1. A client is prescribed loratadine for seasonal allergies. What is a
key difference from diphenhydramine?
A. Loratadine causes more drowsiness
B. Loratadine causes GI upset
C. Loratadine is non-sedating
D. Loratadine is only available IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine are
non-sedating.
2. A client is taking diphenhydramine. Which side effect is most
likely?
A. Hypertension
B. Drowsiness
C. Diarrhea
D. Insomnia
Answer: B
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine
cause sedation and drowsiness.
3. A client on lithium therapy has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Encourage low-sodium diet
B. Administer next dose
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Increase fluid restriction
,Answer: C
Rationale: Hyponatremia can increase lithium toxicity risk. Hold
the dose and notify the provider.
4. A client with COPD is on prednisone. Which instruction is
appropriate?
A. Stop taking it once symptoms resolve
B. Take on an empty stomach
C. Report black tarry stools
D. Avoid potassium-rich foods
Answer: C
Rationale: Corticosteroids increase the risk for GI bleeding and
ulcers. Tarry stools may indicate bleeding.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer metoprolol. Which
assessment is priority?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Blood glucose
Answer: B
Rationale: Metoprolol can cause bradycardia. Always check HR
before administering.
6. A nurse is caring for a client prescribed lisinopril. Which lab
result should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
, C. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
D. BUN 18 mg/dL
Answer: B
Rationale: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause hyperkalemia. A
potassium level of 5.8 is elevated and should be reported.
7. Which lab value should be monitored regularly for a client on
statins?
A. BUN
B. AST and ALT
C. Sodium
D. Hematocrit
Answer: B
Rationale: Statins can cause liver damage. Monitor liver enzymes
(AST/ALT).
8. A client started on fluoxetine 5 days ago reports increased
energy and planning their funeral. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Monitor sleep
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Provide distraction techniques
Answer: C
Rationale: Increased energy + suicidal ideation early in SSRI
therapy is dangerous and should be reported.
9. A client asks about insulin glargine (Lantus). What is the correct
response?
key difference from diphenhydramine?
A. Loratadine causes more drowsiness
B. Loratadine causes GI upset
C. Loratadine is non-sedating
D. Loratadine is only available IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine are
non-sedating.
2. A client is taking diphenhydramine. Which side effect is most
likely?
A. Hypertension
B. Drowsiness
C. Diarrhea
D. Insomnia
Answer: B
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine
cause sedation and drowsiness.
3. A client on lithium therapy has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Encourage low-sodium diet
B. Administer next dose
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Increase fluid restriction
,Answer: C
Rationale: Hyponatremia can increase lithium toxicity risk. Hold
the dose and notify the provider.
4. A client with COPD is on prednisone. Which instruction is
appropriate?
A. Stop taking it once symptoms resolve
B. Take on an empty stomach
C. Report black tarry stools
D. Avoid potassium-rich foods
Answer: C
Rationale: Corticosteroids increase the risk for GI bleeding and
ulcers. Tarry stools may indicate bleeding.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer metoprolol. Which
assessment is priority?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Blood glucose
Answer: B
Rationale: Metoprolol can cause bradycardia. Always check HR
before administering.
6. A nurse is caring for a client prescribed lisinopril. Which lab
result should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
, C. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
D. BUN 18 mg/dL
Answer: B
Rationale: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause hyperkalemia. A
potassium level of 5.8 is elevated and should be reported.
7. Which lab value should be monitored regularly for a client on
statins?
A. BUN
B. AST and ALT
C. Sodium
D. Hematocrit
Answer: B
Rationale: Statins can cause liver damage. Monitor liver enzymes
(AST/ALT).
8. A client started on fluoxetine 5 days ago reports increased
energy and planning their funeral. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Monitor sleep
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Provide distraction techniques
Answer: C
Rationale: Increased energy + suicidal ideation early in SSRI
therapy is dangerous and should be reported.
9. A client asks about insulin glargine (Lantus). What is the correct
response?
