RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 11

RN exams · pharmacology

RN exams pharmacology practice questions set 11

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

A patient is taken to the trauma unit after a motorcycle accident. It is estimated that he has lost 30% of his blood volume and he is in hypovolemic shock. The nurse anticipates a transfusion with which blood product?

  1. A. PRBCs
  2. B. Whole blood
  3. C. Cryoprecipitate
  4. D. FFP
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — PRBCs

In the case of a hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss, the primary concern is to restore the lost blood volume quickly. Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) contain a high concentration of red blood cells and are used to replenish oxygen-carrying capacity in cases of hemorrhage. PRBCs are the most appropriate blood product in this scenario as they can effectively increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood without overloading the patient with excess fluid volume like whole blood. Whole blood contains not only red blood cells but also plasma and other components, which may not be necessary for immediate volume resuscitation. Cryoprecipitate and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) are usually indicated for specific coagulation factor deficiencies and are not the primary choice for treating hypovolemic shock. Thus, in this case, PRBCs are the most suitable blood product to address the acute blood loss and restore

Question 2

The patient is having difficulty coping with her new diagnosis of lymphoma. Which response by the nurse is most helpful?

  1. A. “Don’t worry. You’ll be okay.”
  2. B. “The treatments you are receiving will make you feel better very soon.”
  3. C. “Who do you usually go to when you have a problem?”
  4. D. “Have you made end-of-life decisions?”
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — “Who do you usually go to when you have a problem?”

The correct answer is C because it helps the patient explore her support system. By asking who she usually goes to when facing problems, the nurse encourages the patient to identify her sources of emotional support, which can help her cope with the new diagnosis. This response acknowledges the patient's need for support and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: "Don't worry. You'll be okay." - This response dismisses the patient's feelings and offers false reassurance, which may not address her emotional needs. B: "The treatments you are receiving will make you feel better very soon." - While this statement provides information about treatment, it does not directly address the patient's difficulty in coping with the diagnosis. D: "Have you made end-of-life decisions?" - This response may be premature and could unnecessarily increase the patient's anxiety about her prognosis.

Question 3

A male client has erectile dysfunction. Which systems should be assessed that could contribute to the erectile dysfunction?

  1. A. Cardiovascular
  2. B. Integumentary
  3. C. Endocrine
  4. D. Nervous
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Cardiovascular

Erectile dysfunction (ED) often stems from cardiovascular issues, like atherosclerosis or hypertension, which impair blood flow to the penis, a vascular process essential for erection. The integumentary system, while relevant to skin health, doesn't directly influence ED unless severe conditions affect genital tissue, which is rare. Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or low testosterone, disrupt hormonal balance critical for libido and erectile function, making it a key area. The nervous system, including spinal cord injuries or neuropathy, affects nerve signals for arousal, another vital component. Cardiovascular assessment is prioritized because ED can signal underlying heart disease, with shared risk factors like smoking or high cholesterol, and its vascular basis often precedes overt cardiac symptoms, necessitating a thorough check of circulation and heart health to pinpoint or rule out this common cause.

Question 4

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?

  1. A. Enteral
  2. B. Intramuscular
  3. C. Intrathecal
  4. D. Intravenous
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Enteral

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.

Question 5

A few minutes after beginning a blood transfusion, the nurse notes that the client has chills, dyspnea, and urticaria. The nurse reports this to the physician immediately because the client probably is experiencing which problem?

  1. A. A hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood
  2. B. A hemolytic reaction to Rh-incompatible blood
  3. C. A hemolytic allergic reaction caused by bacterial contamination of donor blood
  4. D. None of the above
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — A hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood

The correct answer is A: A hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood. Chills, dyspnea, and urticaria are indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks the donor's red blood cells. This can lead to various symptoms, including fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and hives. This type of reaction is most commonly seen with mismatched blood types. Option B (A hemolytic reaction to Rh-incompatible blood) is incorrect because Rh incompatibility typically leads to hemolytic disease of the newborn, not an immediate transfusion reaction. Option C (A hemolytic allergic reaction caused by bacterial contamination of donor blood) is incorrect as bacterial contamination would present with symptoms such as fever and sepsis, not chills, dyspnea, and urticaria. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect as the symptoms presented align with a hemolytic transfusion reaction.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Ten more RN exams pharmacology questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

A66-year-old man suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia was admitted to the hospital because of severe suprapubic pain and an inability to pass urine for the past 24 hours. On questioning, he said he had been taking diphenhydramine for a few days to relieve itching. Which of the following actions most likely mediated the adverse effect of the drug in this patient?

  1. A. Relaxation of the detrusor muscle
  2. B. Constriction of the bladder external sphincter
  3. C. Constriction of the prostate capsule
  4. D. Relaxation of the bladder internal sphincter
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

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?

  1. A. Prescribe both high dose amoxicillin and the influenza vaccine
  2. B. Discuss beginning prophylactic antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
  3. C. Prescribe both ceftriaxone (Rocephin) IVI with benzocaine ear drops for pain
  4. D. Prescribe amoxicillin/clavulanate and refer the child to an otolaryngologist
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

A66-year-old man suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia was admitted to the hospital because of severe suprapubic pain and an inability to pass urine for the past 24 hours. On questioning, he said he had been taking diphenhydramine for a few days to relieve itching. Which of the following actions most likely mediated the adverse effect of the drug in this patient?

  1. A. Relaxation of the detrusor muscle
  2. B. Constriction of the bladder external sphincter
  3. C. Constriction of the prostate capsule
  4. D. Relaxation of the bladder internal sphincter
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

Which of the following disorders most likely caused the patient's tachycardia?

  1. A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  2. B. Atrial fibrillation
  3. C. Mitral regurgitation
  4. D. Mitral stenosis
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

Which nursing interventions can help prevent falls in a patient with Parkinson’s disease? Choose all answers that are correct. i.Keep the patient’s call light within reach ii.Apply a soft vest restraint when the patient is in bed iii.Avoid use of throw rugs iv.Maintain the patient’s bed in a low position v.Encourage the patient to be independent for as long as possible vi.Provide a cane or walker for ambulation

  1. A. 1, 4, 2005
  2. B. 1, 3, 4, 6
  3. C. 2, 3, 2006
  4. D. 2, 4, 5, 6
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

A patient has been taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline (Zoloft) for about 6 months. At a recent visit, she tells the nurse that she has been interested in herbal therapies and wants to start taking St. John’s wort. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

  1. A. “That should be no problem.”
  2. B. “Good idea! Hopefully you’ll be able to stop taking the Zoloft.”
  3. C. “Be sure to stop taking the herb if you notice a change in side effects.”
  4. D. “Taking St. John’s wort with Zoloft may cause severe interactions and is not recommended.”
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

A patient calls the clinic office saying that the cholestyramine (Questran) powder he started yesterday clumps and sticks to the glass when he tries to mix it. The nurse will suggest what method for mixing this medication for administration?

  1. A. Mix the powder in a carbonated soda drink to dissolve it faster.
  2. B. Add the powder to any liquid, and stir vigorously to dissolve it quickly.
  3. C. Mix the powder with food or fruit, or at least 4 to 6 ounces of flui
  4. D. Sprinkle the powder into a spoon and take it dry, followed by a glass of water
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

A 30-year-old primipara woman had visible vaginal bleeding within a few hours after delivering her baby. Uterine massage and infusion of oxytocin did not control the bleeding. Upon examination, it was felt that the hemorrhage was due to uterine atony. An intramuscular injection of ergonovine was given. Which of the following actions most likely mediated the therapeutic effect of the drug in this patient?

  1. A. Selective constriction of uterine arteries
  2. B. Endothelin release in the uterine vascular bed
  3. C. Platelet aggregation in the uterine vascular bed
  4. D. Induction of powerful uterine contracture
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

A nurse is providing administration instruction to the wife of a client going home on intermittent enteral nutrition. Which information should the nurse include?

  1. A. Clean the equipment between each feeding administration
  2. B. Once mixed, enteral feeding should hang no more than 8 hours
  3. C. Refrigerate any feeding that is not needed for a feeding
  4. D. Keep the area around the insertion site clean
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

Which one of the following is characteristic of both phenytoin and carbamazepine?

  1. A. Inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450
  2. B. First-order elimination at high therapeutic doses
  3. C. Enhances the effects of oral contraceptives
  4. D. Prevent sodium influx through fast sodium channels
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams pharmacology questions

RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 11 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.

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.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.