1
RN VATI Pharmacology 2026 EXAM TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)
A nurse is preparing to administer diclofenac to a client who has chronic bursitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a. administer the medication at bedtime
b. avoid administering the medication with antacids
c. administer the medication with food
d. crush the medication prior to administration
Administer the medication with food
Diclofenac is an NSAID and can cause gastric irritation. Clients should take NSAIDs
with food or milk to minimize gastric irritation.he nurse should not administer the
medication at bedtime because the client should remain upright for 15 to 30 min after
administration to prevent esophageal irritation. Diclofenac is available as an
entericcoated tablet for delayed release. Clients should not crush or chew sustained-
release medications because doing so will increase gastrointestinal adverse effects and
decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has asthma and a prescription for
methylprednisolone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse
monitor while the client is receiving this medication?
a. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
b. Fibrin split products
c. BUN
d. Glucose
Glucose
Methylprednisolone therapy increases the synthesis of glucose and decreases the
uptake of glucose by the muscles and adipose tissues, resulting in increased circulating
glucose. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to monitor blood glucose levels regularly
while clients are receiving corticosteroid therapy.
Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that is present in the heart, liver, skeletal
muscles, and other highly metabolic tissues. AST levels are increased in conditions that
cause cellular injury, such as liver disease; however, methylprednisolone therapy does
not affect AST levels. Fibrin split products are present in the serum when thromboses
are present. Increased levels of fibrin split products can increase disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC); however, methylprednisolone therapy does not affect
,2
blood clotting. BUN levels reflect kidney function and glomerular filtration. Hydration
status and nephrotoxic medications can alter BUN levels; however, methylprednisolone
therapy does not affect renal function.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postmenopausal and has a prescription for
raloxifene. The nurse should instruct the client that raloxifene is prescribed for
which of the following reasons?
a. To treat irritable bowel syndrome
b. To reduce the risk for breast cancer
c. To reduce the occurrence of hot flashes
d. To lower the risk of pulmonary embolism
To reduce the risk for breast cancer
Raloxifene can lower the risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal clients who have a
high risk for developing estrogen-receptive types of breast cancer. The medication also
reduces the risk for and can treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.Raloxifene is a
selective estrogen receptor modulator. In clients who are postmenopausal, it can reduce
the risk for and treat osteoporosis and protect against breast cancer.
Hot flashes are an adverse effect of raloxifene. Raloxifene reduces the occurrence of
fractures related to osteoporosis and reduces the cholesterol level in clients who are
postmenopausal.Raloxifene can cause several significant cardiovascular and
respiratory adverse effects, such as thromboembolism, stroke, peripheral edema,
pneumonia, and the development of pulmonary emboli. Clients should not take this
medication prior to periods of prolonged immobilization, such as surgery. A history of
thromboembolic events is a contraindication for taking this medication.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion
for treatment of venous thrombosis. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse monitor for in order to titrate the heparin dose?
a. platelet function assay
b. aPTT
c. INR
d. Amylase
aPTT
The nurse should monitor the aPTT of a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV
infusion. When beginning heparin therapy, the nurse should monitor the aPTT every 4
to 6 hr. Once the client has achieved the desired range, the nurse should monitor the
aPTT daily.
The nurse should monitor the platelet function assay of a client who has a bleeding
disorder. This test evaluates platelet function and ability to cause hemostasis; however,
heparin does not affect it.The nurse should monitor a client's INR to evaluate the effects
of warfarin therapy. The nurse should ensure the collection of the client's blood
,3
specimen prior to administering the daily warfarin dose.The nurse should review the
amylase levels of a client who has pancreatitis. Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme that
increases in clients who have acute or chronic pancreatitis; however, heparin does not
affect this enzyme.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a positive Trousseau's sign. Wich of the
following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
a. sodium bicarbonate
b. manesium sulfate
c. calcium gluconate
d. potassium chloride
Calcium gluconate
The nurse should identify that a positive Trousseau's sign is a manifestation of
hypocalcemia. Therefore, the nurse should plan to administer calcium gluconate to treat
hypocalcemia.
Sodium bicarbonate is administered to treat metabolic acidosis. The nurse should
recognize that sodium bicarbonate is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's
sign.Magnesium sulfate is administered to treat hypomagnesemia. The nurse should
recognize that magnesium sulfate is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's sign.
Potassium chloride is administered to treat hypokalemia. The nurse should recognize
that potassium chloride is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's sign.
A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 0.3 mg/kg PO to a school-aged child
who weighs 88 lb. Available is morphine oral solution 2mg/ml. How many mL
should the nurse administer?
6 mL
A nurse is administering haloperidol to a client who has schizophrenia. For which
of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
a. gingival hyperplasia
b. muscle rigidity
c. polyuria
d. bruising Muscle rigidity
A client who is taking haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic agent, can develop
extrapyramidal effects, such as parkinsonism, which manifests as tremors,
bradykinesia, loss of balance, mask-like facial expression, shuffling gait, and muscle
rigidity.
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic agent that can cause akathisia (motor restlessness)
within hours of receiving the first dose; however, gingival hyperplasia is not an adverse
effect of haloperidol. Phenytoin is an example of a medication that causes gingival
hyperplasia.Haloperidol has several genitourinary adverse effects, including urinary
, 4
retention and impotence; however, urinary output does not typically
increase.Haloperidol has significant cardiovascular effects, including dysrhythmias,
myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, and hypotension; however, it does not affect
blood coagulation.
A nurse receives a verbal prescription from the provider for hydrochlorothiazide
25 mg by mouth daily for a client who has hypertension. Which of the following
indicates how the nurse should transcribe the prescription in the client's medical
record?
a. Hydrochlorothiazide 25.0 mg orally q.d.
b. Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO daily
c. HCTZ 25.0 mg by mouth daily
d. HCTZ 25 mg PO OD
Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO daily
The nurse should transcribe the provider's prescription by spelling out the name of the
medication, recording the dosage as a whole number, and spelling out the word "daily."
The abbreviation PO is acceptable for use to indicate the route by mouth.
The nurse should not transcribe a trailing zero after a decimal point because if the
decimal point is not seen, it could be mistaken as 250 mg. The abbreviation q.d. is not
acceptable because it could be mistaken for q.i.d. The nurse should write out the word
"daily."The nurse should not transcribe the medication name abbreviated as HCTZ,
because it could be mistaken for hydrocortisone. The nurse should not place a trailing
zero after a decimal point because if the decimal point is not seen, it could be mistaken
as 250 mg.The nurse should not transcribe the medication name abbreviated as HCTZ,
because it could be mistaken for hydrocortisone. The abbreviation OD is not acceptable
for use because it could be mistaken for "right eye." The nurse should write out the word
"daily."
A nurse is planning care for a client who is taking tamoxifen for treatment of
breast cancer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in
the plan? SATA
a. Monitor the client's calcium level
b. Monitor the client for pulmonary embolus
c. Advise the client of the potential for menstrual irregularities
d. Advise the client of the potential for peripheral neuropathy
e. Advise the client of the potential for hot flashes
Monitor the clients calcium level, monitor the client for pulmonary embolus, advise the
client for potential menstrual irregularities, advise the client of potential for hot flashes
Monitor the client's calcium level is correct. Tamoxifen increases the risk for
hypercalcemia. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure, which
are increased in mild hypercalcemia and decreased in severe or prolonged
RN VATI Pharmacology 2026 EXAM TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)
A nurse is preparing to administer diclofenac to a client who has chronic bursitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a. administer the medication at bedtime
b. avoid administering the medication with antacids
c. administer the medication with food
d. crush the medication prior to administration
Administer the medication with food
Diclofenac is an NSAID and can cause gastric irritation. Clients should take NSAIDs
with food or milk to minimize gastric irritation.he nurse should not administer the
medication at bedtime because the client should remain upright for 15 to 30 min after
administration to prevent esophageal irritation. Diclofenac is available as an
entericcoated tablet for delayed release. Clients should not crush or chew sustained-
release medications because doing so will increase gastrointestinal adverse effects and
decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has asthma and a prescription for
methylprednisolone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse
monitor while the client is receiving this medication?
a. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
b. Fibrin split products
c. BUN
d. Glucose
Glucose
Methylprednisolone therapy increases the synthesis of glucose and decreases the
uptake of glucose by the muscles and adipose tissues, resulting in increased circulating
glucose. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to monitor blood glucose levels regularly
while clients are receiving corticosteroid therapy.
Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that is present in the heart, liver, skeletal
muscles, and other highly metabolic tissues. AST levels are increased in conditions that
cause cellular injury, such as liver disease; however, methylprednisolone therapy does
not affect AST levels. Fibrin split products are present in the serum when thromboses
are present. Increased levels of fibrin split products can increase disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC); however, methylprednisolone therapy does not affect
,2
blood clotting. BUN levels reflect kidney function and glomerular filtration. Hydration
status and nephrotoxic medications can alter BUN levels; however, methylprednisolone
therapy does not affect renal function.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postmenopausal and has a prescription for
raloxifene. The nurse should instruct the client that raloxifene is prescribed for
which of the following reasons?
a. To treat irritable bowel syndrome
b. To reduce the risk for breast cancer
c. To reduce the occurrence of hot flashes
d. To lower the risk of pulmonary embolism
To reduce the risk for breast cancer
Raloxifene can lower the risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal clients who have a
high risk for developing estrogen-receptive types of breast cancer. The medication also
reduces the risk for and can treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.Raloxifene is a
selective estrogen receptor modulator. In clients who are postmenopausal, it can reduce
the risk for and treat osteoporosis and protect against breast cancer.
Hot flashes are an adverse effect of raloxifene. Raloxifene reduces the occurrence of
fractures related to osteoporosis and reduces the cholesterol level in clients who are
postmenopausal.Raloxifene can cause several significant cardiovascular and
respiratory adverse effects, such as thromboembolism, stroke, peripheral edema,
pneumonia, and the development of pulmonary emboli. Clients should not take this
medication prior to periods of prolonged immobilization, such as surgery. A history of
thromboembolic events is a contraindication for taking this medication.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion
for treatment of venous thrombosis. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse monitor for in order to titrate the heparin dose?
a. platelet function assay
b. aPTT
c. INR
d. Amylase
aPTT
The nurse should monitor the aPTT of a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV
infusion. When beginning heparin therapy, the nurse should monitor the aPTT every 4
to 6 hr. Once the client has achieved the desired range, the nurse should monitor the
aPTT daily.
The nurse should monitor the platelet function assay of a client who has a bleeding
disorder. This test evaluates platelet function and ability to cause hemostasis; however,
heparin does not affect it.The nurse should monitor a client's INR to evaluate the effects
of warfarin therapy. The nurse should ensure the collection of the client's blood
,3
specimen prior to administering the daily warfarin dose.The nurse should review the
amylase levels of a client who has pancreatitis. Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme that
increases in clients who have acute or chronic pancreatitis; however, heparin does not
affect this enzyme.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a positive Trousseau's sign. Wich of the
following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
a. sodium bicarbonate
b. manesium sulfate
c. calcium gluconate
d. potassium chloride
Calcium gluconate
The nurse should identify that a positive Trousseau's sign is a manifestation of
hypocalcemia. Therefore, the nurse should plan to administer calcium gluconate to treat
hypocalcemia.
Sodium bicarbonate is administered to treat metabolic acidosis. The nurse should
recognize that sodium bicarbonate is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's
sign.Magnesium sulfate is administered to treat hypomagnesemia. The nurse should
recognize that magnesium sulfate is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's sign.
Potassium chloride is administered to treat hypokalemia. The nurse should recognize
that potassium chloride is not used to treat a positive Trousseau's sign.
A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 0.3 mg/kg PO to a school-aged child
who weighs 88 lb. Available is morphine oral solution 2mg/ml. How many mL
should the nurse administer?
6 mL
A nurse is administering haloperidol to a client who has schizophrenia. For which
of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
a. gingival hyperplasia
b. muscle rigidity
c. polyuria
d. bruising Muscle rigidity
A client who is taking haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic agent, can develop
extrapyramidal effects, such as parkinsonism, which manifests as tremors,
bradykinesia, loss of balance, mask-like facial expression, shuffling gait, and muscle
rigidity.
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic agent that can cause akathisia (motor restlessness)
within hours of receiving the first dose; however, gingival hyperplasia is not an adverse
effect of haloperidol. Phenytoin is an example of a medication that causes gingival
hyperplasia.Haloperidol has several genitourinary adverse effects, including urinary
, 4
retention and impotence; however, urinary output does not typically
increase.Haloperidol has significant cardiovascular effects, including dysrhythmias,
myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, and hypotension; however, it does not affect
blood coagulation.
A nurse receives a verbal prescription from the provider for hydrochlorothiazide
25 mg by mouth daily for a client who has hypertension. Which of the following
indicates how the nurse should transcribe the prescription in the client's medical
record?
a. Hydrochlorothiazide 25.0 mg orally q.d.
b. Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO daily
c. HCTZ 25.0 mg by mouth daily
d. HCTZ 25 mg PO OD
Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO daily
The nurse should transcribe the provider's prescription by spelling out the name of the
medication, recording the dosage as a whole number, and spelling out the word "daily."
The abbreviation PO is acceptable for use to indicate the route by mouth.
The nurse should not transcribe a trailing zero after a decimal point because if the
decimal point is not seen, it could be mistaken as 250 mg. The abbreviation q.d. is not
acceptable because it could be mistaken for q.i.d. The nurse should write out the word
"daily."The nurse should not transcribe the medication name abbreviated as HCTZ,
because it could be mistaken for hydrocortisone. The nurse should not place a trailing
zero after a decimal point because if the decimal point is not seen, it could be mistaken
as 250 mg.The nurse should not transcribe the medication name abbreviated as HCTZ,
because it could be mistaken for hydrocortisone. The abbreviation OD is not acceptable
for use because it could be mistaken for "right eye." The nurse should write out the word
"daily."
A nurse is planning care for a client who is taking tamoxifen for treatment of
breast cancer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in
the plan? SATA
a. Monitor the client's calcium level
b. Monitor the client for pulmonary embolus
c. Advise the client of the potential for menstrual irregularities
d. Advise the client of the potential for peripheral neuropathy
e. Advise the client of the potential for hot flashes
Monitor the clients calcium level, monitor the client for pulmonary embolus, advise the
client for potential menstrual irregularities, advise the client of potential for hot flashes
Monitor the client's calcium level is correct. Tamoxifen increases the risk for
hypercalcemia. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure, which
are increased in mild hypercalcemia and decreased in severe or prolonged
