1. Which of the following drugs is classified as a beta-blocker?
A. Lisinopril
B. Atenolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Furosemide
Answer: B. Atenolol
Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing
heart rate and blood pressure. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, amlodipine is a calcium channel
blocker, and furosemide is a diuretic.
2. The primary therapeutic effect of metformin is:
A. Increase insulin production
B. Decrease glucose production by the liver
C. Enhance glucose absorption in the intestines
D. Stimulate glucagon release
Answer: B. Decrease glucose production by the liver
Rationale: Metformin works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin
sensitivity. It does not stimulate insulin production or enhance glucose absorption.
3. Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Tachycardia
C. Constipation
D. Diarrhea
Answer: C. Constipation
Rationale: Opioids commonly cause constipation as a side effect due to their action on the
gastrointestinal tract. They slow peristalsis, leading to decreased bowel movements.
4. A client is prescribed warfarin. The nurse should monitor the client's:
,A. Blood glucose levels
B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
C. Liver enzymes
D. Potassium levels
Answer: B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and its effectiveness is monitored using the INR. This
helps ensure the blood does not become too thick (leading to clotting) or too thin (leading to
bleeding).
5. Which of the following would the nurse expect in a patient with an overdose of
acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
A. Seizures
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Hypertension
D. Tinnitus
Answer: B. Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver toxicity, with early symptoms including
nausea and vomiting. Severe overdose may lead to liver failure.
6. A patient is prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial infection. Which of the
following is a priority assessment before administering the first dose?
A. Check for drug allergies
B. Assess renal function
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Evaluate liver function
Answer: A. Check for drug allergies
Rationale: Before administering any antibiotic, it is crucial to assess for a history of allergies, as
reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur.
7. A nurse is providing teaching to a client taking lithium. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
, A. "Limit fluid intake to 1-2 liters per day."
B. "Eat a low-sodium diet."
C. "Monitor your weight regularly."
D. "Avoid drinking caffeine."
Answer: C. "Monitor your weight regularly."
Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect of lithium, and regular monitoring is advised to
detect any significant changes.
8. Which of the following medications can cause a "red man syndrome" reaction
if administered too quickly?
A. Vancomycin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Ceftriaxone
Answer: A. Vancomycin
Rationale: Rapid infusion of vancomycin can cause "red man syndrome," characterized by
flushing, rash, and hypotension, which results from histamine release.
9. Which of the following medications is considered a first-line treatment for
hypertension?
A. Metoprolol
B. Losartan
C. Furosemide
D. Diltiazem
Answer: B. Losartan
Rationale: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is often used as a first-line
treatment for hypertension due to its effectiveness and well-tolerated side effect profile.
10. Which of the following would be a priority assessment before administering a
statin medication such as atorvastatin?
A. Lisinopril
B. Atenolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Furosemide
Answer: B. Atenolol
Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing
heart rate and blood pressure. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, amlodipine is a calcium channel
blocker, and furosemide is a diuretic.
2. The primary therapeutic effect of metformin is:
A. Increase insulin production
B. Decrease glucose production by the liver
C. Enhance glucose absorption in the intestines
D. Stimulate glucagon release
Answer: B. Decrease glucose production by the liver
Rationale: Metformin works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin
sensitivity. It does not stimulate insulin production or enhance glucose absorption.
3. Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Tachycardia
C. Constipation
D. Diarrhea
Answer: C. Constipation
Rationale: Opioids commonly cause constipation as a side effect due to their action on the
gastrointestinal tract. They slow peristalsis, leading to decreased bowel movements.
4. A client is prescribed warfarin. The nurse should monitor the client's:
,A. Blood glucose levels
B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
C. Liver enzymes
D. Potassium levels
Answer: B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and its effectiveness is monitored using the INR. This
helps ensure the blood does not become too thick (leading to clotting) or too thin (leading to
bleeding).
5. Which of the following would the nurse expect in a patient with an overdose of
acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
A. Seizures
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Hypertension
D. Tinnitus
Answer: B. Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver toxicity, with early symptoms including
nausea and vomiting. Severe overdose may lead to liver failure.
6. A patient is prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial infection. Which of the
following is a priority assessment before administering the first dose?
A. Check for drug allergies
B. Assess renal function
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Evaluate liver function
Answer: A. Check for drug allergies
Rationale: Before administering any antibiotic, it is crucial to assess for a history of allergies, as
reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur.
7. A nurse is providing teaching to a client taking lithium. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
, A. "Limit fluid intake to 1-2 liters per day."
B. "Eat a low-sodium diet."
C. "Monitor your weight regularly."
D. "Avoid drinking caffeine."
Answer: C. "Monitor your weight regularly."
Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect of lithium, and regular monitoring is advised to
detect any significant changes.
8. Which of the following medications can cause a "red man syndrome" reaction
if administered too quickly?
A. Vancomycin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Ceftriaxone
Answer: A. Vancomycin
Rationale: Rapid infusion of vancomycin can cause "red man syndrome," characterized by
flushing, rash, and hypotension, which results from histamine release.
9. Which of the following medications is considered a first-line treatment for
hypertension?
A. Metoprolol
B. Losartan
C. Furosemide
D. Diltiazem
Answer: B. Losartan
Rationale: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is often used as a first-line
treatment for hypertension due to its effectiveness and well-tolerated side effect profile.
10. Which of the following would be a priority assessment before administering a
statin medication such as atorvastatin?
