LPN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 5

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LPN exams pharmacology practice questions set 5

You choose the safer drug action, the vital sign to check, and the teaching that belongs at the bedside. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.

Five pharmacology questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

Chloramphenicol is usually effective in:

  1. A. Pulmonary tuberculosis
  2. B. Epiglottitis
  3. C. Typhoid
  4. D. Bacterial meningitis
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Typhoid

Chloramphenicol is usually effective in typhoid (C), caused by Salmonella typhi, due to its broad-spectrum activity and excellent tissue penetration, including intracellular bacteria. It's not used for pulmonary tuberculosis (A), where specific anti-TB drugs like isoniazid are required, as chloramphenicol lacks activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It's effective in epiglottitis (B) caused by Haemophilus influenzae, especially in resource-limited settings, but cephalosporins are preferred. It's also effective in bacterial meningitis (D), penetrating the CSF well to treat H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and N. meningitidis infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis (original E) responds to topical chloramphenicol. Its use in typhoid reflects its historical efficacy, though resistance and rare aplastic anemia risk limit its routine use today, favoring fluoroquinolones or ceftriaxone in many regions.

Question 2

A 65-year-old male with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Lisinopril works by:

  1. A. Inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
  2. B. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart
  3. C. Relaxing vascular smooth muscle
  4. D. Increasing sodium excretion in the kidneys
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II

The correct answer is A. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure. By inhibiting its production, lisinopril helps dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood flow. This mechanism is crucial in managing hypertension. Choice B is incorrect because beta-blockers, not ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, block beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect because while lisinopril does relax vascular smooth muscle, the primary mechanism is through angiotensin II inhibition. Choice D is incorrect because lisinopril does not directly affect sodium excretion in the kidneys; instead, it primarily targets the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to regulate blood

Question 3

A patient is prescribed ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin transdermal contraceptive patch. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates an understanding of the use of this drug?

  1. A. The patch prevents pregnancy by acting as barrier.
  2. B. I will experience minimal side effects because it is a progestin-only device.
  3. C. I will remove the patch each month and replace it with a new patch 1 week later.
  4. D. I will apply the patch in my vaginal area prior to having sexual intercourse.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — I will remove the patch each month and replace it with a new patch 1 week later.

Rationale for Correct Answer (C): 1. The patient stating "I will remove the patch each month and replace it with a new patch 1 week later" indicates understanding of the correct usage of the contraceptive patch. 2. Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin are combined hormonal contraceptives that require a once-weekly application for 3 weeks followed by a patch-free week to allow for menstruation. 3. This statement reflects proper adherence to the dosing schedule, ensuring continuous contraceptive efficacy and hormone levels. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. The patch does not act as a physical barrier; it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. B. Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin are combined hormonal contraceptives, not progestin-only, so side effects may vary. D. The patch should be applied to the skin, not in the vaginal area, and is not meant for immediate use before intercourse.

Question 4

A 64-year-old man suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia presented to his physician complaining of generalized itching. The problem began 1 week earlier, after an afternoon of prolonged sun exposure. The patient reported that the itching was distressing, especially during the night. Physical examination showed an enlarged prostate and no other evidence of ongoing disease. Which of the following drugs would be appropriate for this patient?

  1. A. Cyproheptadine
  2. B. Diphenhydramine
  3. C. Famotidine
  4. D. Loratadine
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Loratadine

The correct answer is D: Loratadine. Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine that is commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including itching. In this case, the patient's generalized itching is likely due to an allergic reaction triggered by sun exposure. Loratadine can help alleviate the itching without causing excessive sedation, making it suitable for an elderly patient. A: Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine that can cause significant sedation and anticholinergic side effects, making it less ideal for an elderly patient. B: Diphenhydramine is also a first-generation antihistamine that can cause sedation and anticholinergic side effects, which may not be well-tolerated by the elderly patient. C: Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production and treat ulcers, not itching related to allergic reactions.

Question 5

A 45-year-old male with hyperlipidemia is prescribed pravastatin. Pravastatin works by:

  1. A. Inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines
  2. B. Inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase in the liver
  3. C. Increasing HDL cholesterol levels
  4. D. Blocking bile acid reabsorption
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase in the liver

The correct answer is B: Inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. Pravastatin is a statin medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the liver's production of cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, pravastatin reduces the liver's ability to produce cholesterol, leading to lower levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. This mechanism helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidemia. Choice A is incorrect because pravastatin does not inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines; it primarily acts in the liver. Choice C is incorrect because pravastatin primarily lowers LDL cholesterol levels rather than increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Choice D is incorrect because blocking bile acid reabsorption is not the primary mechanism of action of pravastatin in managing hyperlipidemia.

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Question 6

A 60-year-old male with hypertension is prescribed losartan. Losartan works by:

  1. A. Blocking angiotensin II receptors
  2. B. Inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine
  3. C. Blocking calcium channels in the blood vessels
  4. D. Inhibiting aldosterone secretion
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Question 7

Which of the following events best explains the patient's syndrome of weakness, paresthesias, constipation, and low potassium level in Addison disease?

  1. A. Cortisol-induced hyperglycemia
  2. B. Fludrocortisone excess
  3. C. Inadequate therapy of adrenal insufficiency
  4. D. Cortisol-induced myopathy
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Question 8

A depressed patient who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant tells the nurse, “I don’t think I can keep taking these pills. They make me very dizzy, especially when I stand up.” The best nursing response is:

  1. A. “That is annoying, but it is something most patients are able to learn to live with as time goes on. You’ll get used to the medicine’s side effects.”
  2. B. “The medicine can slow the body’s adjustment of blood pressure when changing position; drinking more fluids and changing position slowly can help.”
  3. C. “Compared to the problems caused by the depression, it seems like a relatively small annoyance to have to put up with.”
  4. D. “All medicines have side effects, and this one is relatively mild. It could be that your depression is causing you to think negatively about the medicine.”
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Question 9

You are managing a stable middle-aged adult with emphysema. In addition to reinforcing smoking cessation and medication schedules which annual intervention will you recommend?

  1. A. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
  2. B. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
  3. C. Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV)
  4. D. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAV)
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Question 10

A 79-year-old patient is taking a diuretic for treatment of hypertension. This patient is very independent and wants to continue to live at home. The nurse will know that which teaching point is important for this patient?

  1. A. He should take the diuretic with his evening meal.
  2. B. He should skip the diuretic dose if he plans to leave the house.
  3. C. If he feels dizzy while on this medication, he needs to stop taking it and take potassium supplements instead.
  4. D. He needs to take extra precautions when standing up because of possible orthostatic hypotension and resulting injury from falls.
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Question 11

The therapeutic action of neurotransmitter inhibitors that block reuptake cause:

  1. A. decreased concentration of the neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
  2. B. increased concentration of neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap.
  3. C. destruction of receptor sites.
  4. D. limbic system stimulation.
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Question 12

If the plasma concentration of a drug declines with 'first-order kinetics', this means that

  1. A. There is only one metabolic path for drug disposition
  2. B. The half-life is the same regardless of the plasma concentration
  3. C. The drug is largely metabolized in the liver after oral administration and has low bioavailability elimination
  4. D. The rate of elimination is proportionate to the rate of administration at all times
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Question 13

This graph shows the concentration-dependent effects of norepinephrine on arterial blood pressure, both alone, and in the presence of a fixed concentration of Drug X. Which type of antagonist is Drug X?

  1. A. Silent
  2. B. Non-competitive
  3. C. Competitive
  4. D. Chemical
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Question 14

A patient has a blood pressure of 150/95 mm HG and 148/90 mm Hg on two separate office visits. This is consistent with a blood pressure of 145/92 mm Hg taken in an ambulatory setting. The patient's diagnostic tests are all normal. What will the patient's provider order to best manage the patient's hypertension?

  1. A. A thiazide diuretic
  2. B. A loop diuretic and Spironolactone
  3. C. A beta blocker
  4. D. ?
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Question 15

A2-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department with high body temperature (104°F, 40°C), flushed and dry skin, and widely dilated pupils unresponsive to light. He was agitated and underwent a brief tonic-clonic convulsion. His mother stated that the boy apparently swallowed several tablets of her allergy medication. Which of the following drugs most likely caused the patient's poisoning?

  1. A. Ibuprofen
  2. B. Diphenhydramine
  3. C. Phenylephrine
  4. D. Celecoxib
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About these LPN exams pharmacology questions

LPN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

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