Nursing Pharmacology & Specialties (NPS) Examination
2026/2027 With Correct Answers
Questions
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for chronic atrial fibrillation.
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the medication’s
effectiveness?
• A) PTT
• B) Platelet count
• C) Serum Potassium
• D) PT/INR — [CORRECT ANSWER]
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lisinopril to a patient. Which assessment
finding would require holding the medication and notifying the provider?
• A) Heart rate of 65 bpm
• B) Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Serum Glucose of 110 mg/dL
• D) Slight dry cough
3. Which of the following is the specific antidote used for a Heparin overdose?
• A) Vitamin K
• B) Flumazenil
• C) Protamine Sulfate — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• D) Naloxone
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. The nurse
suspects hypoglycemia. After checking the blood sugar, which medication is
most appropriate if IV access is unavailable?
• A) Glucagon (IM) — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• B) Regular Insulin
• C) Metformin
• D) Glyburide
, 5. When administering Vancomycin, the nurse monitors for "Red Man
Syndrome." This reaction is primarily associated with:
• A) An allergic reaction to the drug
• B) Rapid intravenous infusion rate — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Permanent kidney damage
• D) Spontaneous bleeding
6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone (Aldactone). Which dietary
instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
• A) Increase intake of bananas and spinach
• B) Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
• D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
7. Which medication is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used as a "rescue"
inhaler for acute asthma symptoms?
• A) Salmeterol
• B) Albuterol — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Tiotropium
• D) Fluticasone
8. A patient is receiving Gentamicin. The nurse should prioritize monitoring
which two body systems for toxicity?
• A) Hepatic and Cardiac
• B) Renal and Otic (hearing) — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Gastrointestinal and Neurological
• D) Integumentary and Respiratory
Section B: Psychiatric Pharmacology
11. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which of
the following should the nurse instruct the patient to maintain consistently in
their diet to prevent toxicity?
• A) Vitamin K
2026/2027 With Correct Answers
Questions
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for chronic atrial fibrillation.
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the medication’s
effectiveness?
• A) PTT
• B) Platelet count
• C) Serum Potassium
• D) PT/INR — [CORRECT ANSWER]
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lisinopril to a patient. Which assessment
finding would require holding the medication and notifying the provider?
• A) Heart rate of 65 bpm
• B) Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Serum Glucose of 110 mg/dL
• D) Slight dry cough
3. Which of the following is the specific antidote used for a Heparin overdose?
• A) Vitamin K
• B) Flumazenil
• C) Protamine Sulfate — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• D) Naloxone
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. The nurse
suspects hypoglycemia. After checking the blood sugar, which medication is
most appropriate if IV access is unavailable?
• A) Glucagon (IM) — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• B) Regular Insulin
• C) Metformin
• D) Glyburide
, 5. When administering Vancomycin, the nurse monitors for "Red Man
Syndrome." This reaction is primarily associated with:
• A) An allergic reaction to the drug
• B) Rapid intravenous infusion rate — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Permanent kidney damage
• D) Spontaneous bleeding
6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone (Aldactone). Which dietary
instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
• A) Increase intake of bananas and spinach
• B) Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
• D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
7. Which medication is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used as a "rescue"
inhaler for acute asthma symptoms?
• A) Salmeterol
• B) Albuterol — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Tiotropium
• D) Fluticasone
8. A patient is receiving Gentamicin. The nurse should prioritize monitoring
which two body systems for toxicity?
• A) Hepatic and Cardiac
• B) Renal and Otic (hearing) — [CORRECT ANSWER]
• C) Gastrointestinal and Neurological
• D) Integumentary and Respiratory
Section B: Psychiatric Pharmacology
11. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which of
the following should the nurse instruct the patient to maintain consistently in
their diet to prevent toxicity?
• A) Vitamin K
