 600 Exam 3
Practice Question Bank
Advanced Clinical Pharmacology — NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with
Rationales
Comprehensive Review: Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Hematology, Pulmonary &
More
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NUR 600 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 600 EXAM 3 PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology — Cardiovascular, Endocrine,
Hematology & More
1 A nonresponsive patient in ventricular fibrillation has received multiple appropriate
defibrillations and epinephrine 1 mg IV. Which antiarrhythmic drug can be used
next?
A Lidocaine
B Cordarone (Amiodarone)
C Adenosine
D Atropine
Why B is correct: Amiodarone (Cordarone) is the antiarrhythmic of choice for refractory
ventricular fibrillation after defibrillation and epinephrine.
A — Lidocaine is no longer the preferred agent; amiodarone is recommended first.
C — Adenosine is used for supraventricular tachycardia, not VFib.
D — Atropine is for bradyarrhythmias, not VFib.
, 2 The nurse evaluates an improvement in the patient's heart failure (HF) status based
on what assessment finding?
A Increased jugular venous distention
B Using fewer pillows to sleep
C Weight gain of 2 pounds overnight
D Increased shortness of breath
Why B is correct: Using fewer pillows to sleep indicates improved orthopnea, a sign of
improving HF status.
A — Increased JVD indicates worsening HF.
C — Weight gain suggests fluid retention and worsening HF.
D — Increased SOB indicates worsening HF.
3 Which medication is commonly used for anticoagulation in patients with
mechanical heart valves?
A Enoxaparin
B Warfarin
C Apixaban
D Rivaroxaban
Why B is correct: Warfarin is the standard anticoagulant for patients with mechanical heart
valves.
A — Enoxaparin is used for VTE prophylaxis/treatment, not long-term for mechanical valves.
C — Apixaban is not approved for mechanical heart valves.
D — Rivaroxaban is not approved for mechanical heart valves.
