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RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 23

RN exams · pharmacology

RN exams pharmacology practice questions set 23

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 hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. The mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide involves:

  1. A. Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys
  2. B. Blocking calcium channels in the blood vessels
  3. C. Increasing the excretion of potassium
  4. D. Relaxing vascular smooth muscle
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys

Step 1: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. Step 2: Thiazide diuretics work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. Step 3: By blocking sodium reabsorption, hydrochlorothiazide increases water excretion, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. Summary: - Option B (Blocking calcium channels) is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide does not affect calcium channels. - Option C (Increasing the excretion of potassium) is incorrect as thiazide diuretics can cause hypokalemia by increasing potassium excretion. - Option D (Relaxing vascular smooth muscle) is incorrect as this is not the primary mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide.

Question 2

A client who has been hospitalized for mania in the past is laid off from her job. She becomes very depressed, refuses to look for another job, stays in her room, eats very little, and neglects her personal hygiene. The client is found unconscious, but still breathing, with an empty bottle of sertraline (Zoloftâ) beside her. She is stabilized in an emergency department and is then admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, current episode depressed. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?

  1. A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements, related to refusal to eat
  2. B. Anxiety (severe) related to threat to self-esteem
  3. C. Risk for suicide related to depressed mood
  4. D. Complicated grieving related to loss of employment
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Risk for suicide related to depressed mood

The priority nursing diagnosis for the client in this scenario should be "C: Risk for suicide related to depressed mood." This is because the client's current state of depression, along with the attempted overdose of sertraline, indicates a significant risk of self-harm. Addressing this risk should be the primary focus to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because although the client is not eating much, the immediate concern is the risk of suicide rather than nutrition. Choice B is incorrect as the client's self-esteem is not the primary concern in this situation compared to the risk of self-harm. Choice D is incorrect as the client's symptoms are more indicative of a depressive episode rather than grief over job loss.

Question 3

Propranolol has all of the following cardiovascular effects EXCEPT:

  1. A. It decreases cardiac work and oxygen demand
  2. B. It reduces blood flow to the brain
  3. C. It inhibits the renin secretion
  4. D. It increases the atrioventricular nodal refractory period
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — It reduces blood flow to the brain

The correct answer is B because propranolol does not reduce blood flow to the brain. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that decreases cardiac work and oxygen demand (choice A), inhibits renin secretion (choice C), and increases the atrioventricular nodal refractory period (choice D). By blocking beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, propranolol reduces heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure, leading to decreased oxygen demand. Inhibiting renin secretion helps lower blood pressure. Increasing the atrioventricular nodal refractory period can slow down the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart, helping to control heart rhythm. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are all accurate effects of propranolol on the cardiovascular system.

Question 4

Recommended phosphorus daily allowance is:

  1. A. 900-1200 mg
  2. B. 600-900 g
  3. C. 25 g
  4. D. 1.5-4 mg
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — 900-1200 mg

The correct answer is A (900-1200 mg) because phosphorus is an essential mineral required for various bodily functions like bone health and energy metabolism. The recommended daily allowance varies depending on age, gender, and health status, but generally falls within the range of 900-1200 mg for adults. Choice B (600-900 g) is incorrect because this amount is too high for phosphorus intake and could lead to potential health issues. Choice C (25 g) is incorrect as it is an extremely high amount of phosphorus intake, far exceeding the recommended daily allowance and could be harmful to health. Choice D (1.5-4 mg) is incorrect because this amount is too low for phosphorus intake and would not meet the body's daily requirements for this essential mineral.

Question 5

Propranolol has all of the following cardiovascular effects EXCEPT:

  1. A. It decreases cardiac work and oxygen demand
  2. B. It reduces blood flow to the brain
  3. C. It inhibits the renin secretion
  4. D. It increases the atrioventricular nodal refractory period
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — It reduces blood flow to the brain

The correct answer is B because propranolol does not reduce blood flow to the brain. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that decreases cardiac work and oxygen demand (choice A), inhibits renin secretion (choice C), and increases the atrioventricular nodal refractory period (choice D). By blocking beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, propranolol reduces heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure, leading to decreased oxygen demand. Inhibiting renin secretion helps lower blood pressure. Increasing the atrioventricular nodal refractory period can slow down the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart, helping to control heart rhythm. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are all accurate effects of propranolol on the cardiovascular system.

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Question 6

Which of the following is not related to a drug toxicity of Atenolol?

  1. A. CHF
  2. B. Tachycardia
  3. C. AV block
  4. D. Sedative appearance
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Question 7

A nurse is assessing a client with anemia. What laboratory test is most relevant?

  1. A. White blood cell count
  2. B. Hemoglobin level
  3. C. Platelet count
  4. D. Electrolyte levels
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Question 8

A nurse is teaching a client about proper foot care with diabetes. What advice is crucial?

  1. A. Soak feet in hot water daily.
  2. B. Wear tight-fitting shoes.
  3. C. Inspect feet daily.
  4. D. Walk barefoot as much as possible.
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Question 9

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected meningitis. What diagnostic test is crucial?

  1. A. CT scan
  2. B. MRI
  3. C. Lumbar puncture
  4. D. X-ray
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Question 10

A nurse is preparing a client for a barium swallow test. What instructions should the nurse give?

  1. A. Eat a low-residue diet before the test.
  2. B. Avoid eating or drinking 6 hours before the test.
  3. C. Drink plenty of water before the test.
  4. D. Avoid exercise before the test.
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Question 11

A nurse is discussing renal complications with a diabetic patient. What condition should the nurse explain?

  1. A. Diabetic nephropathy
  2. B. Diabetic retinopathy
  3. C. Diabetic neuropathy
  4. D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
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Question 12

A nurse receives a verbal order to administer morphine for severe pain as needed. Which entry should the nurse make in the MAR?

  1. A. Morphine 5 mg IV every 4 hours as needed.
  2. B. Morphine 5 mg subcutaneously every 4 hours when in pain.
  3. C. Morphine 5 mg orally every 3 hours as needed for pain.
  4. D. Morphine 5 mg by mouth every 5 hours as needed.
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Question 13

A nurse is caring for a client taking oral morphine and docusate sodium. The nurse should instruct the client that taking the docusate sodium daily can minimize which of the following adverse effects of morphine?

  1. A. Explain that docusate sodium may cause dizziness.
  2. B. Advise that morphine may cause respiratory depression.
  3. C. Encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids.
  4. D. Monitor for constipation.
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Question 14

A nurse is teaching a client about managing asthma. What should the nurse emphasize?

  1. A. Use of rescue inhalers.
  2. B. Daily peak flow monitoring.
  3. C. Avoidance of asthma triggers.
  4. D. Proper use of a metered-dose inhaler.
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Question 15

A nurse is educating a client on smoking cessation. What is an effective strategy?

  1. A. Gradual reduction in smoking frequency
  2. B. Nicotine replacement therapy
  3. C. Acupuncture
  4. D. Counseling and support groups
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About these RN exams pharmacology questions

RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 23 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.

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