RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 8

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RN exams pharmacology practice questions set 8

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 drugs acts as a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist:

  1. A. Naloxone
  2. B. Flumazenil
  3. C. Flurazepam
  4. D. Disulfuram
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Flumazenil

A competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist binds to the GABAa receptor's benzodiazepine site, preventing agonists like diazepam from exerting effects, without activating the receptor itself. Flumazenil is this antagonist, used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose (e.g., reversing sedation or respiratory depression) by competitively displacing agonists. Naloxone (choice A) is an opioid antagonist, targeting mu receptors to reverse opioid overdose, not benzodiazepine-related. Flurazepam (choice C) is a benzodiazepine agonist, promoting GABA effects, not blocking them. Disulfuram (choice D, likely misspelled) inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase for alcoholism treatment, unrelated to benzodiazepine receptors. Flumazenil's specificity and competitive nature make it the correct choice. This question emphasizes antidote recognition, critical in emergency settings to counteract CNS depression, distinguishing it from other reversal agents like Naloxone.

Question 2

Which of the following drugs acts as a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist:

  1. A. Naloxone
  2. B. Flumazenil
  3. C. Flurazepam
  4. D. Disulfuram
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Flumazenil

A competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist binds to the GABAa receptor's benzodiazepine site, preventing agonists like diazepam from exerting effects, without activating the receptor itself. Flumazenil is this antagonist, used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose (e.g., reversing sedation or respiratory depression) by competitively displacing agonists. Naloxone (choice A) is an opioid antagonist, targeting mu receptors to reverse opioid overdose, not benzodiazepine-related. Flurazepam (choice C) is a benzodiazepine agonist, promoting GABA effects, not blocking them. Disulfuram (choice D, likely misspelled) inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase for alcoholism treatment, unrelated to benzodiazepine receptors. Flumazenil's specificity and competitive nature make it the correct choice. This question emphasizes antidote recognition, critical in emergency settings to counteract CNS depression, distinguishing it from other reversal agents like Naloxone.

Question 3

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are most likely indicated in which of the following conditions?

  1. A. Asthma
  2. B. Follicular conjunctivitis
  3. C. GERD
  4. D. Genital infections
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Genital infections

The correct answer is D: Genital infections. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the genital area due to their broad spectrum of activity against various types of bacteria commonly implicated in these infections. They are effective against pathogens such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted infections. A: Asthma - Fluoroquinolones are not indicated for the treatment of asthma as they are not effective against the underlying causes of asthma such as inflammation and bronchoconstriction. B: Follicular conjunctivitis - While fluoroquinolones can be used topically in the eye for certain eye infections, they are not typically indicated for follicular conjunctivitis which often requires different types of antibiotics. C: GERD - Fluoroquinolones are not used to treat GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) which is a condition related to stomach acid reflux into the esophagus. Antacids

Question 4

Why should the nurse closely monitor a client to ensure that the venous access device remains in the vein during a transfusion?

  1. A. It minimizes the risk of phlebitis
  2. B. It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload
  3. C. It minimizes the risk of pulmonary
  4. D. It minimizes the risk of localized edema embolism
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload

The correct answer is B: It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload. When a venous access device dislodges during a transfusion, there is a risk of the infusion going into the surrounding tissues instead of the vein, leading to circulatory overload. This can result in fluid overload and potentially lead to serious complications such as heart failure. Monitoring the device ensures that the medication is delivered safely and effectively into the bloodstream. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. C: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of pulmonary complications, which are not typically associated with a dislodged venous access device. D: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of localized edema embolism, which is a blockage caused by a blood clot, air bubble, or other material in a blood vessel.

Question 5

A patient has been prescribed Citalopram (Celexa) to treat his depression. Education regarding how quickly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants work would be:

  1. A. Sleep should improve almost immediately upon starting citalopram
  2. B. Full response to the SSRI may take 2 to 4 months after he reaches the full therapeutic dose.
  3. C. Appetite and concentration improve in the first 1 to 2 weeks.
  4. D. His dysphoric mood will improve in 1 to 2 weeks.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Full response to the SSRI may take 2 to 4 months after he reaches the full therapeutic dose.

Step-by-step rationale: 1. SSRI antidepressants like Citalopram typically take time to build up in the body and exert their full therapeutic effects. 2. It usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to start noticing improvements in symptoms like mood, appetite, and concentration. 3. The full response to the SSRI may take 2 to 4 months after reaching the full therapeutic dose due to the gradual adjustment of serotonin levels. 4. Therefore, educating the patient that full response may take 2 to 4 months after reaching the full therapeutic dose is important for managing expectations and ensuring compliance with the treatment plan. Summary: - Option A is incorrect as improvements in symptoms do not occur immediately upon starting Citalopram. - Option C is incorrect as improvements in appetite and concentration typically take longer than 1 to 2 weeks. - Option D is incorrect as the improvement in dysphoric mood may take longer than 1 to 2 weeks.

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Question 6

The nurse is meeting with a community group about medication safety. The nurse must emphasize that patients at high risk for drug interactions include which groups? (Select all that apply.)

  1. A. Older patients
  2. B. Patients with chronic health conditions
  3. C. Patients taking three or more drugs
  4. D. Patients dealing with only one pharmacy
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Question 7

What is the focus of a diagnostic statement for a collaborative problem?

  1. A. The client problem
  2. B. The potential complication
  3. C. The nursing diagnosis
  4. D. The medical diagnosis
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Question 8

Which of the following drugs was most likely included in the therapeutic regimen of the patient with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia?

  1. A. Hydrochlorothiazide
  2. B. Mannitol
  3. C. Furosemide
  4. D. Fenoldopam
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Question 9

The nurse is meeting with a community group about medication safety. The nurse must emphasize that patients at high risk for drug interactions include which groups? (Select all that apply.)

  1. A. Older patients
  2. B. Patients with chronic health conditions
  3. C. Patients taking three or more drugs
  4. D. Patients dealing with only one pharmacy
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

A patient has been prescribed Citalopram (Celexa) to treat his depression. Education regarding how quickly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants work would be:

  1. A. Sleep should improve almost immediately upon starting citalopram
  2. B. Full response to the SSRI may take 2 to 4 months after he reaches the full therapeutic dose.
  3. C. Appetite and concentration improve in the first 1 to 2 weeks.
  4. D. His dysphoric mood will improve in 1 to 2 weeks.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

The nurse teaches a patient how to live with a new tracheostomy. Which of the ff. instructions is appropriate?

  1. A. “Never suction your tracheostomy; you might damage your trachea.”
  2. B. “”You should not feel bad about the tracheostomy – you should be feel lucky to be alive.”
  3. C. “Be sure to protect your tracheostomy from pollutants such as powders, hair and chemicals.”
  4. D. “Your tracheostomy will be cleaned each time you visit your doctor.”
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Question 12

An older female adult patient who has been treated with clozapine (Clozaril) for 9 months calls to cancel a clinic appointment because of flulike symptoms, including a sore throat, fever, and tiredness. Which statement shows the best understanding regarding the management of the patient’s symptoms?

  1. A. “I think you need to drink lots of juices and water and go to bed. Call me at the end of the week to reschedule your appointment.”
  2. B. “I want you to please keep the appointment, and I will arrange for some blood work to be done while you are here.”
  3. C. “It’s flu season all right. Get better soon, and call me to reschedule when you’re feeling better.”
  4. D. “This may be something much more serious than the flu. Go to the hospital at once.”
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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

The nursing instructor teaches student nurses about male reproductive function and the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The instructor evaluates learning has occurred when the students make which statement?

  1. A. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates sperm production
  2. B. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates male androgen production
  3. C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates production of testosterone
  4. D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates male progesterone
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Question 15

A 39-year-old man with chronic allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion takes an over-the-counter nasal spray containing oxymetazoline. Over the next few days, he has significant improvement in his symptoms. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of this agent?

  1. A. Increased nasal blood flow
  2. B. Increased intranasal arterial pressure
  3. C. Receptor stimulation on nasal vasculature
  4. D. Transmembrane conductance change
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About these RN exams pharmacology questions

RN exams pharmacology practice questions, set 8 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.

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Keep going past these 15 questions

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