NUR 210 Exam 2: Principles of Pharmacology - Galen
College of Nursing Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of a broad-spectrum antibiotic to a patient with a
suspected urinary tract infection. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity.
B. Administer the antibiotic immediately to treat the infection.
C. Check the patient’s temperature to confirm a fever.
D. Review the white blood cell count in the electronic chart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Obtaining a culture before antibiotic administration ensures the pathogen is correctly
identified without interference from the drug. If antibiotics are given first, they can mask or kill the
bacteria in the sample, leading to false-negative results. While treating the infection and checking
symptoms are important, the laboratory priority is the culture. This practice promotes targeted therapy
rather than empirical treatment, which helps reduce antibiotic resistance. The nurse must document the
exact time the specimen was collected and sent to the lab.
2. A patient is prescribed Vancomycin for a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
During the infusion, the patient develops a flushed face and neck. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Slow the rate of the infusion and monitor the patient.
B. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously as ordered.
C. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider.
D. Apply cold compresses to the patient’s neck and face.
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is experiencing ‘Red Man Syndrome,’ which is a rate-dependent reaction to
Vancomycin rather than a true allergy. Slowing the infusion rate typically resolves the flushing and
prevents further histamine release. This reaction differs from anaphylaxis, which would require stopping
the drug and administering epinephrine. The nurse should continue to monitor vital signs closely to
ensure the reaction does not escalate. Educating the patient that this is a known side effect can help
reduce their anxiety during the treatment.
3. When teaching a patient about a new prescription for Tetracycline, which instruction should the nurse
include?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk to prevent GI upset.
B. Stop taking the drug as soon as your symptoms disappear.
C. Expect your urine to turn a bright orange color.
D. Use an additional form of birth control if taking oral contraceptives.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tetracyclines can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, necessitating a secondary
form of birth control. Calcium in milk binds with the drug and prevents absorption, so it should be taken
on an empty stomach. Unlike Rifampin, Tetracycline does not cause orange discoloration of body fluids.
Patients must complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent the development of drug-resistant
bacteria. The nurse should also advise the patient to avoid direct sunlight due to the risk of
photosensitivity.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Gentamicin. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor
to detect potential toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
, B. Prothrombin Time (PT)
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside known for its nephrotoxic effects, making serum creatinine a
vital monitoring parameter. An elevation in creatinine suggests impaired renal function, which could lead
to drug accumulation and further toxicity. Other tests like PT or ALT assess liver and blood clotting,
which are not the primary targets of aminoglycoside toxicity. The nurse must also monitor for ototoxicity,
which can manifest as tinnitus or hearing loss. Ensuring the patient is well-hydrated helps mitigate the
risk of renal damage during therapy.
5. Which statement by a patient prescribed Ciprofloxacin indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine with my morning calcium supplement.
B. I need to wear sunscreen and a hat when I go outside.
C. I will report any pain or swelling in my ankles or heels.
D. I should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium and other antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of Ciprofloxacin
and should be avoided within 2 hours of administration. The reporting of heel pain is crucial because
fluoroquinolones carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. Photosensitivity is a common side effect,
so sun protection measures are appropriate and should be encouraged. Proper hydration is necessary to
prevent the formation of crystals in the urine while on this medication. The nurse should verify the
patient understands that drug-drug interactions can reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
College of Nursing Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of a broad-spectrum antibiotic to a patient with a
suspected urinary tract infection. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity.
B. Administer the antibiotic immediately to treat the infection.
C. Check the patient’s temperature to confirm a fever.
D. Review the white blood cell count in the electronic chart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Obtaining a culture before antibiotic administration ensures the pathogen is correctly
identified without interference from the drug. If antibiotics are given first, they can mask or kill the
bacteria in the sample, leading to false-negative results. While treating the infection and checking
symptoms are important, the laboratory priority is the culture. This practice promotes targeted therapy
rather than empirical treatment, which helps reduce antibiotic resistance. The nurse must document the
exact time the specimen was collected and sent to the lab.
2. A patient is prescribed Vancomycin for a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
During the infusion, the patient develops a flushed face and neck. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Slow the rate of the infusion and monitor the patient.
B. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously as ordered.
C. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider.
D. Apply cold compresses to the patient’s neck and face.
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is experiencing ‘Red Man Syndrome,’ which is a rate-dependent reaction to
Vancomycin rather than a true allergy. Slowing the infusion rate typically resolves the flushing and
prevents further histamine release. This reaction differs from anaphylaxis, which would require stopping
the drug and administering epinephrine. The nurse should continue to monitor vital signs closely to
ensure the reaction does not escalate. Educating the patient that this is a known side effect can help
reduce their anxiety during the treatment.
3. When teaching a patient about a new prescription for Tetracycline, which instruction should the nurse
include?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk to prevent GI upset.
B. Stop taking the drug as soon as your symptoms disappear.
C. Expect your urine to turn a bright orange color.
D. Use an additional form of birth control if taking oral contraceptives.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tetracyclines can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, necessitating a secondary
form of birth control. Calcium in milk binds with the drug and prevents absorption, so it should be taken
on an empty stomach. Unlike Rifampin, Tetracycline does not cause orange discoloration of body fluids.
Patients must complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent the development of drug-resistant
bacteria. The nurse should also advise the patient to avoid direct sunlight due to the risk of
photosensitivity.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Gentamicin. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor
to detect potential toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
, B. Prothrombin Time (PT)
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside known for its nephrotoxic effects, making serum creatinine a
vital monitoring parameter. An elevation in creatinine suggests impaired renal function, which could lead
to drug accumulation and further toxicity. Other tests like PT or ALT assess liver and blood clotting,
which are not the primary targets of aminoglycoside toxicity. The nurse must also monitor for ototoxicity,
which can manifest as tinnitus or hearing loss. Ensuring the patient is well-hydrated helps mitigate the
risk of renal damage during therapy.
5. Which statement by a patient prescribed Ciprofloxacin indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine with my morning calcium supplement.
B. I need to wear sunscreen and a hat when I go outside.
C. I will report any pain or swelling in my ankles or heels.
D. I should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium and other antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of Ciprofloxacin
and should be avoided within 2 hours of administration. The reporting of heel pain is crucial because
fluoroquinolones carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. Photosensitivity is a common side effect,
so sun protection measures are appropriate and should be encouraged. Proper hydration is necessary to
prevent the formation of crystals in the urine while on this medication. The nurse should verify the
patient understands that drug-drug interactions can reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
