NRSG 2350 Pharm Exam 2 Prep 2026 | 200 Practice Questions
& Detailed Answers | Updated Actual Questions & Correct
Answers | Verified Solutions
1. Ferrous sulfate is prescribed for a patient with iron deficiency anemia. What is the primary
mechanism of action of this medication?
A) Stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells
B) Replaces serum iron concentration for hemoglobin production
C) Increases fetal hemoglobin in the bone marrow
D) Enhances the absorption of vitamin B12
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ferrous sulfate replaces serum iron concentration, which is essential for hemoglobin
production. Option A describes epoetin alfa, option C describes hydroxyurea, and option D is incorrect.
2. A patient taking ferrous sulfate reports darkcolored stools. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding; you should stop the medication immediately."
B) "This is a normal side effect of the medication and is not harmful."
C) "You should take an antacid to neutralize this effect."
D) "This indicates the medication is not being absorbed properly."
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Darkened stool is a normal and expected side effect of ferrous sulfate and is not a cause for
concern. The nurse should reassure the patient and emphasize that this is a harmless effect.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication for the administration of ferrous sulfate?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Hemochromatosis
C) Pregnancy
D) Chronic kidney disease
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ferrous sulfate is contraindicated in patients with hemochromatosis (iron overload), as well
as in children with toxicity and patients with peptic ulcers. Iron deficiency anemia and pregnancy are
indications for use.
4. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient prescribed ferrous sulfate. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should take this medication with orange juice to enhance absorption."
B) "I may experience constipation while taking this medication."
C) "I can take this medication with my antacid to prevent stomach upset."
D) "My stools may appear darker than usual."
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Antacids interfere with the absorption of ferrous sulfate and should not be taken together.
Taking the medication with orange juice (vitamin C) enhances absorption. Constipation and darkened
stools are expected side effects.
5. Cyanocobalamin is prescribed for a patient with which condition?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Folic acid deficiency anemia
C) Pernicious anemia
D) Sickle cell anemia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cyanocobalamin (synthetic vitamin B12) is indicated for pernicious anemia, as it is essential
for cell growth, division, and myelin sheath maintenance. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with ferrous
sulfate; folic acid deficiency with folic acid; and sickle cell anemia with hydroxyurea.
6. A patient with pernicious anemia is receiving cyanocobalamin injections. What should the nurse
monitor for as a potential adverse effect?
A) Hypertension
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Injection site reaction
D) Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: Adverse effects of cyanocobalamin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site
reaction, and itching. Injection site reactions are common with IM administration.
7. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is prescribed for a pregnant patient. What is the primary reason for this
prescription?
A) To treat iron deficiency anemia
B) To prevent neural tube defects in the fetus
C) To increase red blood cell production
D) To treat pernicious anemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Folic acid is prescribed during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing
fetus. It is also used to treat folic acid deficiency anemia.
8. Which medication is used to increase fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell anemia?
A) Ferrous sulfate
B) Cyanocobalamin
C) Hydroxyurea
D) Epoetin alfa
Correct Answer: C
& Detailed Answers | Updated Actual Questions & Correct
Answers | Verified Solutions
1. Ferrous sulfate is prescribed for a patient with iron deficiency anemia. What is the primary
mechanism of action of this medication?
A) Stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells
B) Replaces serum iron concentration for hemoglobin production
C) Increases fetal hemoglobin in the bone marrow
D) Enhances the absorption of vitamin B12
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ferrous sulfate replaces serum iron concentration, which is essential for hemoglobin
production. Option A describes epoetin alfa, option C describes hydroxyurea, and option D is incorrect.
2. A patient taking ferrous sulfate reports darkcolored stools. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding; you should stop the medication immediately."
B) "This is a normal side effect of the medication and is not harmful."
C) "You should take an antacid to neutralize this effect."
D) "This indicates the medication is not being absorbed properly."
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Darkened stool is a normal and expected side effect of ferrous sulfate and is not a cause for
concern. The nurse should reassure the patient and emphasize that this is a harmless effect.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication for the administration of ferrous sulfate?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Hemochromatosis
C) Pregnancy
D) Chronic kidney disease
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ferrous sulfate is contraindicated in patients with hemochromatosis (iron overload), as well
as in children with toxicity and patients with peptic ulcers. Iron deficiency anemia and pregnancy are
indications for use.
4. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient prescribed ferrous sulfate. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should take this medication with orange juice to enhance absorption."
B) "I may experience constipation while taking this medication."
C) "I can take this medication with my antacid to prevent stomach upset."
D) "My stools may appear darker than usual."
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Antacids interfere with the absorption of ferrous sulfate and should not be taken together.
Taking the medication with orange juice (vitamin C) enhances absorption. Constipation and darkened
stools are expected side effects.
5. Cyanocobalamin is prescribed for a patient with which condition?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Folic acid deficiency anemia
C) Pernicious anemia
D) Sickle cell anemia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cyanocobalamin (synthetic vitamin B12) is indicated for pernicious anemia, as it is essential
for cell growth, division, and myelin sheath maintenance. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with ferrous
sulfate; folic acid deficiency with folic acid; and sickle cell anemia with hydroxyurea.
6. A patient with pernicious anemia is receiving cyanocobalamin injections. What should the nurse
monitor for as a potential adverse effect?
A) Hypertension
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Injection site reaction
D) Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: Adverse effects of cyanocobalamin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site
reaction, and itching. Injection site reactions are common with IM administration.
7. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is prescribed for a pregnant patient. What is the primary reason for this
prescription?
A) To treat iron deficiency anemia
B) To prevent neural tube defects in the fetus
C) To increase red blood cell production
D) To treat pernicious anemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Folic acid is prescribed during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing
fetus. It is also used to treat folic acid deficiency anemia.
8. Which medication is used to increase fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell anemia?
A) Ferrous sulfate
B) Cyanocobalamin
C) Hydroxyurea
D) Epoetin alfa
Correct Answer: C
