1
NUR 378
NUR 378 Exam 2 Pharmacology Review | Questions
& Answers| Grade A | 100% Correct |Latest Update
(2025/ 2026)
1. The nurse will instruct patients about a possible systemic effect
that may occur if excessive amounts of topically applied adrenergic
nasal decongestants are used. Which systemic effect may occur?
a. Heartburn
b. Bradycardia
c. Drowsiness
d. Palpitations: Palpitations
Although a topically applied adrenergic nasal decongestant can be
absorbed into the bloodstream, the amount absorbed is usually too small
to cause systemic effects at normal dosages. Excessive dosages of these
medications, however, are more likely to cause systemic effects elsewhere
in the body. These may include cardiovascular effects, such as hypertension
NUR 378
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NUR 378
and palpitations, and central nervous system effects, such as headache,
nervousness, and dizziness. The other options are incorrect
A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive,
thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which
drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?
a. Guaifenesin
b. Benzonatate
c. Diphenhydramine
d. Dextromethorphan: Guaifenesin
Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and the
bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to cough.
The other drugs listed do not have this effect.
A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal
spray to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
a. "You won't see effects for at least 1 week."
NUR 378
, 3
NUR 378
b. "Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days."
c. "Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved."
d. "Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops.": "Limit use of this spray
to 3 to 5 days."
Frequent, long-term, or excessive use of adrenergic nasal decongestants
may lead to rebound congestion if used beyond the recommended time.
The other instructions are incorrect.
A patient asks the nurse about the uses of the herbal product
echinacea. Which use will the nurse include in the response?
a. Memory enhancement
b. Boosting the immune system
c. Improving mood
d. Promoting relaxation: Boosting the immune system
Common uses of echinacea include stimulation of the immune system,
antisepsis, treatment of viral infections and influenza-like respiratory
NUR 378
, 4
NUR 378
tract infections, and promotion of the healing of wounds and chronic
ulcerations. The other options are incorrect.
9. When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the
nurse will include which instructions? (Select all that apply.)
a. "Antihistamines are generally safe to take with over-the-counter
medica-tions."
b. "Take the medication on an empty stomach to maximize absorption
of the drug."
c. "Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal
distress."
d. "Drink extra fluids if possible."
e. "Antihistamines may cause restlessness and disturbed sleep."
f. "Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how adverse
effects are
Tolerated.": ANS: C, D, F
c. "Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress."
d. "Drink extra fluids if possible."
NUR 378
NUR 378
NUR 378 Exam 2 Pharmacology Review | Questions
& Answers| Grade A | 100% Correct |Latest Update
(2025/ 2026)
1. The nurse will instruct patients about a possible systemic effect
that may occur if excessive amounts of topically applied adrenergic
nasal decongestants are used. Which systemic effect may occur?
a. Heartburn
b. Bradycardia
c. Drowsiness
d. Palpitations: Palpitations
Although a topically applied adrenergic nasal decongestant can be
absorbed into the bloodstream, the amount absorbed is usually too small
to cause systemic effects at normal dosages. Excessive dosages of these
medications, however, are more likely to cause systemic effects elsewhere
in the body. These may include cardiovascular effects, such as hypertension
NUR 378
, 2
NUR 378
and palpitations, and central nervous system effects, such as headache,
nervousness, and dizziness. The other options are incorrect
A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive,
thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which
drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?
a. Guaifenesin
b. Benzonatate
c. Diphenhydramine
d. Dextromethorphan: Guaifenesin
Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and the
bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to cough.
The other drugs listed do not have this effect.
A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal
spray to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
a. "You won't see effects for at least 1 week."
NUR 378
, 3
NUR 378
b. "Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days."
c. "Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved."
d. "Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops.": "Limit use of this spray
to 3 to 5 days."
Frequent, long-term, or excessive use of adrenergic nasal decongestants
may lead to rebound congestion if used beyond the recommended time.
The other instructions are incorrect.
A patient asks the nurse about the uses of the herbal product
echinacea. Which use will the nurse include in the response?
a. Memory enhancement
b. Boosting the immune system
c. Improving mood
d. Promoting relaxation: Boosting the immune system
Common uses of echinacea include stimulation of the immune system,
antisepsis, treatment of viral infections and influenza-like respiratory
NUR 378
, 4
NUR 378
tract infections, and promotion of the healing of wounds and chronic
ulcerations. The other options are incorrect.
9. When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the
nurse will include which instructions? (Select all that apply.)
a. "Antihistamines are generally safe to take with over-the-counter
medica-tions."
b. "Take the medication on an empty stomach to maximize absorption
of the drug."
c. "Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal
distress."
d. "Drink extra fluids if possible."
e. "Antihistamines may cause restlessness and disturbed sleep."
f. "Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how adverse
effects are
Tolerated.": ANS: C, D, F
c. "Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress."
d. "Drink extra fluids if possible."
NUR 378
