Nursing Process 9th Edition ISBN: 978-
0323529495
Course
Pharmacology and the Nursing
1. Question:
Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for beta-blockers in treating
hypertension?
A. Vasodilation of peripheral arteries
B. Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart
C. Increase in renal sodium excretion
D. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
Answer: B. Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart
Explanation: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and contractility by blocking beta-1 receptors,
lowering cardiac output and blood pressure.
2. Question:
A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor closely to
prevent toxicity?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Serum calcium levels
D. Liver enzymes
Answer: A. Serum potassium levels
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity; potassium levels must be
monitored closely.
3. Question:
Which classification of drugs is most appropriate for rapid relief of acute asthma
symptoms?
A. Leukotriene receptor antagonists
B. Inhaled corticosteroids
,C. Short-acting beta-2 agonists
D. Mast cell stabilizers
Answer: C. Short-acting beta-2 agonists
Explanation: Short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol cause bronchodilation quickly, relieving
acute bronchospasm.
4. Question:
Which lab test should be monitored routinely when a patient is taking warfarin?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. International normalized ratio (INR)
C. Prothrombin time (PTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: B. International normalized ratio (INR)
Explanation: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy and adjust dosage to prevent bleeding or
clotting.
5. Question:
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?
A. Cough
B. Hypokalemia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: A. Cough
Explanation: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to accumulation of
bradykinin.
6. Question:
What is the primary nursing consideration when administering aminoglycoside antibiotics?
A. Monitor liver function tests
B. Assess renal function and hearing
,C. Encourage high sodium intake
D. Avoid with calcium supplements
Answer: B. Assess renal function and hearing
Explanation: Aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; close monitoring is
essential.
7. Question:
Which of the following medications is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent stroke and
myocardial infarction?
A. Clopidogrel
B. Heparin
C. Warfarin
D. Alteplase
Answer: A. Clopidogrel
Explanation: Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation to prevent arterial thrombosis.
8. Question:
Which drug class does metformin belong to, and what is its main action?
A. Sulfonylureas; increase insulin secretion
B. Biguanides; decrease hepatic glucose production
C. Thiazolidinediones; increase insulin sensitivity
D. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors; slow carbohydrate absorption
Answer: B. Biguanides; decrease hepatic glucose production
Explanation: Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin
sensitivity.
9. Question:
A patient on lithium therapy should be advised to:
A. Maintain consistent salt and fluid intake
B. Avoid all potassium-rich foods
, C. Increase caffeine intake
D. Avoid sunlight exposure
Answer: A. Maintain consistent salt and fluid intake
Explanation: Fluctuations in salt and fluid intake affect lithium levels and toxicity risk.
10. Question:
Which of the following drugs is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Aluminum hydroxide
D. Sucralfate
Answer: B. Omeprazole
Explanation: Omeprazole inhibits the gastric proton pump, reducing acid secretion.
11. Question:
Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
A. Diarrhea
B. Respiratory depression
C. Hypertension
D. Insomnia
Answer: B. Respiratory depression
Explanation: Opioids depress the respiratory center in the brainstem, potentially causing life-
threatening respiratory depression.
12. Question:
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor when a patient is receiving heparin
therapy?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International normalized ratio (INR)
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Bleeding time