NUR 2474 / NR2474 Pharmacology for Professional Nursing Final Exam
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A patient arriving to the nursing unit following extensive abdominal surgery reports severe pain, which
the patient rates as an 9 on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the most extreme pain). The prescriber has
ordered acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally every 6 hours PRN (as needed) for pain. What action
should the nurse take?
a. Ask the patient if he would prefer aspirin for the post operative pain control.
b. Contact the provider to request a different analgesic medication.
c. Give the acetaminophen and bring the patient a meal to promote comfort.
d. Request an order to administer the acetaminophen every 2 hours. Correct Answer: b. Contact the
provider to request a different analgesic medication.
Which of the following drugs would be classified as an anti-inflammatory drug?
a. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
b. Lorazepam (Ativan)
c. Naloxone (Narcan)
d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol Correct Answer: a. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
The student nurse asks the instructor what the term "balanced anesthesia" means. How should the
instructor answer?
a. Balanced anesthesia refers to balancing the stages of anesthesia to achieve unconsciousness and pain
control.
b. Balanced anesthesia involves choosing the one drug that best fits the individual patients needs for
anesthesia, amnesia and muscle relaxation.
c. Balanced anesthesia is the combining of several drugs to achieve the best effect and also the fewest
adverse effects.
d. Balanced anesthesia means that the anethetist is using a neuromuscular blockade drug to keep the
patient controlled in Stage 3 anesthesia. Correct Answer: c. Balanced anesthesia is the combining of
several drugs to achieve the best effect and also the fewest adverse effects.
The nurse is monitoring a teenage patient who has depression and is in the early phase (first 2-4 weeks)
of treatment with fluoxetine (Prozac). Which question is most important for the nurse to ask the
patient?
a. "Have you had any changes in your urine function?"
b. "Have you noticed a dry mouth or blurred vision?"
c. "Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?"
d. "When was your last bowel movement?" Correct Answer: c. "Have you had any thoughts of harming
yourself?"
A patient is diagnosed with major depression. The provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic anti-
depressant. What instruction is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient teaching
session?
a. "Only consume alcohol in moderation."
b. "Sit or lie down when feeling lightheaded."
c. "Be sure to avoid foods containing tyrosine."
,d. "Be sure to take the medication in the morning." Correct Answer: b. "Sit or lie down when feeling
lightheaded."
The nurse is administering medications to a group of patients. For what patient would a nurse most
expect to assess for an alteration in drug metabolism?
Select one:
a. A 35-year-old woman with cervical cancer.
b. A 62-year-old woman in acute respiratory failure.
c. A 41-year-old man with kidney stones.
d. A 50-year-old man with a current history of alcoholism Correct Answer: d. A 50-year-old man with a
current history of alcoholism
A patient is taking haloperidol (Haldol), a typical antipsychotic, for schizophrenia. The nurse notes that
the patient has trouble speaking and chewing and observes slow, worm-like movements of the patient's
tongue. There are purposeless movements of the face and jaw. What adverse effect should the nurse
document for this patient?
Select one:
a. Akathisia
b. Tardive dyskinesia
c. Pseudoparkinsonism
d. Dystonia Correct Answer: b. Tardive dyskinesia
The nurse is planning to administer a drug that has a very long half-life. Which of the following is a true
statement regarding the half-life of a medication?
Select one:
a. The longer the half-life of a drug, the shorter the effect the drug will have on the body.
b. The half-life and therapeutic range are terms that can be used interchangeably.
c. The half-life of a drug and the loading dose are always the same dose.
d. The greater the half-life, the longer the drug takes to be excreted Correct Answer: d. The greater the
half-life, the longer the drug takes to be excreted
A patient who yesterday had abdominal surgery has been receiving morphine via a patient-controlled
analgesia (PCA) pump. The nurse assesses the patient and notes that the patient's pupils are constricted
and that the patient is difficult to arouse. The patient's heart rate is normal, the respiratory rate is 8
breaths per minute, and the blood pressure is low. What action should the nurse take?
Select one:
a. Discuss possible opiate addiction with the patient's provider and document the patient's reaction.
b. Encourage the patient to get up to the bathroom and walk to increase alertness.
c. Document the effectiveness of the analgesia in the patient's chart and reduce the dosage of the PCA.
d. Turn off the PCA, administer oxygen, prepare to administer naloxone and possibly ventilation support.
Correct Answer: d. Turn off the PCA, administer oxygen, prepare to administer naloxone and possibly
ventilation support.
A patient taking an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) anti-depressant is seen in the clinic with facial
flushing, a pounding headache and a high blood pressure of 170/96 mmHg. What is the priority question
for the nurse ask this patient?
Select one:
a. "Do you have a history of migraine headaches?"
,b. "Have you been drinking grapefruit juice?"
c. "Are you going through menopause?"
d. "What foods and drinks have you consumed today?" Correct Answer: d. "What foods and drinks have
you consumed today?"
A nurse has admitted a 10-year-old child to the pediatric unit. The child has complained of chronic
headaches and the mother reports giving the child adult doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) at least twice
a day. What priority function should the nurse evaluate?
Select one:
a. Cardiac function
b. Respiratory function
c. Renal function
d. Hepatic function Correct Answer: d. Hepatic function
A nurse is caring for the following patients. Which patient is at highest risk for an adverse drug reaction?
Select one:
a. An 89 year old woman.
b. A 55 year old woman.
c. A 37 year old man.
d. A 12 year old boy. Correct Answer: a. An 89 year old woman.
A patient has been prescribed ibuprofen (Motrin) for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). What
should the nurse include in the instructions to the patient?
Select one:
a. "This drug can cause respiratory depression so be sure to cough and deep breath regularly."
b. "Avoid taking this drug with foods such as aged cheese, smoked fish and salami."
c. "Take this medication nightly before sleep."
d. "Take this drug with food and drink plenty of fluids." Correct Answer: d. "Take this drug with food and
drink plenty of fluids."
A patient is given a drug for the first time and develops a dry mouth and tongue. The patient's pulse and
blood pressure are normal. The nurse checks a drug administration manual to make sure the correct
dose was given and learns that nearly all patients taking the drug experience dry mouth and it is an
expected effect. How should the nurse document this patient's response?
Select one:
a. Allergic reaction.
b. Side effect.
c. Idiosyncratic effect.
d. Toxicity. Correct Answer: b. Side effect.
A patient is beginning therapy with a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug), oral methotrexate
(Rheumatrex) for rheumatoid arthritis. What should the nurse include in the teaching to reduce the risks
associated with this drug?
Select one:
a. Taking this drug with alcohol will enhance the absorption.
b. Avoid contact with others who may have infections, cold, or the flu.
c. Rotate the injections sites every time you give it.
, d. Decrease your fluid intake while taking this drug Correct Answer: b. Avoid contact with others who
may have infections, cold, or the flu.
Nursing students should learn the generic names of drugs. The primary reason that generic names are
used by health care providers over chemical and trade names is:
Select one:
a. Nursing students should actually strive to learn both the generic and chemical names to avoid
confusion.
b. The trade names do not reflect the action of the drug like the generic names does.
c. A drug can have multiple chemical names.
d. There is only one generic name for each drug and it is easier to remember than the chemical name.
Correct Answer: d. There is only one generic name for each drug and it is easier to remember than the
chemical name.
Many substances can be considered to be a drug. What are pharmacotherapeutic drugs considered to
be?
Select one:
a. A substance that is taken to prevent, cure, or reduce symptoms of a medical condition.
b. A substance that is found only in nature, or that normally occurs in the body that is used to reduce
symptoms.
c. A substance that can be isolated from natural substances in nature and used for treatment of disease.
d. A substance that is synthesized and tested in the laboratory setting and that will cure disease or
reduce symptoms. Correct Answer: a. A substance that is taken to prevent, cure, or reduce symptoms of
a medical condition.
The nurse is caring for a patient who takes the anti-mania drug Lithobid. The nurse notices a client's
lithium carbonate level is elevated at 2.1 mEq/L . What action should the nurse implement?
Select one:
a. Do not give the medication and notify the primary care provider.
b. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
c. Instruct the client to not drink any fluids.
d. Ensure client safety by placing the client on strict bedrest. Correct Answer: a. Do not give the
medication and notify the primary care provider.
Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a patient receiving an opioid narcotic for pain
relief?
Select one:
a. Rapid respirations
b. Diarrhea
c. High blood pressure
d. Constipation Correct Answer: d. Constipation
A nurse is caring for a patient and her newborn immediately after delivery. The patient's medication
history includes prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy, occasional use of acetaminophen in her last
trimester, and IV (intravenous) morphine given during labor and delivery. What should the nurse
prepare to do?
Select one:
a. Assess the newborn for irritability associated with drug addiction in the newborn.
Review | Already Rated A | Latest | Rasmussen College
A patient arriving to the nursing unit following extensive abdominal surgery reports severe pain, which
the patient rates as an 9 on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the most extreme pain). The prescriber has
ordered acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally every 6 hours PRN (as needed) for pain. What action
should the nurse take?
a. Ask the patient if he would prefer aspirin for the post operative pain control.
b. Contact the provider to request a different analgesic medication.
c. Give the acetaminophen and bring the patient a meal to promote comfort.
d. Request an order to administer the acetaminophen every 2 hours. Correct Answer: b. Contact the
provider to request a different analgesic medication.
Which of the following drugs would be classified as an anti-inflammatory drug?
a. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
b. Lorazepam (Ativan)
c. Naloxone (Narcan)
d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol Correct Answer: a. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
The student nurse asks the instructor what the term "balanced anesthesia" means. How should the
instructor answer?
a. Balanced anesthesia refers to balancing the stages of anesthesia to achieve unconsciousness and pain
control.
b. Balanced anesthesia involves choosing the one drug that best fits the individual patients needs for
anesthesia, amnesia and muscle relaxation.
c. Balanced anesthesia is the combining of several drugs to achieve the best effect and also the fewest
adverse effects.
d. Balanced anesthesia means that the anethetist is using a neuromuscular blockade drug to keep the
patient controlled in Stage 3 anesthesia. Correct Answer: c. Balanced anesthesia is the combining of
several drugs to achieve the best effect and also the fewest adverse effects.
The nurse is monitoring a teenage patient who has depression and is in the early phase (first 2-4 weeks)
of treatment with fluoxetine (Prozac). Which question is most important for the nurse to ask the
patient?
a. "Have you had any changes in your urine function?"
b. "Have you noticed a dry mouth or blurred vision?"
c. "Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?"
d. "When was your last bowel movement?" Correct Answer: c. "Have you had any thoughts of harming
yourself?"
A patient is diagnosed with major depression. The provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic anti-
depressant. What instruction is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient teaching
session?
a. "Only consume alcohol in moderation."
b. "Sit or lie down when feeling lightheaded."
c. "Be sure to avoid foods containing tyrosine."
,d. "Be sure to take the medication in the morning." Correct Answer: b. "Sit or lie down when feeling
lightheaded."
The nurse is administering medications to a group of patients. For what patient would a nurse most
expect to assess for an alteration in drug metabolism?
Select one:
a. A 35-year-old woman with cervical cancer.
b. A 62-year-old woman in acute respiratory failure.
c. A 41-year-old man with kidney stones.
d. A 50-year-old man with a current history of alcoholism Correct Answer: d. A 50-year-old man with a
current history of alcoholism
A patient is taking haloperidol (Haldol), a typical antipsychotic, for schizophrenia. The nurse notes that
the patient has trouble speaking and chewing and observes slow, worm-like movements of the patient's
tongue. There are purposeless movements of the face and jaw. What adverse effect should the nurse
document for this patient?
Select one:
a. Akathisia
b. Tardive dyskinesia
c. Pseudoparkinsonism
d. Dystonia Correct Answer: b. Tardive dyskinesia
The nurse is planning to administer a drug that has a very long half-life. Which of the following is a true
statement regarding the half-life of a medication?
Select one:
a. The longer the half-life of a drug, the shorter the effect the drug will have on the body.
b. The half-life and therapeutic range are terms that can be used interchangeably.
c. The half-life of a drug and the loading dose are always the same dose.
d. The greater the half-life, the longer the drug takes to be excreted Correct Answer: d. The greater the
half-life, the longer the drug takes to be excreted
A patient who yesterday had abdominal surgery has been receiving morphine via a patient-controlled
analgesia (PCA) pump. The nurse assesses the patient and notes that the patient's pupils are constricted
and that the patient is difficult to arouse. The patient's heart rate is normal, the respiratory rate is 8
breaths per minute, and the blood pressure is low. What action should the nurse take?
Select one:
a. Discuss possible opiate addiction with the patient's provider and document the patient's reaction.
b. Encourage the patient to get up to the bathroom and walk to increase alertness.
c. Document the effectiveness of the analgesia in the patient's chart and reduce the dosage of the PCA.
d. Turn off the PCA, administer oxygen, prepare to administer naloxone and possibly ventilation support.
Correct Answer: d. Turn off the PCA, administer oxygen, prepare to administer naloxone and possibly
ventilation support.
A patient taking an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) anti-depressant is seen in the clinic with facial
flushing, a pounding headache and a high blood pressure of 170/96 mmHg. What is the priority question
for the nurse ask this patient?
Select one:
a. "Do you have a history of migraine headaches?"
,b. "Have you been drinking grapefruit juice?"
c. "Are you going through menopause?"
d. "What foods and drinks have you consumed today?" Correct Answer: d. "What foods and drinks have
you consumed today?"
A nurse has admitted a 10-year-old child to the pediatric unit. The child has complained of chronic
headaches and the mother reports giving the child adult doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) at least twice
a day. What priority function should the nurse evaluate?
Select one:
a. Cardiac function
b. Respiratory function
c. Renal function
d. Hepatic function Correct Answer: d. Hepatic function
A nurse is caring for the following patients. Which patient is at highest risk for an adverse drug reaction?
Select one:
a. An 89 year old woman.
b. A 55 year old woman.
c. A 37 year old man.
d. A 12 year old boy. Correct Answer: a. An 89 year old woman.
A patient has been prescribed ibuprofen (Motrin) for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). What
should the nurse include in the instructions to the patient?
Select one:
a. "This drug can cause respiratory depression so be sure to cough and deep breath regularly."
b. "Avoid taking this drug with foods such as aged cheese, smoked fish and salami."
c. "Take this medication nightly before sleep."
d. "Take this drug with food and drink plenty of fluids." Correct Answer: d. "Take this drug with food and
drink plenty of fluids."
A patient is given a drug for the first time and develops a dry mouth and tongue. The patient's pulse and
blood pressure are normal. The nurse checks a drug administration manual to make sure the correct
dose was given and learns that nearly all patients taking the drug experience dry mouth and it is an
expected effect. How should the nurse document this patient's response?
Select one:
a. Allergic reaction.
b. Side effect.
c. Idiosyncratic effect.
d. Toxicity. Correct Answer: b. Side effect.
A patient is beginning therapy with a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug), oral methotrexate
(Rheumatrex) for rheumatoid arthritis. What should the nurse include in the teaching to reduce the risks
associated with this drug?
Select one:
a. Taking this drug with alcohol will enhance the absorption.
b. Avoid contact with others who may have infections, cold, or the flu.
c. Rotate the injections sites every time you give it.
, d. Decrease your fluid intake while taking this drug Correct Answer: b. Avoid contact with others who
may have infections, cold, or the flu.
Nursing students should learn the generic names of drugs. The primary reason that generic names are
used by health care providers over chemical and trade names is:
Select one:
a. Nursing students should actually strive to learn both the generic and chemical names to avoid
confusion.
b. The trade names do not reflect the action of the drug like the generic names does.
c. A drug can have multiple chemical names.
d. There is only one generic name for each drug and it is easier to remember than the chemical name.
Correct Answer: d. There is only one generic name for each drug and it is easier to remember than the
chemical name.
Many substances can be considered to be a drug. What are pharmacotherapeutic drugs considered to
be?
Select one:
a. A substance that is taken to prevent, cure, or reduce symptoms of a medical condition.
b. A substance that is found only in nature, or that normally occurs in the body that is used to reduce
symptoms.
c. A substance that can be isolated from natural substances in nature and used for treatment of disease.
d. A substance that is synthesized and tested in the laboratory setting and that will cure disease or
reduce symptoms. Correct Answer: a. A substance that is taken to prevent, cure, or reduce symptoms of
a medical condition.
The nurse is caring for a patient who takes the anti-mania drug Lithobid. The nurse notices a client's
lithium carbonate level is elevated at 2.1 mEq/L . What action should the nurse implement?
Select one:
a. Do not give the medication and notify the primary care provider.
b. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
c. Instruct the client to not drink any fluids.
d. Ensure client safety by placing the client on strict bedrest. Correct Answer: a. Do not give the
medication and notify the primary care provider.
Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a patient receiving an opioid narcotic for pain
relief?
Select one:
a. Rapid respirations
b. Diarrhea
c. High blood pressure
d. Constipation Correct Answer: d. Constipation
A nurse is caring for a patient and her newborn immediately after delivery. The patient's medication
history includes prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy, occasional use of acetaminophen in her last
trimester, and IV (intravenous) morphine given during labor and delivery. What should the nurse
prepare to do?
Select one:
a. Assess the newborn for irritability associated with drug addiction in the newborn.
