Name: _____________________________ Pharmacology

1. A client with myasthenia gravis reports the occurrence of difficulty chewing. The
physician prescribes pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon) to increase muscle
strength for this activity. The nurse instructs the client to take the medication at
what time, in relation to meals?
a. after dinner daily when most fatigued
b. before breakfast daily
c. as soon as arising in the morning
d. thirty minutes before each meal
2. A client is advised to take senna (Senokot) for the treatment of constipation asks
the nurse how this medication works. The nurse responds knowing that it:
a. accumulates water in the stool and increases peristalsis
b. stimulates the vagus nerve
c. coats the bowel wall
d. adds fiber and bulk to the stool
3. A client is receiving heparin sodium by continuous intravenous infusion. The nurse
monitors the client for which adverse effect of this therapy?
a. decreased blood pressure
b. increased pulse rate
c. ecchymoses
d. tinnitus
4. A client is being treated for acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and the client’s
vital signs are as follows: BP 85/50 mm Hg; pulse, 96 bpm; respirations, 26 cpm.
The physician prescribes digoxin (Lanoxin). To evaluate a therapeutic
effectiveness of this medication, the nurse would expect which of the following
changes in the client’s vital signs?
a. BP 85/50 mm Hg, pulse 60 bpm, respirations 26 cpm
b. BP 98/60 mm Hg, pulse 80 bpm, respirations 24 cpm
c. BP 130/70 mm Hg, pulse 104 bpm, respirations 20 cpm
d. BP 110/40 mm Hg, 110 bpm, respirations 20 cpm
5. Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed for a client with anxiety. The nurse instructs the
client to expect which side effect?
a. incoordination
b. cough
c. tinnitus
d. hypertension
6. A client receives oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce labor. During the administration of
the oxytocin, it is most important for the nurse to monitor:
a. urinary output
b. fetal heart rate
c. central venous pressure
d. maternal blood glucose
7. A clinic nurse is performing assessment on a client who is being seen in the clinic
for the first time. When asking about the client’s medication history, the client
tells the nurse that he takes nateglinide (Starlix). The nurse then questions the
client about the presence of which disorder that is treated with this medication?
a. hypothyroidism
b. insomnia
c. type 2 diabetes mellitus
d. renal failure
8. A client who is taking rifampin (Rifadin) as part of the medication regimen for the
treatment of tuberculosis calls the clinic nurse and reports that her urine is a red-
orange color. The nurse tells the client to:
a. come to the clinic to provide a urine sample
b. stop the medication until further instructions are given by the physician
c. take the medication dose with an antacid to prevent this adverse effect
d. expect a red-orange color in urine, feces, sweat, sputum, and tears as a
harmless side effect
9. A nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy that has been diagnosed with a
respiratory infection. The client is receiving vancomycin hydrochloride
(Vancocin) 500 mg intravenously every 12 hours. Which of the following would
 indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the
medication?
a. decreased hearing acuity
b. photophobia
c. hypotension
d. bradycardia
10. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma who
is receiving tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex) 10 mg orally twice daily. Which of the
following would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a side effect
related to the medication?
a. hypetension
b. diarrhea
c. nose bleeds
d. vaginal bleeding
11. A client has just been given a prescription for diphenoxylate with atropine
(Lomotil). The nurse teaches the client which of the following about the use of
this medication?
a. drooling may occur while taking this medication
b. irritability may occur while taking this medication
c. this medication contains a habit-forming ingredient
d. take the medication with a laxative of choice
12. A nurse is gathering data from client about the client’s medication history and
notes that the client is taking tolterodine tartrate (Detrol LA). The nurse
determines that the client is taking the medication to treat which disorder?
a. glaucoma
b. renal insufficiency
c. pyloric stenosis
d. urinary frequency and urgency
13. A client has an order to receive psyllium (Metamucil) daily. The nurse
administers this medication with:

a. a multivitamin and mineral supplement

b. a dose of an antacid
c. applesauce
d. eight ounces of liquid
14. A nurse is teaching a client taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) after renal
transplant about medication information. The nurse tells the client to be especially
alert for:
a. signs of infection
b. hypotension
c. weight loss
d. hair loss
15. A nurse reinforces dietary instruction for the client receiving spironolactone
(Aldactone). Which food would the nurse instruct the client to avoid while taking
this medication?
a. crackers
b. shrimp
c. apricots
d. popcorn
16. Oral lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for the client with a hepatic disorder and the
nurse provides instructions to the client regarding this medication. Which statement by
the client indicates a need for further instructions?
a. “I need to take the medication with water’”
b. “I need to increase fluid intake while taking the medication”
c. “I need to increase fiber in the diet”
d. “I need to notify the physician of nausea occurs”
17. A home care nurse provides instructions to a client taking digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25
mg daily. Which statement by the client indcates a need for further instructions?
a. “I will take my prescribed antacid if I become nauseated”
b. “It is important to have my blood drawn when prescribed”
c. “I will check my pulse before I take my medication”
d. “I will carry a medication identification card with me”
18. A client with anxiety disorder is taking buspirone (BuSpar) and tells the nurse that
it is difficult to swallow the tablets. The nurse tells the client to:
a. dissolve the tablet in a cup of coffee
b. crush the tablet before taking it
c. call the physician for a change in medication
d. mix the tablet uncrushed in custard
19. A nurse is caring for a child with CHF provides instructions to the parents
regarding the administration of digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement by the
mother indicates a need for further instructions?
a. “If my child vomits after I give the medication, I will not repeat the dose”
b. “I will check my child’s pulse before giving the medication”
c. “I will check the dose of the medication with my husband before I give the
medication”
d. “I will mix the medication with food”
20. A nurse provides instructions to a client who will begin an oral contraceptives.
Which statement by the client indicates the need for further instructions?
a. “I will take one pill daily at the same time every day”
b. “I will not need to use an additional birth control method once I start these
pills”
c. “If I miss a pill I need to take it as soon as I remember”
d. “If I miss two pills I will take them both as soon as I remember and I will
take two pills the next day also”
21. A nurse provides instructions to a client taking clorazepate (Tranxene) for
management of an anxiety disorder. The nurse tells the client that:
a. drowsiness is a side effect that usually disappears with continued therapy
b. if dizziness occurs, call the physician
c. smoking increases the effectiveness of the medication
d. if gastrointestinal disturbances occur, discontinue the medication
22. A client with Parkinson’s disease has begun therapy with levodopa (L-dopa). The
nurse determines that the client understands the action of the medication if the
client verbalizes that results may not be apparent for:
a. 24 hours
b. Two to three days
c. One week
d. Two to three weeks
23. A nurse in a physician’s office is reviewing the results of a client’s phenytoin
(Dilantin) level drawn that morning. The nurse determines that the client has a
therapeutic drug level if the client’s result was:
a. 3 mcg/ml
b. 8 mcg/ml
c. 15 mcg/ml
d. 24mcg/ml
24. A nurse is caring for a client with a genitourinary tract infection receiving
amoxicillin (Augmentin) 500 mg every 8 hours. Which of the following would
indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect related to the
medication?
a. hypertension
b. nausea
c. headache
d. watery diarrhea
25. A nurse is caring for a client with glaucoma who receives a daily dose of
acetazolamide (Diamox). Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that
the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
a. constipation
b. difficulty swallowing
c. dark-colored urine and stools
d. irritability
26. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of meningitis who is receiving
amphotericin B (Fungizone) intravenously. Which of the following would
indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect related to the
medication?
a. nausea
 b. decreased urinary output
c. muscle weakness
d. confusion
27. A nurse has formulated a nursing diagnosis of Disturbed Body Image for a client
who is taking spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse based this diagnosis on
assessment of which side effect of the medication?
a. edema
b. weight gain
c. excitability
d. decreased libido
28. A nurse is caring for the client with a history of mild heart failure who is
receiving diltiazem hydrochloride (Cardizem) for hypertension. The nurse would
assess the client for:
a. bradycardia
b. wheezing
c. peripheral edema and weight gain
d. apical pulse rate lower than baseline
29. The wound of a client with an extensive burn injury is being treated with the
application of silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). Which symptom would indicate to
the nurse that the client is experiencing a side effect related to systemic
absorption?
a. pain at the wound site
b. burning and itching at the wound site
c. a localized rash
d. photosensitivity
30. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who is
receiving sulindac (Clinoril) 150 mg po twice daily. Which finding would indicate
to the nurse that the client is experiencing a side effect related to the medication?
a. diarrhea
b. photophobia
c. fever
d. tingling in the extremities
31. The nurse notes that the client is receiving filgrastim (Neupogen). The nurse
checks which of the following to determine medication effectiveness?
a. neutrophil count
b. platelet count
c. blood urea nitrogen
d. creatinine level
32. A nurse is monitoring a client who is taking fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin) for
signs of leucopenia. Which finding indicates a sign of this blood dyscrasia?
a. blurred vision
b. constipation
c. sore throat
d. dry mouth
33. A nurse is administering amphotericin B (Fungizone) to a client intravenously to
treat a fungal infection. The nurse monitors the result of which electrolyte study
during therapy with this medication?
a. sodium
b. potassium
c. calcium
d. chloride
34. A clinic nurse asks a client with diabetes mellitus being seen in the clinic for the
first time to list the medications that she is taking. Which combination of
medications taken by the client should the nurse report to the physician?
a. Acetohexamide (Dymelor) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
b. Chlorpropamide (Diabenase) and amitriptyline (Elavil)
c. Glyburide (DiaBeta) and Lanoxin (Digoxin)
d. Tolbutamide (Orinase) and amoxicillin (Amoxil)
35. A nurse is caring for a client receiving streptogramin (Synercid) by intravenous
intermittent infusion for the treatment of a bone infection develops diarrhea.
Which nursing action would the nurse implement?
a. administer an antidiarrheal agent
 b. notify the physician
c. discontinue the medication
d. monitor the client’s temperature
36. A client has been taking fosinopril (Monopril) for 2 months. The nurse determines
that the client is having the intended effects of therapy if the nurse notes which of
the following?
a. lowered BP
b. lowered pulse rate
c. increased WBC
d. increased monocyte count
37. A client is taking labetalol (Normodyne). The nurse monitors the client for which
frequent side effect of the medication?
a. tachycardia
b. impotence
c. increased energy level
d. night blindness
38. An older client has been using cascara sagrada on a long-term basis. The nurse
determines that which laboratory result is a result of the side effects of this
medication?
a. sodium 135 mEq/L
b. sodium 145 mEq/L
c. potassium 3.1 mEq/L
d. potassium 5.0 mEq/L
39. A client has an order to begin short-term therapy with enoxaparin (Lovenox). The
nurse explains to the client that this medication is being ordered to:
a. dissolve urinary calculi
b. reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis
c. relieve migraine headaches
d. stop progression of multiple sclerosis
40. Quinidine gluconate (Dura Quin) is prescribed for a client. The nurse reviews the
client’s medical record, knowing that which of the following is a contraindication
in the use of this medication?
a. complete atrioventricular (AV) block
b. muscle weakness
c. asthma
d. infection
41. A client has been taking benzonatate (Tessalon) as ordered. The nurse tells the
client that this medication should do which of the following?
a. take away nausea and vomiting
b. calm the persistent cough
c. decrease anxiety level
d. increase comfort level
42. Auranofin (Ridaura) is prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis, and the
nurse monitors the client for signs of an adverse effect related to the medication.
Which of the following indicates an adverse effect?
a. nausea
b. diarrhea
c. anorexia
d. proteinuria
43. A nurse is providing instructions to a client regarding quinapril hydrochloride
(Accupril). The nurse tells the client:
a. to take the medication with food only
b. to rise slowly from a lying to a sitting position
c. to discontinue the medication if nausea occurs
d. that a therapeutic effect will be noted immediately
44. A female client tells the clinic nurse that her skin is very dry and irritated. Which
product would the nurse suggest that the client apply to the dry skin?
a. glycerin emollient
b. aspercreame
c. myoflex
d. acetic acid solution
 45. A client with advanced cirrhosis of the liver is not tolerating protein well, as
eveidenced by abnormal laboratory values. The nurse anticipates that which of the
following medications will be prescribed for the client?
a. lactulose (Chronulac)
b. ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
c. folic acid (Folvite)
d. thiamine (Vitamin B1)

46. A nurse is planning dietary counseling for the client taking triamterene
(Dyrenium). The nurse plans to include which of the following in a list of foods
that are acceptable?
a. baked potato
b. bananas
c. oranges
d. pears canned in water
47. A client is taking famotidine (Pepcid) asks the home care nurse what would be the
best medication to take for a headache. The nurse tells the client that it would be
best to take:
a. aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)
b. ibuprofen (Motrin)
c. acetaminophen (Tylenol)
d. naproxen (Naprosyn)
48. A nurse has taught a client taking a xanthine bronchodilator about beverages to
avoid. The nurse determines that the client understands the information if the
client chooses which of the following beverages from the dietary menu?
a. chocolate milk
b. cranberry juice
c. coffee
d. cola
49. A client with histoplasmosis has an order for ketoconazole (Nizoral). The nurse
teaches the client to do which of the following while taking this medication?
a. take the medication on an empty stomach
b. take the medication with an antacid
c. avoid exposure to sunlight
d. limit alcohol to 2 ounces per day
50. A nurse is preparing the client’s morning NPH insulin dose and notices a clumpy
precipitate inside the insulin vial. The nurse should:
a. draw up and administer the dose
b. shake the vial in an attempt to disperse the clumps
c. draw the dose from a new vial
d. warm the bottle under running water to dissolve the clump