Pharmacology Nurse Practice Test

November 12, 2010 · 10 Comments

December 2010 Nursing Board Exam Review Questions on Pharmacology.

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Pharmacology

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Question 1

The physician is discussing about the medication regimen to the patient. The doctor said that only a small dosage of a high potency drug is required to induce a large response in the body. Potency is defined as:

A	The process of absorbing, distributing, metabolizing and excreting the drug.
B	Refers to the maximum response achievable from a drug.
C	Measure of the concentration of a drug at which it is effective.
D	d. A reduction in response to an agonist while it is continuously present at the receptor, or progressive decrease in response upon repeated exposure to an agonist.

Question 1 Explanation:

a. The process of absorbing, distributing, metabolizing and excreting the drug. – pharmacokinetics b. Refers to the maximum response achievable from a drug. – efficacy c. Measure of the concentration of a drug at which it is effective. – potency d. A reduction in response to an agonist while it is continuously present at the receptor, or progressive decrease in response upon repeated exposure to an agonist. – desensitization

Question 2

The antidepressant Amitriptyline (Elavil) has the half life of 10-50 hours. What is a drug half-life?

A	Drug half-life is period of time it takes for a substance undergoing decay to decrease by half
B	Drug half-life is period of time it takes for a substance undergoing decay to increase by half
C	Drug half-life is the period of time required for the concentration or whole amount of drug in the body to be fully metabolized
D	Letters A and C

Question 2 Explanation:

Drug half-life is the period of time required for the concentration or amount of drug in the body to be reduced or decrease by one-half.

Question 3

The nurse is providing health teaching on a client who is on Methotrexate therapy. The following actions should be observed by the client throughout the course of therapy except:

A	Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
B	Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
C	Use electric razor in removing mustache.
D	Use OTC drugs and salicylates in treating fever.

Question 3 Explanation:

Salicylates should be avoided to prevent bleeding tendencies as Methotrexate decreases platelet count. OTC drugs should not be taken by the client unless approved by the physician. Soft-bristled brush and electric razor (non-electrical razor poses more risk of bleeding) should be used to prevent bleeding. Sunscreen and protective clothing is used to prevent photosensitivity reactions.

Question 4

To fully understand how a drug works, basic pharmacology information should be understood. The action of the drug on the human body is called:

A	Pharmacokinetics
B	Half-life
C	Pharmacodynamics
D	Potency

Question 4 Explanation:

Pharmacodynamics is the action of the drug on the human body. Pharmacokinetics is defined as what the body does with drug (Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). Drug half-life is period of time it takes for a substance undergoing decay to decrease by half. Potency is a measure of how much a drug is required in order to produce a particular effect. Therefore, only a small dosage of a high potency drug is required to induce a large response.

Question 5

A client is diagnosed with leukemia. Methotrexate has been prescribed by the doctor. If a very high-dose of drug is administered to the client which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to prevent fatal toxicity?

A	Calcium Gluconate
B	Leucovorin Calcium
C	Edetate Calcium Disodium
D	Phenytoin

Question 5 Explanation:

Leucovorin Calcium. If Methotrexate is administered in high doses, the patient must receive Leucovorin Calcium rescue within 24-48 hours to prevent fatal toxicity. To prevent hematologic toxicity (platelet levels are decreased) salicylates, NSAIDs, phenytoin, tetracycline and chlorampenicol should be avoided. Edetate Calcium Disodium is used for the treatment of lead poisoning. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity.

Question 6

Every drug has a side effect or adverse reaction. In Methotrexate therapy, which adverse reaction will be observed in the client?

A	Anorexia
B	Leukocytosis
C	Increase platelet count
D	Constipation

Question 6 Explanation:

Adverse Reactions of Methotrexate 1. Dizziness 2. Drowsiness 3. Headaches 4. Malaise 5. Anorexia 6. Nausea and vomiting 7. Hepatoxicity 8. Alopecia 9. Ulcerative stomatitis 10. Leukopenia 11. Chills and fever 12. Photosensivity 13. Thrombocytopenia 14. Hyperurecemia

Question 7

A client on Mannitol therapy is also taking Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside. Which of the following electrolyte level should the nurse monitor to assess for the risk of digoxin toxicity?

A	Potassium
B	Sodium
C	Creatinine
D	Platelet

Question 7 Explanation:

Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, thus, the nurse should monitor potassium levels of a client taking Digoxin with Mannitol (adverse effects of Mannitol include hypokalemia).

Question 8

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is classified as:

A	Anti-infective
B	Antiviral
C	Antihypertensive
D	NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Question 8 Explanation:

Zovirax is an antiviral medication used to treat recurrent genital herpes infections, shingles and chickenpox.

Question 9

Extreme precaution should be observed by the nurse throughout Methotrexate therapy. Specific conditions of client impose extreme precaution in administering the drug. Extra precautions in Methotrexate therapy is least likely observed in which condition:

A	Trophoblastic neoplasms
B	Preexisting liver damage
C	Impaired renal function
D	Infection

Question 9 Explanation:

Trophoblastic neoplasm (choriocarcinoma, Lymphosarcoma) is an indication of giving Methotrexate. Extra precautions in administering Methotrexate should be observed in the following conditions: • Preexisting liver damage or impaired hepatic function Methotrexate may be hepatotoxic. Even without previous signs of GI or hematologic toxicity such as liver atrophy, necrosis and cirrhosis. Special caution should be observed in clients with preexisting liver damage or impaired hepatic function. • Presence of infection, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, geriatric patients or patients with chronic debilitating illnesses. This drug has an immunosuppressive action. Thus, extreme caution should be observed in patients where immune responses may be vital for healing from a certain disease. • Impaired renal function

Question 10

If edema and joint pains is observed in a client taking Methotrexate, which of the following medications would the nurse expect the doctor to prescribe?

A	Succimer
B	NSAIDs
C	Salicylates
D	Allopurinol

Question 10 Explanation:

Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is used to treat gout or kidney stones, and to decrease levels of uric acid in certain cancer patients. Methotrexate therapy increases the levels of uric acid in the blood resulting to gout. Symptoms of gout include edema and joint pain. To prevent hematologic toxicity (platelet levels are decreased) salicylates, NSAIDs, phenytoin, tetracycline and chlorampenicol should be avoided. Succimer is a chelating agent for lead poisoning.

Question 11

The following adverse effects are observed in a client taking Mannitol apart from:

A	Nausea and vomiting
B	Hypokalemia
C	Blurred vision
D	Bradycardia

Question 11 Explanation:

Adverse reactions 1. Dehydration 2. Intracranial bleeding 3. Headache 4. Blurred vision 5. Nausea and vomiting 6. Volume expansion 7. Chest pain 8. Pulmonary edema 9. Thirst 10. Tachycardia 11. Hypokalemia

Question 12

Which of the following condition should the nurse withhold Mannitol administration in a client?

A	Increase intracranial pressure
B	Dehydration
C	Toxic overdose
D	Acute oliguric phase of renal failure

Question 12 Explanation:

Contraindications of Mannitol include dehydration and hypersensitivity. Increase ICP, toxic overdose and acute oliguric renal failure are all indications of Mannitol administration.

Question 13

The staff nurse is carrying out doctor’s order. A medication is ordered: Ampicillin 500 mg PO q6h. This is under what type of medication order?

A	PRN order
B	Stat Order
C	Single order
D	Standing Order

Question 13 Explanation:

A standing order is carried out until the physician cancels it by another order or until a prescribed number of days elapse. PRN orders are administered when the client needs/requires it. (Example is Acetaminophen 500 mg q6h PRN for fever) Single orders are one-time orders where the drug is only given once at a specified time. (Example: Valium 10 mg PO at 10:00 am) A stat order signifies that a single dose is to be administered immediately and only one. (Example: Give Apresoline 10 mg IM stat)

Question 14

Directions about the number of tablets or amount to be dispersed are located in which part of prescription?

A	Superscription
B	Subscription
C	Inscription
D	Signature

Question 14 Explanation:

Subscription – directions about the number of tablets or amount to be dispersed that is given to the pharmacist. Superscription – client’s name, address and age. The symbol of take thou is also located here. Inscription – contains the drug name, strength and dose.

Question 15

Which of the following beverages is discouraged to be taken with Methotrexate because it decreases the drug efficacy:

A	Alcohol
B	Milk
C	Caffeine
D	Water

Question 15 Explanation:

Caffeine may decrease the efficacy of the drug. Alcohol use during Methotrexate therapy increases the hepatotoxic potential but it does not decrease the efficacy of the drug. Milk and water has nothing to do with the absorption of the drug.

Question 16

A prescription was given by the physician. The part where the drug name, strength and dose is written is called:

A	Superscription
B	Subscription
C	Inscription
D	Personal data

Question 16 Explanation:

Inscription – contains the drug name, strength and dose. Superscription – client’s name, address and age. The symbol of take thou is also located here. Subscription – directions about the number of tablets or amount to be dispersed that is given to the pharmacist.

Question 17

The client on Methotrexate therapy is asking about the drug contraindications. The following are contraindications of the drug apart from:

A	Pregnancy
B	Allergic reaction to the drug
C	Ectopic pregnancy
D	Hypersensitivity

Question 17 Explanation:

Ectopic pregnancy is an indication of Methotrxate therapy. Death of rapidly replicating cells (e.g. cancer cells, choriocarcinoma, leukemia, carcinoma in different body parts and ectopic pregnancy) specifically the malignant ones is made possible through Methotrexate administration. Contraindications of Methotrexate: • Known allergic hypersensitivity to the drug • Pregnancy

Question 18

A client is prescribed with mannitol. What is the classification of mannitol?

A	Potassium sparing diuretic
B	Loop diuretic
C	Osmotic diuretic
D	Potassium wasting diuretic

Question 18 Explanation:

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is indicated in the following conditions: 1. Acute oliguric renal failure 2. Toxic overdose 3. Edema 4. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) 5. Intraocular pressure (IOP)

Question 19

A nurse is providing health teaching to the client who is on Methotrexate therapy. The drug regimen must be discontinued the client would manifest which of the following symptoms?

A	Abdominal pain
B	Diarrhea
C	Ulcerative stomatitis
D	All of the above

Question 19 Explanation:

The client taking Methotrexate should be monitored for abdominal pain, diarrhea or ulcerative stomatitis. Therapy may be discontinued with the presence of these toxic effects otherwise, hemorrhagic enteritis and death from intestinal perforation may occur.

Question 20

Take thou symbol, client’s name, address and age are contained in what part of prescription?

A	Superscription
B	Subscription
C	Inscription
D	Signature

Question 20 Explanation:

Superscription – client’s name, address and age. The symbol of take thou is also located here. Subscription – directions about the number of tablets or amount to be dispersed that is given to the pharmacist. Inscription – contains the drug name, strength and dose.

Question 21

To assess for the renal function of the patient taking Mannitol, which of the following laboratory values should the nurse obtain?

A	ALT, AST
B	WBC and Platelet Count
C	Sodium and potassium
D	BUN and creatinine

Question 21 Explanation:

a. ALT, AST – for liver function b. WBC and Platelet Count – blood studies c. Sodium and potassium – serum electrolyte d. BUN and creatinine – renal function

Question 22

The novice nurse on a unit is reviewing the medication orders of the physician. One client has an order of Decadron 10 mg qd x 5 days. This medication order is an example of:

A	PRN order
B	Stat Order
C	Single order
D	Standing Order

Question 22 Explanation:

Question 23

The doctor’s order is Acyclovir (Zovirax) ung. 5 times a day. UNG stands for:

A	As directed
B	Ointment
C	Suspension
D	Label

Question 23 Explanation:

Ung. Stands for ointment. (Source: Clinical Ocular Pharmacology by Jimmy D. Bartlett, Siret D. Jaanus) a. As directed – ut dict. b. Ointment – ung. c. Suspension – susp. d. Label – sig.

Question 24

A nurse is carrying out the doctor’s order. Which of the following drugs should the nurse question if the doctor prescribed it to a client on Methotrexate therapy, who has been observed with bleeding gums, blood in stools, urine and vomitus?

A	Naproxen
B	Allopurinol
C	Leucovorin
D	Vincristine

Question 24 Explanation:

To prevent hematologic toxicity (platelet levels are decreased) salicylates, NSAIDs, phenytoin, tetracycline and chlorampenicol should be avoided. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and nabumetone (Relafen). Allopurinol is used to decrease uric acid in Methotrexate therapy. Leocovorin is given for Methotrexate overdose. Vincristine is an anti-cancer drug used alone or with other antineoplastics (e.g. Methotrexate) in treating cancer/leukemia.

Question 25

The client is asking regarding Methotrexate therapy. If a dose is missed what should the client do?

A	It should be omitted.
B	It should be taken within 4 hours after the missed dose.
C	The next dose should be doubled.
D	It should be taken within 24 hours after the missed dose.

Question 25 Explanation:

If a dose is missed, it should be omitted. (Source: Davis Drug Handbook).

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About Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.

Filed under Nursing Board Exam Reviewer · Tagged with nursing board exam reviewer pharmacology, nursing practice test pharmacology, nursing review pharmacology, pharmacology nursing test

Comments

10 Responses to “Pharmacology Nurse Practice Test”

amy johnson says:

June 5, 2012 at 11:52 am

Parkinson disease

Reply
Cheyenne Padayao Cabatbat says:

October 11, 2011 at 3:11 pm

You have completed Pharmacology.
You scored 16 out of 25.
Your performance have been rated as 'Competent' Haist hirap tlga pharma need to study pa ;)

Reply
CoSynX says:

September 26, 2011 at 12:18 pm

18/25 :| need more practice.. xD

Reply
behbearchime says:

August 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

You have completed Pharmacology.
You scored 13 out of 25.
Your performance have been rated as 'Satisfactory' :(

Reply
hector mp says:

August 15, 2011 at 9:43 pm

You have completed Pharmacology.
You scored 13 out of 25.
Your performance have been rated as 'Satisfactory'

Reply
kgav says:

June 25, 2011 at 4:53 pm

may iba pa bang practice test for pharma?

Reply
shei says:

June 19, 2011 at 2:50 pm

sana sa board my nauulit na questions,,haha:D

Reply
edward says:

June 12, 2011 at 9:24 am

ang labo naman ng tanong sa 10!!

Reply
jelie says:

April 22, 2011 at 6:22 pm

25/25….good job!!

Reply
comarxx says:

January 24, 2011 at 2:40 am

wew 21/25..

Reply

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