Pharmacology for Nurses
NCLEX-Style Exam-Focused Practice Testbank (2025)
Unofficial • For Study & Revision Only
🔹 Section 1: Cardiovascular Pharmacology
(NCLEX-Style)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide. Which laboratory value is most important to
review before administration?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss. Hypokalemia can lead to
dysrhythmias.
Question 2
A patient taking beta-blockers should be taught to monitor for which effect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Bradycardia
C. Weight gain
D. Dry cough
Correct Answer: B. Bradycardia
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility. Nurses should assess pulse
before administration.
, Question 3
Which medication should be held if a patient’s apical pulse is 54 bpm?
A. Lisinopril
B. Digoxin
C. Furosemide
D. Atorvastatin
Correct Answer: B. Digoxin
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. An apical pulse below prescribed limits requires
withholding the dose.
🔹 Section 2: Respiratory & Allergy Medications
Question 4
A patient using albuterol reports feeling shaky and anxious. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Discontinue the medication
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Reassure the patient this is expected
D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: C. Reassure the patient this is expected
Rationale: Albuterol can cause tremors and nervousness due to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Question 5
Which medication is most appropriate for acute asthma attacks?
A. Montelukast
B. Salmeterol
C. Albuterol
D. Fluticasone
Correct Answer: C. Albuterol
Rationale: Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol are first-line for acute bronchospasm.
NCLEX-Style Exam-Focused Practice Testbank (2025)
Unofficial • For Study & Revision Only
🔹 Section 1: Cardiovascular Pharmacology
(NCLEX-Style)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide. Which laboratory value is most important to
review before administration?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss. Hypokalemia can lead to
dysrhythmias.
Question 2
A patient taking beta-blockers should be taught to monitor for which effect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Bradycardia
C. Weight gain
D. Dry cough
Correct Answer: B. Bradycardia
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility. Nurses should assess pulse
before administration.
, Question 3
Which medication should be held if a patient’s apical pulse is 54 bpm?
A. Lisinopril
B. Digoxin
C. Furosemide
D. Atorvastatin
Correct Answer: B. Digoxin
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. An apical pulse below prescribed limits requires
withholding the dose.
🔹 Section 2: Respiratory & Allergy Medications
Question 4
A patient using albuterol reports feeling shaky and anxious. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Discontinue the medication
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Reassure the patient this is expected
D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: C. Reassure the patient this is expected
Rationale: Albuterol can cause tremors and nervousness due to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Question 5
Which medication is most appropriate for acute asthma attacks?
A. Montelukast
B. Salmeterol
C. Albuterol
D. Fluticasone
Correct Answer: C. Albuterol
Rationale: Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol are first-line for acute bronchospasm.
