NURS 1150 EXAM 2 – NURSE
PHARMACOLOGY I QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 VERIFIED
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Morphine Sulfate for post-operative pain. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Respiratory rate 8 breaths per minute
B. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
C. Report of nausea
D. Pinpoint pupils
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of
opioids. A respiratory rate below 10-12 breaths per minute requires immediate
intervention and potential administration of Naloxone.
2. A client has been taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) regularly for chronic headaches. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell count
,D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver. Excessive intake or
chronic use can lead to hepatotoxicity, making liver function tests like ALT and AST crucial.
3. Which medication is considered the gold standard for the treatment of an acute
anaphylactic reaction?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Methylprednisolone
D. Albuterol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it
causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction to improve airway patency and blood
pressure.
4. A patient is prescribed Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. The nurse should instruct
the patient to perform which activity to manage a common side effect?
A. Avoid sunlight exposure
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. Maintain strict oral hygiene
, D. Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a common
side effect of Phenytoin. Proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits can help mitigate
this effect.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient on Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The nurse notes
a Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Increase the patient’s sodium intake
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Document the finding as therapeutic
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention and holding the
drug.
6. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) for depression must avoid which
of the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Aged cheeses and cured meats
B. Fresh leafy greens
PHARMACOLOGY I QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 VERIFIED
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Morphine Sulfate for post-operative pain. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Respiratory rate 8 breaths per minute
B. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
C. Report of nausea
D. Pinpoint pupils
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of
opioids. A respiratory rate below 10-12 breaths per minute requires immediate
intervention and potential administration of Naloxone.
2. A client has been taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) regularly for chronic headaches. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell count
,D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver. Excessive intake or
chronic use can lead to hepatotoxicity, making liver function tests like ALT and AST crucial.
3. Which medication is considered the gold standard for the treatment of an acute
anaphylactic reaction?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Methylprednisolone
D. Albuterol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it
causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction to improve airway patency and blood
pressure.
4. A patient is prescribed Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. The nurse should instruct
the patient to perform which activity to manage a common side effect?
A. Avoid sunlight exposure
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. Maintain strict oral hygiene
, D. Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a common
side effect of Phenytoin. Proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits can help mitigate
this effect.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient on Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The nurse notes
a Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Increase the patient’s sodium intake
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Document the finding as therapeutic
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention and holding the
drug.
6. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) for depression must avoid which
of the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Aged cheeses and cured meats
B. Fresh leafy greens
