50 item Pharmacology Exam
a. BP 85/50 mm Hg, pulse 60 bpm,
50 item Pharmacology Exam
1. A client with myasthenia gravis
reports the occurrence of difficulty
chewing. The physician prescribes
pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon) to
increase muscle strength for this
activity. The nurse instructs the client
to take the medication at what time,
in relation to meals?
a. after dinner daily when most
fatigued
b. before breakfast daily
c. as soon as arising in the morning
d. thirty minutes before each meal
2. A client is advised to take senna
(Senokot) for the treatment of
constipation asks the nurse how this
medication works. The nurse responds
knowing that it:
a. accumulates water in the stool and
increases peristalsis
b. stimulates the vagus nerve
c. coats the bowel wall
d. adds fiber and bulk to the stool
3. A client is receiving heparin sodium
by continuous intravenous infusion.
The nurse monitors the client for
which adverse effect of this therapy?
a. decreased blood pressure
b. increased pulse rate
c. ecchymoses
d. tinnitus
4. A client is being treated for acute
congestive heart failure (CHF) and the
client’s vital signs are as follows: BP
85/50 mm Hg; pulse, 96 bpm;
respirations, 26 cpm. The physician
prescribes digoxin (Lanoxin). To
evaluate a therapeutic effectiveness
of this medication, the nurse would
expect which of the following changes
in the client’s vital signs?
respirations 26 cpm
b. BP 98/60 mm Hg, pulse 80 bpm,
respirations 24 cpm
c. BP 130/70 mm Hg, pulse 104 bpm,
respirations 20 cpm
d. BP 110/40 mm Hg, 110 bpm,
respirations 20 cpm
5. Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed for
a client with anxiety. The nurse
instructs the client to expect which
side effect?
a. incoordination
b. cough
c. tinnitus
d. hypertension
6. A client receives oxytocin (Pitocin)
to induce labor. During the
administration of the oxytocin, it is
most important for the nurse to
monitor:
a. urinary output
b. fetal heart rate
c. central venous pressure
d. maternal blood glucose
7. A clinic nurse is performing
assessment on a client who is being
seen in the clinic for the first time.
When asking about the client’s
medication history, the client tells the
nurse that he takes nateglinide
(Starlix). The nurse then questions the
client about the presence of which
disorder that is treated with this
medication?
a. hypothyroidism
b. insomnia
c. type 2 diabetes mellitus
d. renal failure
8. A client who is taking rifampin
(Rifadin) as part of the medication
regimen for the treatment of
tuberculosis calls the clinic nurse and
reports that her urine is a red-orange
color. The nurse tells the client to:
a. come to the clinic to provide a urine
sample
b. stop the medication until further
instructions are given by the physician
c. take the medication dose with an
antacid to prevent this adverse effect
d. expect a red-orange color in urine,
feces, sweat, sputum, and tears as a
harmless side effect
9. A nurse is caring for a client with a
tracheostomy that has been
diagnosed with a respiratory infection.
The client is receiving vancomycin
hydrochloride (Vancocin) 500 mg
intravenously every 12 hours. Which
of the following would indicate to the
nurse that the client is experiencing
an adverse effect of the medication?
a. decreased hearing acuity
b. photophobia
c. hypotension
d. bradycardia
10. A nurse is caring for a client with a
diagnosis of metastatic breast
carcinoma who is receiving tamoxifen
citrate (Nolvadex) 10 mg orally twice
daily. Which of the following would
indicate to the nurse that the client is
experiencing a side effect related to
the medication?
a. hypetension
b. diarrhea
c. nose bleeds
d. vaginal bleeding
11. A client has just been given a
prescription for diphenoxylate with
atropine (Lomotil). The nurse teaches
the client which of the following about
the use of this medication?
a. drooling may occur while taking this
medication
b. irritability may occur while taking
this medication
c. this medication contains a habit-
forming ingredient
d. take the medication with a laxative
of choice
12. A nurse is gathering data from
client about the client’s medication
history and notes that the client is
taking tolterodine tartrate (Detrol LA).
The nurse determines that the client is
taking the medication to treat which
disorder?
a. glaucoma
b. renal insufficiency
c. pyloric stenosis
d. urinary frequency and urgency
13. A client has an order to receive
psyllium (Metamucil) daily. The nurse
administers this medication with:
a. a multivitamin and mineral
supplement
b. a dose of an antacid
c. applesauce
d. eight ounces of liquid
14. A nurse is teaching a client taking
cyclosporine (Sandimmune) after
renal transplant about medication
information. The nurse tells the client
to be especially alert for:
a. signs of infection
b. hypotension
c. weight loss
d. hair loss
15. A nurse reinforces dietary
instruction for the client receiving
spironolactone (Aldactone). Which
food would the nurse instruct the
client to avoid while taking this
medication?
a. crackers
b. shrimp
c. apricots
d. popcorn
16. Oral lactulose (Chronulac) is
prescribed for the client with a hepatic
disorder and the nurse provides
instructions to the client regarding this
medication. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further
instructions?
a. “I need to take the medication with
water’”
b. “ I need to increase fluid intake
while taking the medication”
c. “ I need to increase fiber in the
diet”
d. “I need to notify the physician of
nausea occurs”
17. A home care nurse provides
instructions to a client taking digoxin
(Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily. Which
statement by the client indcates a
need for further instructions?
a. “I will take my prescribed antacid if
I become nauseated”
b. “It is important to have my blood
drawn when prescribed”
c. “I will check my pulse before I take
my medication”
d. “I will carry a medication
identification card with me”
18. A client with anxiety disorder is
taking buspirone (BuSpar) and tells
the nurse that it is difficult to swallow
the tablets. The nurse tells the client
to:
a. dissolve the tablet in a cup of coffee
b. crush the tablet before taking it
c. call the physician for a change in
medication
d. mix the tablet uncrushed in custard
19. A nurse is caring for a child with
CHF provides instructions to the
parents regarding the administration
of digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement
by the mother indicates a need for
further instructions?
a. “If my child vomits after I give the
medication, I will not repeat the dose”
b. “I will check my child’s pulse before
giving the medication”
c. “I will check the dose of the
medication with my husband before I
give the medication”
d. “I will mix the medication with
food”
20. A nurse provides instructions to a
client who will begin an oral
contraceptives. Which statement by
the client indicates the need for
further instructions?
a. “I will take one pill daily at the same
time every day”
b. “I will not need to use an additional
birth control method once I start these
pills”
c. “If I miss a pill I need to take it as
soon as I remember”
d. “If I miss two pills I will take them
both as soon as I remember and I will
take two pills the next day also”
21. A nurse provides instructions to a
client taking clorazepate (Tranxene)
for management of an anxiety
disorder. The nurse tells the client
that:
a. drowsiness is a side effect that
usually disappears with continued
therapy
b. if dizziness occurs, call the
physician
c. smoking increases the effectiveness
of the medication
d. if gastrointestinal disturbances
occur, discontinue the medication
22. A client with Parkinson’s disease
has begun therapy with levodopa (L-
dopa). The nurse determines that the
client understands the action of the
medication if the client verbalizes that
results may not be apparent for:
a. 24 hours
b. Two to three days
c. One week
d. Two to three weeks
23. A nurse in a physician’s office is
reviewing the results of a client’s
phenytoin (Dilantin) level drawn that
morning. The nurse determines that
the client has a therapeutic drug level
if the client’s result was:
a. 3 mcg/ml
b. 8 mcg/ml
c. 15 mcg/ml
d. 24mcg/ml
24. A nurse is caring for a client with a
genitourinary tract infection receiving
amoxicillin (Augmentin) 500 mg every
8 hours. Which of the following would
indicate to the nurse that the client is
experiencing an adverse effect related
to the medication?
a. hypertension
b. nausea
c. headache
d. watery diarrhea
25. A nurse is caring for a client with
glaucoma who receives a daily dose of
acetazolamide (Diamox). Which of the
following would indicate to the nurse
that the client is experiencing an
adverse effect of the medication?
a. constipation
b. difficulty swallowing
c. dark-colored urine and stools
d. irritability
26. A nurse is caring for a client with a
diagnosis of meningitis who is
receiving amphotericin B (Fungizone)
intravenously. Which of the following
would indicate to the nurse that the
client is experiencing an adverse
effect related to the medication?
a. nausea
b. decreased urinary output
c. muscle weakness
d. confusion
27. A nurse has formulated a nursing
diagnosis of Disturbed Body Image for
a client who is taking spironolactone
(Aldactone). The nurse based this
diagnosis on assessment of which side
effect of the medication?
a. edema
b. weight gain
c. excitability
d. decreased libido
28. A nurse is caring for the client with
a history of mild heart failure who is
receiving diltiazem hydrochloride
(Cardizem) for hypertension. The
nurse would assess the client for:
a. bradycardia
b. wheezing
c. peripheral edema and weight gain
d. apical pulse rate lower than
baseline
29. The wound of a client with an
extensive burn injury is being treated
with the application of silver
sulfadiazine (Silvadene). Which
symptom would indicate to the nurse
that the client is experiencing a side
effect related to systemic absorption?
a. pain at the wound site
b. burning and itching at the wound
site
c. a localized rash
d. photosensitivity
30. A nurse is caring for a client with a
diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who
is receiving sulindac (Clinoril) 150 mg
po twice daily. Which finding would
indicate to the nurse that the client is
experiencing a side effect related to
the medication?
a. diarrhea
b. photophobia
c. fever
d. tingling in the extremities
31. The nurse notes that the client is
receiving filgrastim (Neupogen). The
nurse checks which of the following to
determine medication effectiveness?
a. neutrophil count
b. platelet count
c. blood urea nitrogen
d. creatinine level
32. A nurse is monitoring a client who
is taking fluphenazine decanoate
(Prolixin) for signs of leucopenia.
Which finding indicates a sign of this
blood dyscrasia?
a. blurred vision
b. constipation
c. sore throat
d. dry mouth
33. A nurse is administering
amphotericin B (Fungizone) to a client
intravenously to treat a fungal
infection. The nurse monitors the
result of which electrolyte study
during therapy with this medication?
a. sodium
b. potassium
c. calcium
d. chloride
34. A clinic nurse asks a client with
diabetes mellitus being seen in the
clinic for the first time to list the
medications that she is taking. Which
combination of medications taken by
the client should the nurse report to
the physician?
a. Acetohexamide (Dymelor) and
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
(Bactrim)
b. Chlorpropamide (Diabenase) and
amitriptyline (Elavil)
c. Glyburide (DiaBeta) and Lanoxin
(Digoxin)
d. Tolbutamide (Orinase) and
amoxicillin (Amoxil)
35. A nurse is caring for a client
receiving streptogramin (Synercid) by
intravenous intermittent infusion for
the treatment of a bone infection
develops diarrhea. Which nursing
action would the nurse implement?
a. administer an antidiarrheal agent
b. notify the physician
c. discontinue the medication
d. monitor the client’s temperature
36. A client has been taking fosinopril
(Monopril) for 2 months. The nurse
determines that the client is having
the intended effects of therapy if the
nurse notes which of the following?
a. lowered BP
b. lowered pulse rate
c. increased WBC
d. increased monocyte count
37. A client is taking labetalol
(Normodyne). The nurse monitors the
client for which frequent side effect of
the medication?
a. tachycardia
b. impotence
c. increased energy level
d. night blindness
38. An older client has been using
cascara sagrada on a long-term basis.
The nurse determines that which
laboratory result is a result of the side
effects of this medication?
a. sodium 135 mEq/L
b. sodium 145 mEq/L
c. potassium 3.1 mEq/L
d. potassium 5.0 mEq/L
39. A client has an order to begin
short-term therapy with enoxaparin
(Lovenox). The nurse explains to the
client that this medication is being
ordered to:
a. dissolve urinary calculi
b. reduce the risk of deep vein
thrombosis
c. relieve migraine headaches
d. stop progression of multiple
sclerosis
40. Quinidine gluconate (Dura Quin) is
prescribed for a client. The nurse
reviews the client’s medical record,
knowing that which of the following is
a contraindication in the use of this
medication?
a. complete atrioventricular (AV) block
b. muscle weakness
c. asthma
d. infection
41. A client has been taking
benzonatate (Tessalon) as ordered.
The nurse tells the client that this
medication should do which of the
following?
a. take away nausea and vomiting
b. calm the persistent cough
c. decrease anxiety level
d. increase comfort level
42. Auranofin (Ridaura) is prescribed
for a client with rheumatoid arthritis,
and the nurse monitors the client for
signs of an adverse effect related to
the medication. Which of the following
indicates an adverse effect?
a. nausea
b. diarrhea
c. anorexia
d. proteinuria
43. A nurse is providing instructions to
a client regarding quinapril
hydrochloride (Accupril). The nurse
tells the client:
a. to take the medication with food
only
b. to rise slowly from a lying to a
sitting position
c. to discontinue the medication if
nausea occurs
d. that a therapeutic effect will be
noted immediatedly
44. A female client tells the clinic
nurse that her skin is very dry and
irritated. Which product would the
nurse suggest that the client apply to
the dry skin?
a. glycerin emollient
b. aspercreame
c. myoflex
d. acetic acid solution
45. A client with advanced cirrhosis of
the liver is not tolerating protein well,
as eveidenced by abnormal laboratory
values. The nurse anticipates that
which of the following medications will
be prescribed for the client?
a. lactulose (Chronulac)
b. ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
c. folic acid (Folvite)
d. thiamine (Vitamin B1)
46. A nurse is planning dietary
counseling for the client taking
triamterene (Dyrenium). The nurse
plans to include which of the following
in a list of foods that are acceptable?
a. baked potato
b. bananas
c. oranges
d. pears canned in water
47. A client is taking famotidine
(Pepcid) asks the home care nurse
what would be the best medication to
take for a headache. The nurse tells
the client that it would be best to
take:
a. aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)
b. ibuprofen (Motrin)
c. acetaminophen (Tylenol)
d. naproxen (Naprosyn)
48. A nurse has taught a client taking
a xanthine bronchodilator about
beverages to avoid. The nurse
determines that the client
understands the information if the
client chooses which of the following
beverages from the dietary menu?

a. chocolate milk
b. cranberry juice
c. coffee
d. cola

49. A client with histoplasmosis has an

order for ketoconazole (Nizoral). The
nurse teaches the client to do which of
the following while taking this
medication?

a. take the medication on an empty

stomach
b. take the medication with an antacid
c. avoid exposure to sunlight
d. limit alcohol to 2 ounces per day

50. A nurse is preparing the client’s

morning NPH insulin dose and notices
a clumpy precipitate inside the insulin
vial. The nurse should:

a. draw up and administer the dose

b. shake the vial in an attempt to
disperse the clumps
c. draw the dose from a new vial
d. warm the bottle under running
water to dissolve the clump