NURS 3210 Pharmacology Final Exam
Questions and All Answers Graded to
Pass 2025/2026 Update.
During administration of theophylline, the nurse should monitor for signs of an adverse
reaction. Which symptom(s) would cause the nurse to suspect theophylline toxicity?
a. Sedation
b. urinary retention
c. dry mouth
d. nausea and vomiting - Answer d. nausea and vomiting
Signs of toxicity are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and
seizures. The other options are common side effects of antihistamines but do not indicate an
adverse reaction to theophylline.
A nurse has an order to administer theophylline PO to a client. The nurse determines that a
theophylline level drawn yesterday was 22 mcg/mL. Based on this information, which action
should the nurse take first?
a. redraw the theophylline level to confirm the level
b. start the client on a half-dose of theophylline PO
c. the theophylline dose can be administered as planned
d. hold the theophylline dose and notify the HCP - Answer d. hold the theophylline dose and
notify the HCP
The therapeutic range for theophylline is 10 to 20 mcg/mL, so the theophylline dose should be
held for fear of causing toxicity. The dose should be held and the HCP should be contacted.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving an albuterol/ipratropium nebulized breathing
treatment. Which report from the client should the nurse note as an expected side effect of this
combination medication?
a. "my eyes have been watering lately"
b. "I havent had a bowel movement in 4 days"
c. "I feel more bloated than usual"
d. "I feel like my heart is racing" - Answer d. "I feel like my heart is racing"
Albuterol/ipratropium is a combination agent- one is a beta2- adrenergic agonist and the other
is an anticholinergic medication, and in combination they produce an overall bronchodilation
effect. Common side and adverse effects include, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, tremors,
,nervousness, and tachycardia. The other options are not specifically associated with this
medication.
A client begins therapy with theophylline. The nurse plans to teach the client to limit the intake
of which items while taking this medication?
a. oysters, lobster, and shrimp
b. coffee, cola, and chocolate
c. cottage cheese, cream cheese, and dairy creamers
d. melons, oranges, and pineapple - Answer b. Coffee, cola, and chocolate
Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator. The nurse teaches the client to limit the intake
of xanthine containing foods while taking this medication. These foods include coffee, cola, and
chocolate.
The nurse has just administered the first dose of omalizumab to a client. Which statement by
the client alerts the nurse of a life-threatening effect?
a. "I am nauseated and may vomit"
b. "This medication has minimal side effects and I can return to normal activities"
c. "My lips and tongue are swollen"
d. "My feet are quite swollen" - Answer c. "My lips and tongue are swollen"
Omalizumab is an anti-inflammatory and monoclonal antibody used for long-term control of
asthma. Anaphylactic reactions can occur with the administration of omalizumab. The nurse
administering the medication should monitor for adverse reactions of the medication. Swelling
of the lips and tongue are an indication of anaphylaxis.
Zafirlukast is prescribed for a client with bronchial asthma. Which laboratory test does the nurse
expect to be prescribed before the administration of this medication?
a. Neutrophil count
b. CBC
c. Platelet count
d. Liver function tests - Answer d. Liver function tests
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonists used in the prophylaxis and long-term
treatment of bronchial asthma. Zafirlukast is used in caution in clients with impaired hepatic
function. Liver function laboratory tests should be performed to obtain a baseline, and the
levels should be monitored during administration of the medication. It is not necessary to
perform the other laboratory tests before administration of the medication.
,A client has a prescription to take guaifenesin. The nurse determines that the client understands
the proper administration of this medication if the client states that she or he will perform
which action?
a. Take the tablet with a full glass of water
b. Take an extra dose if fever develops
c. Decrease the amount of daily fluid intake
d. Take the medication with meals only - Answer A. Take the tablet with a full glass of water
Guaifenesin is an expectorant and should be taken with a full glass of water to decrease the
viscosity of secretions. Extra doses should not be taken. The client should contact the primary
health care provider if the cough lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by fever, rash,
sore throat, or persistent headache. Fluids are needed to decrease the viscosity of secretions.
The medication does not need to be taken with meals.
The nurse is discharging a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which discharge instructions should the nurse provide regarding the client's prescription for
prednisone?
a. The medication should never be abruptly discontinued
b. Stop taking the prednisone if a noticeable weight gain occurs
c. Take the prednisone on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
d. If you miss a dose of the medication, take two tablets the next time - Answer a. The
medication should never be abruptly discontinued
Prednisone, is not abruptly discontinued because cortisol (a glucocorticoid) is necessary to
sustain life and the adrenal glands stop producing cortisol while the client is taking it. The
medication must be tapered off to prevent life-threatening complications.
Which information should the nurse teach the client who is prescribed fluticasone propionate
(Flovent) inhaler?
a. Advise the client to gargle after each administration.
b. Instruct the client to use the inhaler on a PRN basis.
c. Teach the client to check his or her forced expiratory volume daily
d. Encourage the client not to use a spacer when using the inhaler. - Answer a. Advise the
client to gargle after each administration.
Gargling after each administration will help decrease the development of oropharyngeal yeast
infections. This medication is intended for preventive therapy, not for aborting an ongoing
asthma attack, and they should not be taken on a PRN basis. A spacer, a device that attaches
directly to the metered-dose inhaler, should be used because a spacer increases the delivery of
the drug to the lungs and decreases deposition of the drug on the oropharyngeal mucosa.
, Forced expiratory volume is the single most useful test of lung function, but the instrument
required is a spirometer, which is expensive, cumbersome, and not suited for home use.
A nurse is about to administer albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2 puff and budesonide (Pulmicort) 2 puff
by metered dose inhaler. The nurse plans to administer this medication in which of the
following ways?
a. albuterol first then budesonide
b. budesonide inhaler first then inhaler
c. alternating with a single puff each, starting with albuterol
d. alternating with a single puff each, starting with budesonide - Answer a. albuterol first
then budesonide
The nurse should administer albuterol first, wait 2-5 minutes (unless otherwise instructed by
the health care provider), then administer the budesonide.
That patient states, "I always put my nitroglycerin (NTG) patch in the same place so I do not
forget to take it off." What is the best response by the nurse?
a. "Change the patch every 24 hours"
b. "Massage into skin if ointment comes in contact with your hands"
c. "After removing the patch, scrub the area vigorously with soap and water."
d. "Rotate the NTG patch to a different hairless area each day" - Answer d. "Rotate the NTG
patch to a different hairless area each day"
Nitroglycerin patches should be rotated to a different hairless area each day to reduce skin
irritation.
The nurse assess a 75-year-old client for side effects of verapamil. Which of the following side
effects would be of most concern for this patient?
a. Angina
b. Constipation
c. Skin rash
d. HTN - Answer b. Constipation
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina. Constipation is a frequent
complaint of patients taking verapamil. Older patients are at higher risk of complications related
to constipation.
A patient is in the Emergency Department in acute heart failure. Blood pressure is 116/86, pulse
is 98. The nurse ensure that which medication is available for immediate use once it is ordered?
Questions and All Answers Graded to
Pass 2025/2026 Update.
During administration of theophylline, the nurse should monitor for signs of an adverse
reaction. Which symptom(s) would cause the nurse to suspect theophylline toxicity?
a. Sedation
b. urinary retention
c. dry mouth
d. nausea and vomiting - Answer d. nausea and vomiting
Signs of toxicity are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and
seizures. The other options are common side effects of antihistamines but do not indicate an
adverse reaction to theophylline.
A nurse has an order to administer theophylline PO to a client. The nurse determines that a
theophylline level drawn yesterday was 22 mcg/mL. Based on this information, which action
should the nurse take first?
a. redraw the theophylline level to confirm the level
b. start the client on a half-dose of theophylline PO
c. the theophylline dose can be administered as planned
d. hold the theophylline dose and notify the HCP - Answer d. hold the theophylline dose and
notify the HCP
The therapeutic range for theophylline is 10 to 20 mcg/mL, so the theophylline dose should be
held for fear of causing toxicity. The dose should be held and the HCP should be contacted.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving an albuterol/ipratropium nebulized breathing
treatment. Which report from the client should the nurse note as an expected side effect of this
combination medication?
a. "my eyes have been watering lately"
b. "I havent had a bowel movement in 4 days"
c. "I feel more bloated than usual"
d. "I feel like my heart is racing" - Answer d. "I feel like my heart is racing"
Albuterol/ipratropium is a combination agent- one is a beta2- adrenergic agonist and the other
is an anticholinergic medication, and in combination they produce an overall bronchodilation
effect. Common side and adverse effects include, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, tremors,
,nervousness, and tachycardia. The other options are not specifically associated with this
medication.
A client begins therapy with theophylline. The nurse plans to teach the client to limit the intake
of which items while taking this medication?
a. oysters, lobster, and shrimp
b. coffee, cola, and chocolate
c. cottage cheese, cream cheese, and dairy creamers
d. melons, oranges, and pineapple - Answer b. Coffee, cola, and chocolate
Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator. The nurse teaches the client to limit the intake
of xanthine containing foods while taking this medication. These foods include coffee, cola, and
chocolate.
The nurse has just administered the first dose of omalizumab to a client. Which statement by
the client alerts the nurse of a life-threatening effect?
a. "I am nauseated and may vomit"
b. "This medication has minimal side effects and I can return to normal activities"
c. "My lips and tongue are swollen"
d. "My feet are quite swollen" - Answer c. "My lips and tongue are swollen"
Omalizumab is an anti-inflammatory and monoclonal antibody used for long-term control of
asthma. Anaphylactic reactions can occur with the administration of omalizumab. The nurse
administering the medication should monitor for adverse reactions of the medication. Swelling
of the lips and tongue are an indication of anaphylaxis.
Zafirlukast is prescribed for a client with bronchial asthma. Which laboratory test does the nurse
expect to be prescribed before the administration of this medication?
a. Neutrophil count
b. CBC
c. Platelet count
d. Liver function tests - Answer d. Liver function tests
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonists used in the prophylaxis and long-term
treatment of bronchial asthma. Zafirlukast is used in caution in clients with impaired hepatic
function. Liver function laboratory tests should be performed to obtain a baseline, and the
levels should be monitored during administration of the medication. It is not necessary to
perform the other laboratory tests before administration of the medication.
,A client has a prescription to take guaifenesin. The nurse determines that the client understands
the proper administration of this medication if the client states that she or he will perform
which action?
a. Take the tablet with a full glass of water
b. Take an extra dose if fever develops
c. Decrease the amount of daily fluid intake
d. Take the medication with meals only - Answer A. Take the tablet with a full glass of water
Guaifenesin is an expectorant and should be taken with a full glass of water to decrease the
viscosity of secretions. Extra doses should not be taken. The client should contact the primary
health care provider if the cough lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by fever, rash,
sore throat, or persistent headache. Fluids are needed to decrease the viscosity of secretions.
The medication does not need to be taken with meals.
The nurse is discharging a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which discharge instructions should the nurse provide regarding the client's prescription for
prednisone?
a. The medication should never be abruptly discontinued
b. Stop taking the prednisone if a noticeable weight gain occurs
c. Take the prednisone on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
d. If you miss a dose of the medication, take two tablets the next time - Answer a. The
medication should never be abruptly discontinued
Prednisone, is not abruptly discontinued because cortisol (a glucocorticoid) is necessary to
sustain life and the adrenal glands stop producing cortisol while the client is taking it. The
medication must be tapered off to prevent life-threatening complications.
Which information should the nurse teach the client who is prescribed fluticasone propionate
(Flovent) inhaler?
a. Advise the client to gargle after each administration.
b. Instruct the client to use the inhaler on a PRN basis.
c. Teach the client to check his or her forced expiratory volume daily
d. Encourage the client not to use a spacer when using the inhaler. - Answer a. Advise the
client to gargle after each administration.
Gargling after each administration will help decrease the development of oropharyngeal yeast
infections. This medication is intended for preventive therapy, not for aborting an ongoing
asthma attack, and they should not be taken on a PRN basis. A spacer, a device that attaches
directly to the metered-dose inhaler, should be used because a spacer increases the delivery of
the drug to the lungs and decreases deposition of the drug on the oropharyngeal mucosa.
, Forced expiratory volume is the single most useful test of lung function, but the instrument
required is a spirometer, which is expensive, cumbersome, and not suited for home use.
A nurse is about to administer albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2 puff and budesonide (Pulmicort) 2 puff
by metered dose inhaler. The nurse plans to administer this medication in which of the
following ways?
a. albuterol first then budesonide
b. budesonide inhaler first then inhaler
c. alternating with a single puff each, starting with albuterol
d. alternating with a single puff each, starting with budesonide - Answer a. albuterol first
then budesonide
The nurse should administer albuterol first, wait 2-5 minutes (unless otherwise instructed by
the health care provider), then administer the budesonide.
That patient states, "I always put my nitroglycerin (NTG) patch in the same place so I do not
forget to take it off." What is the best response by the nurse?
a. "Change the patch every 24 hours"
b. "Massage into skin if ointment comes in contact with your hands"
c. "After removing the patch, scrub the area vigorously with soap and water."
d. "Rotate the NTG patch to a different hairless area each day" - Answer d. "Rotate the NTG
patch to a different hairless area each day"
Nitroglycerin patches should be rotated to a different hairless area each day to reduce skin
irritation.
The nurse assess a 75-year-old client for side effects of verapamil. Which of the following side
effects would be of most concern for this patient?
a. Angina
b. Constipation
c. Skin rash
d. HTN - Answer b. Constipation
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina. Constipation is a frequent
complaint of patients taking verapamil. Older patients are at higher risk of complications related
to constipation.
A patient is in the Emergency Department in acute heart failure. Blood pressure is 116/86, pulse
is 98. The nurse ensure that which medication is available for immediate use once it is ordered?
