Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (Latest 2026)
Course
NR293 (NR293)
1. A nurse is administering morphine to a postoperative patient. Which assessment finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
B. Blood pressure of 128/78 mmHg
C. Pain score of 4/10
D. Pulse rate of 88 bpm
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
Rationale: Morphine can cause respiratory depression. A respiratory rate below 12 breaths/min is
concerning and requires prompt intervention.
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely for a patient taking warfarin?
A. Hemoglobin
B. INR
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B. INR
Rationale: INR measures blood clotting time and helps determine the therapeutic effectiveness
and safety of warfarin therapy.
3. A patient taking lisinopril reports a persistent dry cough. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “Increase your fluid intake.”
B. “This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.”
C. “Stop taking the medication immediately.”
D. “Take the medication at bedtime only.”
Correct Answer: B. “This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.”
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry persistent cough due to increased bradykinin
levels.
4. Which medication should be administered with food to decrease gastrointestinal
irritation?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Levothyroxine
,C. Furosemide
D. Digoxin
Correct Answer: A. Ibuprofen
Rationale: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and should be taken with
food.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about nitroglycerin tablets. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will swallow the tablet whole.”
B. “I can take up to three tablets five minutes apart for chest pain.”
C. “I should store the tablets in the bathroom.”
D. “I will take the medication with meals.”
Correct Answer: B. “I can take up to three tablets five minutes apart for chest pain.”
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is taken sublingually every 5 minutes up to three doses during angina
attacks.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with furosemide use?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics increase potassium excretion, placing patients at risk for hypokalemia.
7. A patient receiving insulin becomes diaphoretic and confused. What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose level
C. Restrict fluids
D. Notify dietary services
Correct Answer: B. Check blood glucose level
Rationale: Diaphoresis and confusion are signs of hypoglycemia and require immediate glucose
assessment.
8. Which statement by a patient taking tetracycline indicates a need for further teaching?
, A. “I will avoid direct sunlight.”
B. “I should take this medication with milk.”
C. “I will finish the full prescription.”
D. “I may experience photosensitivity.”
Correct Answer: B. “I should take this medication with milk.”
Rationale: Dairy products interfere with tetracycline absorption and should be avoided near
administration time.
9. What is the antidote for opioid overdose?
A. Flumazenil
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Naloxone
D. Protamine sulfate
Correct Answer: C. Naloxone
Rationale: Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression.
10. A nurse is caring for a patient taking digoxin. Which finding suggests digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Blurred yellow vision
C. Hypertension
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: B. Blurred yellow vision
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow vision halos are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
11. A patient taking metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast dye. What should the
nurse anticipate?
A. Increase metformin dose
B. Hold metformin before and after the procedure
C. Administer insulin instead
D. Give metformin with food only
Correct Answer: B. Hold metformin before and after the procedure
Rationale: Metformin combined with contrast dye increases the risk of lactic acidosis and kidney
injury.
12. Which assessment finding is most important before administering digoxin?