NR341 Pharmacology
Exam Review
Question 1:
The nurse is preparing to administer a drug that has a narrow therapeutic index.
What is the most important nursing action?
A. Monitor for drug-food interactions
B. Assess the patient’s pain level before administration
C. Monitor serum drug levels closely
D. Give the medication with food to prevent GI upset
Answer:
C. Monitor serum drug levels closely
Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, lithium, warfarin) require
careful monitoring to prevent toxicity or sub-therapeutic effects.
Question 2:
Which is the first step a nurse should take when a medication error is discovered?
A. Document the error in the patient's chart
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Assess the patient’s condition
,D. Report the error to the nurse manager
Answer:
C. Assess the patient’s condition
Patient safety always comes first. After assessing, then notify the provider and follow
reporting protocols.
Question 3:
Which medication route has the fastest absorption rate?
A. Oral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous
Answer:
C. Intravenous
IV administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate
effect.
2. Cardiovascular Medications
Question 4:
A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which lab value is most important for the nurse to
check before administration?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
,D. Hemoglobin
Answer:
B. Potassium
Low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The normal
potassium range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L.
Question 5:
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement indicates
the patient needs further teaching?
A. “I will get my INR checked regularly.”
B. “I can eat as much spinach as I want.”
C. “I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding.”
D. “I will report any unusual bruising to my doctor.”
Answer:
B. “I can eat as much spinach as I want.”
Spinach is high in vitamin K, which interferes with warfarin and can decrease its
effectiveness. The patient should maintain a consistent vitamin K intake.
Question 6:
Which is the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Atropine
D. Naloxone
, Answer:
B. Protamine sulfate
Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin. Vitamin K is used for warfarin reversal.
3. Respiratory Medications
Question 7:
Which drug class is considered a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks?
A. Leukotriene inhibitors
B. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
C. Inhaled corticosteroids
D. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)
Answer:
D. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)
Albuterol is a common SABA used for rapid relief of bronchospasm.
Question 8:
A patient taking theophylline has a serum level of 22 mcg/mL. What action should
the nurse take?
A. Document as normal and continue monitoring
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Encourage the patient to drink fluids
Answer:
Exam Review
Question 1:
The nurse is preparing to administer a drug that has a narrow therapeutic index.
What is the most important nursing action?
A. Monitor for drug-food interactions
B. Assess the patient’s pain level before administration
C. Monitor serum drug levels closely
D. Give the medication with food to prevent GI upset
Answer:
C. Monitor serum drug levels closely
Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, lithium, warfarin) require
careful monitoring to prevent toxicity or sub-therapeutic effects.
Question 2:
Which is the first step a nurse should take when a medication error is discovered?
A. Document the error in the patient's chart
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Assess the patient’s condition
,D. Report the error to the nurse manager
Answer:
C. Assess the patient’s condition
Patient safety always comes first. After assessing, then notify the provider and follow
reporting protocols.
Question 3:
Which medication route has the fastest absorption rate?
A. Oral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous
Answer:
C. Intravenous
IV administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate
effect.
2. Cardiovascular Medications
Question 4:
A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which lab value is most important for the nurse to
check before administration?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
,D. Hemoglobin
Answer:
B. Potassium
Low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The normal
potassium range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L.
Question 5:
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement indicates
the patient needs further teaching?
A. “I will get my INR checked regularly.”
B. “I can eat as much spinach as I want.”
C. “I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding.”
D. “I will report any unusual bruising to my doctor.”
Answer:
B. “I can eat as much spinach as I want.”
Spinach is high in vitamin K, which interferes with warfarin and can decrease its
effectiveness. The patient should maintain a consistent vitamin K intake.
Question 6:
Which is the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Atropine
D. Naloxone
, Answer:
B. Protamine sulfate
Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin. Vitamin K is used for warfarin reversal.
3. Respiratory Medications
Question 7:
Which drug class is considered a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks?
A. Leukotriene inhibitors
B. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
C. Inhaled corticosteroids
D. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)
Answer:
D. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)
Albuterol is a common SABA used for rapid relief of bronchospasm.
Question 8:
A patient taking theophylline has a serum level of 22 mcg/mL. What action should
the nurse take?
A. Document as normal and continue monitoring
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Encourage the patient to drink fluids
Answer:
