Pharmacology Drug Class (2025) Questions 500+ NCLEX – Ultimate Test Bank with Rationales | ACE, Beta Blockers, Antibiotics, CNS, More

 Cardiovascular Drugs 1. A nurse is teaching a patient about metoprolol. Which instruction is essential to include? A. “Take the medication on an empty stomach.” B. “Do not stop the medication suddenly.” C. “You may experience frequent urination.” D. “This drug will raise your heart rate.” Answer: B Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers can cause rebound hypertension or angina. ________________________________________ 2. What is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine? A. Bradycardia B. Constipation C. Hyperkalemia D. Tachycardia Answer: B Rationale: Constipation is a frequent side effect of calcium channel blockers. ________________________________________ 3. Which lab value should be monitored regularly in a patient taking lisinopril? A. Serum potassium B. Blood glucose C. Hemoglobin D. Serum calcium Answer: A Rationale: ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels, so hyperkalemia risk must be monitored. ________________________________________ 4. Losartan is prescribed for a patient with hypertension. Which is a key nursing consideration? A. Monitor for cough development B. Avoid potassium supplements C. Check for digoxin toxicity D. Encourage high-sodium diet Answer: B Rationale: ARBs like losartan can increase potassium; potassium supplements should be avoided. ________________________________________ 5. Which diuretic class is best for rapid fluid removal in pulmonary edema? A. Thiazide diuretics B. Loop diuretics C. Potassium-sparing diuretics D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors Answer: B Rationale: Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) have powerful and rapid diuretic effects. ________________________________________ 6. A patient taking amiodarone should be monitored for which serious side effect? A. Hypoglycemia B. Pulmonary toxicity C. Hearing loss D. Hyperkalemia Answer: B Rationale: Amiodarone can cause pulmonary fibrosis and toxicity. ________________________________________ 7. Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored: A. In the refrigerator B. In an airtight, dark container C. In a bathroom cabinet D. Exposed to sunlight for activation Answer: B Rationale: Nitroglycerin tablets are light-sensitive and must be kept in airtight, dark containers. ________________________________________ 8. Which is the primary action of warfarin? A. Inhibits platelet aggregation B. Direct thrombin inhibition C. Vitamin K antagonist D. Fibrinolysis promotion Answer: C Rationale: Warfarin inhibits vitamin K–dependent clotting factors. ________________________________________ 9. A patient on atorvastatin reports muscle pain and weakness. What should the nurse do first? A. Advise the patient to stop the medication immediately B. Assess creatine kinase (CK) levels C. Recommend over-the-counter pain medication D. Increase the atorvastatin dose Answer: B Rationale: Muscle pain may indicate rhabdomyolysis; CK levels should be assessed. ________________________________________ 10. Digoxin toxicity symptoms include: A. Hyperactive reflexes and sweating B. Visual disturbances and bradycardia C. Polyuria and polydipsia D. Diarrhea and rash Answer: B Rationale: Toxicity may cause blurred or yellow vision and slow heart rate. ________________________________________ 11. Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity? A. Hypercalcemia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypernatremia D. Hypomagnesemia Answer: B Rationale: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) enhance digoxin’s effects and risk toxicity. ________________________________________ 12. A patient on hydrochlorothiazide should be monitored for: A. Hypokalemia B. Hyperkalemia C. Hypercalcemia D. Hypoglycemia Answer: A Rationale: Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. ________________________________________ 13. Which nursing intervention is priority for a patient receiving intravenous heparin? A. Monitor liver enzymes B. Monitor activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) C. Check blood glucose D. Assess for tinnitus Answer: B Rationale: aPTT monitoring ensures heparin dosing is therapeutic and avoids bleeding risks. ________________________________________ 14. Which medication is contraindicated in patients with asthma? A. Atenolol B. Amlodipine C. Furosemide D. Warfarin Answer: A Rationale: Beta blockers like atenolol may cause bronchospasm and worsen asthma. ________________________________________ 15. What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers? A. Block beta-adrenergic receptors B. Dilate blood vessels by relaxing smooth muscle C. Increase sodium excretion D. Inhibit angiotensin II formation Answer: B Rationale: Calcium channel blockers relax vascular smooth muscle, reducing blood pressure. ________________________________________ 16. Which drug requires regular INR monitoring? A. Clopidogrel B. Warfarin C. Heparin D. Aspirin Answer: B Rationale: Warfarin’s anticoagulant effect is monitored by measuring the INR. ________________________________________ 17. A patient taking spironolactone should be advised to avoid: A. Bananas B. Oranges C. Apples D. Grapes Answer: A Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing; potassium-rich foods like bananas increase hyperkalemia risk. ________________________________________ 18. Which adverse effect is associated with nitroglycerin use? A. Dry cough B. Headache C. Bradycardia D. Hyperkalemia Answer: B Rationale: Headache is a common side effect due to vasodilation. ________________________________________ 19. What should the nurse assess before administering beta blockers? A. Blood glucose B. Heart rate and blood pressure C. Serum potassium D. Respiratory rate only Answer: B Rationale: Beta blockers can cause bradycardia and hypotension; these must be checked before dosing. ________________________________________ 20. A patient is prescribed clopidogrel. What is the primary purpose of this drug? A. Thrombolysis B. Inhibit platelet aggregation C. Reduce cholesterol D. Increase blood pressure Answer: B Rationale: Clopidogrel prevents platelet clumping to reduce clot formation. ________________________________________