RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 12

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RN exams pharmacology practice questions set 12

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 with asthma is prescribed fluticasone. Fluticasone is classified as:

  1. A. A beta-agonist
  2. B. A corticosteroid
  3. C. A leukotriene modifier
  4. D. An anticholinergic agent
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — A corticosteroid

The correct answer is B: A corticosteroid. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which is crucial in managing asthma. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of asthma treatment as they help to decrease airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Choice A, a beta-agonist, is incorrect because beta-agonists work by relaxing the muscles around the airways and are usually used as rescue inhalers for quick relief of asthma symptoms. Choice C, a leukotriene modifier, is incorrect as leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the action of certain immune system chemicals that cause asthma symptoms, but they are not the classification for fluticasone. Choice D, an anticholinergic agent, is incorrect as anticholinergics work by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes airway constriction, and are typically used in conditions like COPD, not as the

Question 2

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
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Atrial fibrillation

The correct answer is B: Atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats that can lead to tachycardia. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to an irregular heart rhythm and increased heart rate. This condition can cause tachycardia due to the ineffective pumping of blood by the heart. Incorrect choices: A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - This disorder can cause heart muscle thickening, leading to decreased ventricular filling and potentially causing arrhythmias, but it is not directly associated with tachycardia. C: Mitral regurgitation - This condition can lead to an enlarged left atrium and decreased cardiac output, but tachycardia is not a direct result of mitral regurgitation. D: Mitral stenosis - This condition can cause increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary congestion, but t

Question 3

A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium carbonate because he complains that it makes him feel sick. Which of the following medications might be alternatively prescribed for mood stabilization in bipolar disorders?

  1. A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
  2. B. Valproic acid (Depakote)
  3. C. Trazodone (Desyrel)
  4. D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Valproic acid (Depakote)

The correct answer is B: Valproic acid (Depakote). Valproic acid is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. It helps to control manic episodes and stabilize mood swings. It is effective in treating bipolar disorder and is well tolerated by many patients. It is an appropriate alternative to lithium carbonate for mood stabilization. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Sertraline (Zoloft) is an antidepressant and not typically used as a primary treatment for bipolar disorder. C: Trazodone (Desyrel) is primarily used as an antidepressant and not as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. D: Paroxetine (Paxil) is an antidepressant and is not indicated for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder. In summary, Valproic acid (Depakote) is the most appropriate alternative medication for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder compared to the other choices provided.

Question 4

Loosening of teeth, gingivitis and hemorrhage occur in the deficiency of:

  1. A. Vitamin К
  2. B. Vitamin Ð’1
  3. C. Vitamin B6
  4. D. Vitamin C
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Vitamin C

Step-by-step rationale for why Vitamin C (Choice D) is the correct answer: 1. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of gum tissues. 2. Deficiency of Vitamin C leads to weakened collagen, causing symptoms like loosening of teeth, gingivitis, and hemorrhage. 3. Vitamin K (Choice A) is important for blood clotting, not directly related to gum health. 4. Vitamin B1 (Choice B) is essential for energy production, not directly linked to gum health. 5. Vitamin B6 (Choice C) is involved in various metabolic processes, but not specifically related to gum health. Summary: The correct answer is Vitamin C (Choice D) because it is directly linked to maintaining healthy gum tissues by supporting collagen synthesis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not directly associated with the symptoms of loosening of teeth, gingivitis, and hemorrhage.

Question 5

A patient is being educated on taking levothyroxine, a drug used to balance thyroid activity. What should you include in their education?

  1. A. Don't bother your health care professionals if you experience
  2. B. Take this at the same time every day
  3. C. Thyroid tests are unnecessary while taking this drug
  4. D. It is okay to take this drug if you have recently had a myocardial infarction
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Take this at the same time every day

It is important to educate the patient to take levothyroxine at the same time every day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. Consistency in timing helps to maintain stable levels of the medication in the body and optimize its effectiveness in balancing thyroid activity. This medication should not be taken with food, vitamins, or other medications that can interfere with its absorption. Regular thyroid tests are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust the dosage as needed. If a patient has experienced a recent myocardial infarction or heart attack, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before starting or continuing levothyroxine, as it can have implications on cardiovascular health. It is never advisable for patients to avoid consulting their healthcare professionals if they experience any adverse effects or have concerns about their medication.

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Question 6

A patient had an orthopedic surgery and is prescribed enoxaparin. What would the nurse teach the patient and/or family members about this low–molecular-weight heparin before discharge?

  1. A. Visual demonstration of intramuscular heparin administration is recommended.
  2. B. Prothrombin time and international normalized ratio monitoring will be done weekly.
  3. C. Avoidance of green leafy vegetables is recommended.
  4. D. Watch for bleeding or excessive bruising.
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Question 7

When assessing a client with a disorder of the hematopoietic or the lymphatic, why is it important for the nurse to obtain a dietary history?

  1. A. Compromised nutrition interferes with the production of blood cells and hemoglobin
  2. B. Diet consisting of excessive fat interferes with the production of blood cells and haemoglobin
  3. C. Inconsistent dieting interferes with the production of blood cells and haemoglobin
  4. D. Diet consisting of excessive iron and protein elements interferes with the production of blood cells and haemoglobin
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Question 8

A patient has received an IV dose of adenosine, and almost immediately the heart monitor shows

  1. A. What should the nurse do next?
  2. B. Check the patient™s puls
  3. D. Prepare to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Question 9

A balanced anesthetic technique for production of general anesthesia may include which of the following drugs?

  1. A. an inhalation anesthetic
  2. B. a narcotic
  3. C. a muscle relaxant
  4. D. all of these
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Question 10

A client has been severely depressed and suicidal. After admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit, antidepressant medication is administered. As the client becomes more energized and communicative, what should be the priority nursing intervention for this client?

  1. A. Allowing the client to have unsupervised passes to his or her home
  2. B. Encouraging the client to participate in group activities
  3. C. Increasing the vigilance regarding the client's suicidal precautions
  4. D. Recognizing that the client's suicidal potential has decreased
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Question 11

A patient with asthma is prescribed fluticasone. Fluticasone is classified as:

  1. A. A beta-agonist
  2. B. A corticosteroid
  3. C. A leukotriene modifier
  4. D. An anticholinergic agent
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

Chloramphenicol is usually effective in:

  1. A. Pulmonary tuberculosis
  2. B. Epiglottitis
  3. C. Typhoid
  4. D. Bacterial meningitis
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Question 13

A 50-year-old female with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. Levothyroxine works by:

  1. A. Increasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  2. B. Replacing deficient thyroid hormone
  3. C. Inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis
  4. D. Increasing the metabolism of thyroid hormones
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Question 14

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
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Question 15

Chloramphenicol is usually effective in:

  1. A. Pulmonary tuberculosis
  2. B. Epiglottitis
  3. C. Typhoid
  4. D. Bacterial meningitis
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams pharmacology questions

RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 12 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

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