RN pharmacology Practice Exam 2025

A nurse is teaching a client who is starting to take diltiazem. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understand the teaching? - Correct answer-I will check my heart rate before I take the medication Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, has cardio-suppressant effects at the SA and AV nodes, which can lead to bradycardia. The client should check their heart rate before taking the medication and notify the provider if it falls below the expected reference range. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking atrocastatin for hyperlipidemia. Which of the following client laboratory values should the nurse monitor? - Correct answer-creatinine kinase The client who is taking atorvastatin can develop an adverse effect called rhabdomyolysis, which causes muscle weakness or pain and can progress to myositis. Creatinine kinase levels rise in response to enzymes released with muscle injury. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has schizophrenia and a prescription for clozapine. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review before administering the medication? - Correct answer-total cholesterol The nurse should review the client's total cholesterol before administering clozapine, because this medication can cause hyperlipidemia. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has depression and a new prescription for fluozetine. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? - Correct answer-I should take acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen for my headaches while taking this medication Fluoxetine suppresses platelet aggregation, which increases the risk of bleeding when used concurrently with NSAIDs and anticoagulants. Therefore, clients who are taking fluoxetine should take acetaminophen for headaches or pain, since acetaminophen does not suppress platelet aggregation. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving haloperidol. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication? - Correct answer-akathisia An adverse effect associated with haloperidol is the development of extrapyramidal manifestations such as dystonia, pseudoparkinsonism, and akathisia. A nurse is teaching about a new prescription for ciprofloxacin to a client who has a urinary tract infection. The nurse should identify which of the following statements as an indication that the client understands the teaching? - Correct answer-I will report any signs of tendon pain or swelling Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is associated with a risk of tendon rupture. This risk is increased in older adult clients, so the client should notify the provider at the onset of tendon pain or swelling. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking sumatriptan. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to monitor for and report to the provider? - Correct answer-chest pressure Sumatriptan is an antimigraine agent which can cause coronary vasospasms, resulting in angina. The client should report chest pressure or heavy arms to the provider. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is taking glyburide. The client reports feeling confused and anxious. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? - Correct answer-perform a capillary blood glucose test The greatest risk to this client is injury from hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse should perform a capillary blood glucose test to determine the client's blood glucose status. Manifestations of hypoglycemia include weakness, anxiety, confusion, sweating, and seizures. A nurse is providing teaching to a client about the use of ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin. The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? - Correct answer-I will fold the sticky sides of the old patch together before disposing it The client should fold the sticky sides of the old patch together and then place it in a childproof container to ensure safe disposal of the patch. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking amitriptyline for depression. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication? - Correct answer-dry mouth The nurse should expect the client to have a dry mouth due to the blocking of acetylcholine receptors that cause anticholinergic responses. A nurse is preparing to administer a new prescription of amoxicillin/clavulanic to a client. The client tells the nurse that they are allergic to penicillin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? - Correct answer-withhold the medication When using the urgent vs nonurgent approach to client care, the nurse should determine that the priority action is to withhold the medication to prevent injury to the client. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is to receive a dose of ceftazidime via intermittent IV bolus. Which of the following laboratory findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider before administering the medication? - Correct answer-Creatinine 2.6 mg/dL Ceftazidime is excreted primarily by the renal system. A serum creatinine level above 1.3 mg/dL can indicate a kidney disorder requiring a reduction in the dose administered. The nurse should notify the provider, who is likely to prescribe a lowered dose of medication. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse report to the provider? - Correct answer-leg tenderness The greatest risk to this client is the development of a thromboembolism, which is an adverse effect of tamoxifen. The nurse should also monitor the client for other manifestations of a thromboembolism, including leg tenderness, redness, swelling, and shortness of breath. A nurse is planning to teach about inhalant medications to a client who has a new diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to instruct the client to use prior to physical activity? - Correct answer-cromolyn Cromolyn sodium stabilizes mast cells, which inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. The client should use cromolyn 10 to 15 min before planning to exercise to prevent bronchospasms. A nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from deep-vein thrombosis and is to start taking warfarin. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of warfarin? - Correct answer-Bleeding gums The nurse should monitor the client for bleeding gums, which is an adverse effect of warfarin, an anticoagulant. A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has been taking aspirin daily for the past year. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider immediately? - Correct answer-Hyperventilation When using the urgent vs. nonurgent approach to client care, the nurse should determine that the priority finding is hyperven