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 RN exams exam guide or more RN 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
Which of the following variables is a factor in drug absorption?
A. The smaller the surface area for absorption, the more rapidly the drug is absorbed.
B. A rich blood supply to the area of absorption leads to better absorption
C. The less soluble the drug, the more easily it is absorbed.
D. Ionized drugs are easily absorbed across the cell membrane.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — A rich blood supply to the area of absorption leads to better absorption
The correct answer is B: A rich blood supply to the area of absorption leads to better absorption. A rich blood supply enhances drug absorption by allowing for faster diffusion of the drug into the bloodstream. This is because a greater blood flow increases the concentration gradient, facilitating quicker absorption.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: The statement that the smaller the surface area for absorption, the more rapidly the drug is absorbed is incorrect. Larger surface area typically leads to faster absorption due to increased contact with absorbing surfaces.
C: The statement that the less soluble the drug, the more easily it is absorbed is incorrect. Solubility affects dissolution, not absorption.
D: The statement that ionized drugs are easily absorbed across the cell membrane is incorrect. Ionized drugs have lower permeability across cell membranes compared to non-ionized drugs.
Question 2
Select the drug stimulating the protective function of the mucous barrier and the stability of the mucous membrane against damaging factors:
A. De-nol
B. Sucralfate
C. Misoprostol
D. Omeprazole
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — De-nol
Step-by-step rationale for why "A: De-nol" is the correct answer:
1. De-nol contains the active ingredient bismuth subcitrate, which stimulates the protective function of the mucous barrier.
2. Bismuth subcitrate forms a protective layer on the mucous membrane, enhancing its stability against damaging factors.
3. This protective effect helps prevent damage to the mucous membrane from factors like acid, bile salts, and other irritants.
4. Sucralfate also forms a protective barrier but through a different mechanism, making it an incorrect choice.
5. Misoprostol and Omeprazole are not directly involved in stimulating the protective function of the mucous barrier, making them incorrect choices.
Summary:
De-nol is the correct choice because it directly stimulates the protective function of the mucous barrier and enhances the stability of the mucous membrane against damaging factors. Sucralfate, Misoprostol, and Omeprazole
Question 3
Which of the following drug classes is/are used in initial hypertension management of African American population?
A. Clonidine primary
B. Betablockers primary
C. Thiazide or calcium channel blocker primary
D. ACE-1 primary
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Thiazide or calcium channel blocker primary
The correct answer is C: Thiazide or calcium channel blocker primary. This choice is correct because African Americans tend to respond better to thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers in managing hypertension. Thiazide diuretics are recommended as first-line treatment in this population due to their effectiveness and lower risk of adverse effects. Calcium channel blockers are also preferred as they have shown good efficacy and tolerability.
Choice A (Clonidine) is incorrect as it is not recommended as a primary treatment option for hypertension. Choice B (Betablockers) is also incorrect as they are not the preferred initial treatment in African American patients due to lower efficacy compared to other drug classes. Choice D (ACE-1 inhibitors) is incorrect as they are not recommended as first-line treatment in this population, as they may be less effective in African Americans compared to other drug classes.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a required element of the written prescription?
A. Quantity of a drug to be dispensed
B. Number of refills
C. Disease state being treated
D. Route of administration
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Disease state being treated
The correct answer is C: Disease state being treated. This is because the written prescription should include essential information such as the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity to be dispensed, directions for use, patient information, prescriber information, and date. The disease state being treated is not a required element as it is typically part of the diagnosis and treatment plan discussed between the healthcare provider and the patient, but not necessarily explicitly stated on the prescription.
The other choices, A, B, and D, are required elements of a written prescription. Quantity of a drug to be dispensed ensures proper dosing, number of refills indicates how many times the prescription can be refilled, and route of administration specifies how the medication should be administered. These elements are crucial for the pharmacist to accurately dispense and the patient to safely use the medication.
Question 5
The nurse in the clinical research setting is knowledgeable about ethical principles and protection of human subjects. What principle is demonstrated by ensuring the patient’s right to self- determination?
A. Beneficence
B. Respect for persons
C. Justice
D. Informed consent
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Respect for persons
The correct answer is B: Respect for persons. This principle is demonstrated by ensuring the patient's right to self-determination, which means respecting their autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare. This principle is a fundamental aspect of research ethics, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals as autonomous agents.
A: Beneficence focuses on doing good for the research subjects and maximizing benefits while minimizing harms, but it does not directly relate to self-determination.
C: Justice involves fairness in the selection of research participants and distribution of benefits and burdens, but it is not directly related to self-determination.
D: Informed consent is a process that includes providing information to participants to ensure they can make an informed decision about participating in research, which is related to but not the same as respecting self-determination.
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Question 6
A 2-year-old presents to the clinic with otalgia and fever. The left tympanic membrane (TM) is erythematous and bulging; The right TMs is perforated and draining. The child's parents states, “this is the fifth ear infection this year. What can we do?†What action will the provider take to address the child's ear problems?
A. Prescribe both high dose amoxicillin and the influenza vaccine
B. Discuss beginning prophylactic antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
C. Prescribe both ceftriaxone (Rocephin) IVI with benzocaine ear drops for pain
D. Prescribe amoxicillin/clavulanate and refer the child to an otolaryngologist
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Prescribe amoxicillin/clavulanate and refer the child to an otolaryngologist.
Rationale:
1. Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a recommended first-line antibiotic for recurrent otitis media due to its broad spectrum coverage.
2. Referring the child to an otolaryngologist is necessary for further evaluation and management of recurrent ear infections, as this child has had multiple episodes in a year.
Summary of other choices:
A: Prescribing both high dose amoxicillin and the influenza vaccine is not the best option as the child already has recurrent ear infections and needs a more comprehensive approach.
B: Beginning prophylactic antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is not recommended as a first-line treatment for recurrent otitis media.
C: Prescribing ceftriaxone IV with benzocaine ear drops is not the optimal choice for managing recurrent ear infections in a 2-year-old.
Which of the following is not a required element of the written prescription?
A. Quantity of a drug to be dispensed
B. Number of refills
C. Disease state being treated
D. Route of administration
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Disease state being treated. This is because the written prescription should include essential information such as the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity to be dispensed, directions for use, patient information, prescriber information, and date. The disease state being treated is not a required element as it is typically part of the diagnosis and treatment plan discussed between the healthcare provider and the patient, but not necessarily explicitly stated on the prescription.
The other choices, A, B, and D, are required elements of a written prescription. Quantity of a drug to be dispensed ensures proper dosing, number of refills indicates how many times the prescription can be refilled, and route of administration specifies how the medication should be administered. These elements are crucial for the pharmacist to accurately dispense and the patient to safely use the medication.
A patient asks you how does the statin drugs work. How would you respond?
A. It inhibits the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine
B. It inhibits hydroxymethyl lutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase to reduce the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver
C. It binds to bile in the intestinal track forming an insoluble complex that is excreted in the feces
D. It stimulates the biliary system to increase the excretion of dietary cholesterol
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: It inhibits hydroxymethyl lutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase to reduce the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Statin drugs work by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins reduce the production of cholesterol in the body. This mechanism helps lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood.
Incorrect choices:
A: It inhibits the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine - This is incorrect because statins do not affect the absorption of dietary cholesterol but rather target cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
C: It binds to bile in the intestinal track forming an insoluble complex that is excreted in the feces - This is incorrect as it describes the mechanism of bile acid sequestrants, not statins.
D: It stimulates the biliary system to increase the excretion of
A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with systolic heart failure with normal ejection fraction and normal sinus rhythm at rest. A treatment with captopril was started. Which of the following actions most likely mediated the therapeutic effect of captopril in this patient?
A. Increased cardiac contractility
B. Reduction of angiotensin-mediated vasoconstriction in the kidney
C. Reduction of preload and afterload
D. Stimulation of epinephrine release from adrenergic nerves
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Reduction of angiotensin-mediated vasoconstriction in the kidney. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. In this patient with systolic heart failure, reducing angiotensin II levels will lead to vasodilation and decreased vasoconstriction in the kidney, improving renal blood flow and reducing fluid retention. This helps to alleviate symptoms of heart failure and improve overall cardiac function.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increased cardiac contractility - Captopril does not directly increase cardiac contractility.
C: Reduction of preload and afterload - While ACE inhibitors can reduce preload and afterload, the primary mechanism of captopril is through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
D: Stimulation of epinephrine release from adrenergic nerves - Captopril does not stimulate epinephrine release; it actually inhibits the
Which of the following variables is a factor in drug absorption?
A. The smaller the surface area for absorption, the more rapidly the drug is absorbed.
B. A rich blood supply to the area of absorption leads to better absorption
C. The less soluble the drug, the more easily it is absorbed.
D. Ionized drugs are easily absorbed across the cell membrane.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: A rich blood supply to the area of absorption leads to better absorption. A rich blood supply enhances drug absorption by allowing for faster diffusion of the drug into the bloodstream. This is because a greater blood flow increases the concentration gradient, facilitating quicker absorption.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: The statement that the smaller the surface area for absorption, the more rapidly the drug is absorbed is incorrect. Larger surface area typically leads to faster absorption due to increased contact with absorbing surfaces.
C: The statement that the less soluble the drug, the more easily it is absorbed is incorrect. Solubility affects dissolution, not absorption.
D: The statement that ionized drugs are easily absorbed across the cell membrane is incorrect. Ionized drugs have lower permeability across cell membranes compared to non-ionized drugs.
What should you monitor when given a patient Clopidogrel?
A. Signs of thrombotic thrombolytic purpura
B. Bleeding during therapy
C. CBC with differential and platelet count
D. All the above
Correct answer:
When monitoring a patient on Clopidogrel therapy, it is important to monitor for signs of thrombotic thrombolytic purpura (TTP), bleeding during therapy, and changes in blood counts. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Monitoring for signs of TTP is necessary as clopidogrel has been associated with an increased risk of TTP in some patients. Additionally, monitoring for bleeding is crucial as clopidogrel, like other antiplatelet medications, can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring a complete blood count (CBC) with differential and platelet count allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's blood cell levels and ensure that the medication is not causing any adverse effects on blood counts. Therefore, monitoring all of the above parameters is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of clopidogrel therapy.
A client with pernicious anemia is receiving parenteral vitamin B12 therapy. Which client statement indicates effective teaching about this therapy?
A. “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy until my signs and symptoms disappear.”
B. “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy until my vitamin B12 level returns to normal.”
C. “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy monthly for 6 months to a year.”
D. “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of my life.”
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of my life.” This statement is correct because pernicious anemia is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing vitamin B12 supplementation. Patients with pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor, which is needed to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Therefore, they need lifelong B12 therapy to prevent complications such as anemia and neurological damage.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they suggest a limited duration of therapy. Pernicious anemia is a chronic condition that necessitates continuous treatment. Choice A implies therapy until signs and symptoms disappear, which may not address the underlying cause of the deficiency. Choice B mentions therapy until vitamin B12 levels normalize, which may not prevent recurrence. Choice C suggests monthly therapy for a fixed period, which may not be sufficient for lifelong management.
The nurse in the clinical research setting is knowledgeable about ethical principles and protection of human subjects. What principle is demonstrated by ensuring the patient’s right to self- determination?
A. Beneficence
B. Respect for persons
C. Justice
D. Informed consent
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Respect for persons. This principle is demonstrated by ensuring the patient's right to self-determination, which means respecting their autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare. This principle is a fundamental aspect of research ethics, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals as autonomous agents.
A: Beneficence focuses on doing good for the research subjects and maximizing benefits while minimizing harms, but it does not directly relate to self-determination.
C: Justice involves fairness in the selection of research participants and distribution of benefits and burdens, but it is not directly related to self-determination.
D: Informed consent is a process that includes providing information to participants to ensure they can make an informed decision about participating in research, which is related to but not the same as respecting self-determination.
The 64-year-old patient has smoked since age 15 and has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. What classification of adrenergic blocking antagonist would be safest for this patient to treat angina?
A. Nonselective adrenergic blocking agents
B. Nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agents
C. Alpha1-selective adrenergic blocking agents
D. Beta1-selective adrenergic blocking agents
Correct answer:
Beta1-selective adrenergic blocking agents have an advantage over the nonselective beta-blockers in some cases. Because they do not usually block beta2-receptor sites, they do not block the sympathetic bronchodilation that is so important for patients with lung diseases or allergic rhinitis. Consequently, these drugs are preferred for patients who smoke or who have asthma, any other obstructive pulmonary disease, or seasonal or allergic rhinitis. Nonselective adrenergic blocking agents block both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors exacerbating respiratory conditions by the loss of norepinephrine’s effect of bronchodilation. Nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are not used to treat angina. Alpha1-selective adrenergic blocking agents are not used to treat angina. The nurse should consider the patient’s medical history when selecting adrenergic blocking agents to ensure safe and effective treatment.
A 79-year-old man with end-stage Alzheimer's disease and dysphagia is taking multiple medications. Physical examination reveals xerostomia and a limited gag reflex. Which of the following routes of medication administration would provide the lowest serum drug concentration?
A. Enteral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intrathecal
D. Intravenous
Correct answer:
Enteral (A) administration would provide the lowest serum drug concentration in this patient due to the challenges posed by his dysphagia and limited gag reflex, which impair swallowing and gastrointestinal absorption. Enteral routes (e.g., oral) rely on GI uptake, which can be erratic or reduced in such conditions, further complicated by xerostomia reducing dissolution. Intramuscular (B) and intravenous (D) routes deliver drugs directly into systemic circulation, yielding higher concentrations. Intrathecal (C) targets the CSF, not serum, but still achieves systemic levels. Transdermal (original E) offers steady absorption but higher serum levels than enteral in this context. Given his swallowing difficulties, enteral drugs face significant barriers (e.g., incomplete absorption, first-pass metabolism), making it the least effective for systemic delivery, critical in managing polypharmacy in Alzheimer's patients.
RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 10 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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