NCLEX-RN Pharmacology Practice Questions & Rationales – Ultimate 2025 Exam Prep

NCLEX-RN Pharmacology Practice
Questions with Rationales – 2025 Edition
This document includes 25 high-quality, NCLEX-style pharmacology questions with detailed
rationales. Ideal for final review or daily practice.

1. A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following findings would cause the nurse
to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider?

 Apical pulse of 85 bpm
 Serum potassium of 4.1 mEq/L
 Blurred vision and seeing halos
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 Blood pressure of 122/78 mmHg
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✅Correct Answer: C. Blurred vision and seeing halos
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Rationale: Visual disturbances like blurred vision or seeing halos are signs of digoxin
toxicity. The nurse should hold the medication and notify the provider. An apical pulse >60,
normal potassium, and BP within range are not contraindications.
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2. A patient taking warfarin is found to have an INR of 5.2. What should the nurse
anticipate?
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 Continue the medication
 Administer vitamin K
 Increase the warfarin dose
 Administer protamine sulfate

✅Correct Answer: B. Administer vitamin K

Rationale: An INR >5 increases the risk of bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin
toxicity. Protamine sulfate is for heparin overdose.



3. The nurse is teaching a patient about the side effects of furosemide. Which statement
by the patient requires further teaching?

 I will monitor my weight daily.
 I may experience dizziness when I stand.

,  I need to eat foods high in potassium.
 I should limit my fluid intake to avoid swelling.

✅Correct Answer: D. I should limit my fluid intake to avoid swelling.

Rationale: Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss, so limiting fluids is not
necessary unless ordered. Monitoring weight and potassium are correct actions.



4. Which medication should the nurse question if ordered for a patient with a penicillin
allergy?

 Cefazolin
 Azithromycin
 Vancomycin
 Clindamycin
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✅Correct Answer: A. Cefazolin
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Rationale: Cefazolin is a cephalosporin, which shares a similar structure with penicillin.
There's a risk of cross-reactivity, especially with a history of anaphylaxis.
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1. 5. A nurse administers insulin lispro at 0800. When should the nurse monitor for
hypoglycemia?
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 Around 1200
 Around 0900
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 Around 1500
 Around 1000

✅Correct Answer: B. Around 0900

Rationale: Insulin lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin. Onset is within 15 minutes, and
peak effect is at 1 hour, making hypoglycemia likely around 0900.



6. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a patient receiving gentamicin?

 Platelet count
 Creatinine level
 Hemoglobin level
 Glucose level

✅Correct Answer: B. Creatinine level