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Pharmacology Mock Exam 1

Total questions: 50

Worksheet time: 29mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

An order is written for two highly protein bound drugs. What is your major concern?

a)

Bone loss

b)

Hyperlipemia

c)

Toxicity

d)

Malabsorption

2.

A nurse understands that a decrease in villi caused by a disease or removal of intestines will affect which pharmacokinetic process:

a)

Distribution

b)

Absorption

c)

Metabolism

d)

Excretion

3.

The nurse understands that administration of lidocaine was not ordered by oral route and therefore will not be subjected to

a)

toxicity

b)

first pass effect

c)

absorption

d)

liver damage

4.

You know the nursing student understands the concept of IV drugs in relation to bioavailability, if he says:

a)

The bioavailability is 75%

b)

Oral drugs are relatively more bioavailable than IV drugs

c)

Bioavailability of IV drugs is 100%

d)

IV drugs are non-bioavailable

5.

What is the priority nursing intervention when administering digoxin, a medication with a narrow therapeutic index?

a)

Assessment for fall risks

b)

Checking of vital signs

c)

Monitoring plasma drug levels

d)

Monitoring respiratory rates

6.

The student nurse is aware that the following affect drug bioavailability. Select all that apply.

a)

Drug form

b)

Gastric motility

c)

Route of administration

d)

Changes in liver function

e)

Right patient

7.

Sulbactam intensifies the action of ampicillin and this causes stronger therapeutic effects. You understand this interaction as

a)

Synergism

b)

Additive effects

c)

Antagonism

d)

Maximal efficacy

8.

The nurse is caring a cancer patient who has been on pain medications for several weeks. The patient complains that their pain medication is no longer helping like it used to. The nurse's best response would be:

a)

"It's possible you developed a tolerance to the drug. Let's ask the healthcare provider about changing your dose or medication."

b)

"It's possible your cancer has gotten worse and you're no longer going to respond to the pain medication."

c)

"Unfortunately we worry that you will become addicted to these meds, and we won't be able do much else."

d)

"Have you tried deep breathing exercises to get through the pain?"

9.

True or False?


Peak levels are drawn before the next dose of drug is administered.

a)

True

b)

False

10.

True or False?


A diseased kidney majorly affects drug metabolism.

a)

True

b)

False

11.

If the nurse is unsure about a drug's dosage, side effects, therapeutic effect, contraindications, or adverse effects, they should consult which of the following to determine the correct answer? Select all that apply.

a)

a drug reference book

b)

a pharmacist

c)

an acceptable technology resource (eg. Epocrates, micromedex)

d)

Google

e)

another nurse

12.

The culture of safety in a health organization requires extra commitment from which of these?

a)

Nurse managers and risk managers, who conduct root cause analysis

b)

The Joint Commission, who tracks sentinel events in the database

c)

Doctors and all health care providers

d)

Everyone in the organization reports errors.

13.

You understand the importance of right documentation as including. Select all that apply.

a)

Making sure charting/documentation before the end of shift

b)

Including nurse’s signature and initials

c)

Drug name and dose

d)

Patient’s signature and initials

14.

True or False?


The American Nurses Association Bill of Rights for nurses contain items that protect nurses safe practice and drug administration.

a)

True

b)

False

15.

One of these is a safe practice for consumers who do not have DEA authorized collectors or medicine take-back programs:

a)

Flushing down the toilet, left over medication.

b)

Mixing medication with dirt or used coffee grounds

c)

Flush down sinks with enough water

d)

None of the above

16.

A patient says “ I guess I don’t need to tell the doctor about my vitamins because they are not actual medications”. What is your response?

a)

Vitamins are supplements. They are not considered drugs.

b)

It is wrong for non-health workers to make such assumptions

c)

Vitamins and all forms of supplements are medications and it is important you notify your HCP about them.

d)

All of the above.

17.

The nurse is asking the patient about medications he is on and every known drug allergy. Which step in the nursing process is the nurse applying to safe drug administration?

a)

Nursing diagnosis/problem

b)

Medication history

c)

Assessment

d)

Evaluation

18.

You understand that which of the six rights of medication is being checked when the nurse asks about patient’s name and date of birth:

a)

Right patient

b)

Right time

c)

Right documentation

d)

All of the above

19.

The patient has been taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acid-reducing drug because he has had “stomach problems” for several months. He tells the nurse that the medicine helps as long as he takes it, but once he stops it, the symptoms return. Which statement by the nurse is the best advice for this patient?

a)

“The over-the-counter drug has helped you, so you should continue to take it.”

b)

“The over-the-counter dosage may not be strong enough. You should be taking prescription-strength for best effects.”

c)

“For best results, you need to watch what you eat in addition to taking this drug.”

d)

“Using this drug may relieve your symptoms, but it does not address the cause. Please make an appointment with your health care provider.”

20.

The nurse is performing an assessment of a newly admitted patient. Which is an example of subjective data?

a)

Blood pressure 130/86 mm Hg

b)

The patient states he takes herbal medications

c)

Age of 26

d)

The patient's complete blood count results.

21.

A patient is discussing his wish to use herbal products instead of medications and exclaims, "They work! The government tests them!" How will the nurse respond?

a)

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration enforces standards of herbal product quality and safety."

b)

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires the manufacturers of herbal products to prove that the herbals are effective."

c)

"The U.S. government sets standards for quality control of herbal products."

d)

"In the United States, herbal products are classified as dietary supplements and do not undergo testing for effectiveness."

22.

Name at least one concept you're struggling with for this first exam.

4 lines
23.

A patient refuses to take the prescribed medication. Which is the nurse's best response to this patient?

a)

Leave the medication at the patient's bedside

b)

Persuade the patient to take the medication

c)

Tell the patient there is no choice in the matter

d)

Explain the benefits and side effects of the drug

24.

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who states, "I don't want to take that medication. I do not want one more pill." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a)

"Your physician prescribed it for you, so you really should take it."

b)

"Well, let's just get this over quickly then."

c)

"Okay, I'll just give you your other medications."

d)

"Tell me your concerns about taking this medication."

25.

The nurse administers a medication to the wrong client. Which is the appropriate nursing action following this error?

a)

Assess the client for an adverse reaction and report if an adverse event occurs.

b)

Document the medication error. No further action is required

c)

Report the error and document the medication on the patient chart

d)

Assess the client. Notify the provider and document the error on an incident report.

26.

The nurse has been monitoring the patient’s progress on a new drug regimen since the first dose and documenting the patient’s therapeutic response to the medication. Which phase of the nursing process do these actions illustrate?

a)

Nursing diagnosis

b)

Planning

c)

Implementation

d)

Evaluation

27.

The nurse is reviewing principles of immunization. What type of immunization occurs when antibodies pass from mother to infant during breastfeeding or through the placenta during pregnancy?

a)

Artificial active immunization

b)

Attenuating immunization

c)

Natural Passive immunization

d)

Artificial Passive immunization

28.

True or False: Side effects are always undesirable.

a)

True

b)

False

29.

A 25-year-old woman is visiting the prenatal clinic and shares with the nurse her desire to go “natural” with her pregnancy. She shows the nurse a list of herbal remedies that she wants to buy so that she can “avoid taking any drugs.” Which statement by the nurse is correct?

a)

“Most herbal remedies are not harmful and are safe for use during pregnancy.”

b)

“Please read each label carefully before use to check for cautionary warnings.”

c)

“Keep in mind that products from different manufacturers are required to contain consistent amounts of the herbal products.”

d)

“It’s important to remember that herbal remedies do not have proven safety ratings for pregnant women.”

30.

Which technique would be most appropriate to use when the nurse is teaching a patient with a language barrier?

a)

Obtain an interpreter who can speak in the patient's native language for teaching sessions

b)

Use detailed explanations, speaking slowly and clearly

c)

Assume that the patient understands the information presented if the patient has no questions

d)

Provide only written instructions

31.

A patient wants to take the herb gingko to help his memory. The nurse reviews his current medication list and would be concerned about potential interactions if he is taking a medication from which class of drugs?

a)

Digitalis

b)

Anticoagulants

c)

Sedatives

d)

Immunosuppressants

32.

The nurse would teach a patient to avoid which supplement while on anticoagulant therapy?

a)

Garlic

b)

Thistle

c)

Peppermint

d)

Valerian tea

33.

Which type of immunity is rendered through vaccines?

a)

Herd

b)

Cell-mediated

c)

Naturally acquired passive

d)

Artificially acquired active

34.

Which phrase describes the requirement of the ethical principle of justice?

a)

Respect for persons

b)

Treating persons equally

c)

Telling the truth to persons

d)

Providing possible benefits to a person

35.

A pregnant patient is complaining of nausea and does not want to take prescription medications but is open to herbal remedies. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

a)

“Research has shown that ginger is effective for short-term relief of nausea during pregnancy.”

b)

“Peppermint has been used to treat nausea and indigestion. It would probably work well for you during your pregnancy. Let me get you some information.”

c)

“There aren’t any herbal remedies that will really help during pregnancy. I would strongly consider using a prescription drug to help stop your nausea.”

d)

“Garlic has been shown to be effective in relieving nausea in pregnancy due to motion sickness. Let’s talk to the health care provider about an appropriate dose.”

36.

Which agencies would health care providers report cases of adverse reactions to vaccinations?

a)

National Vaccine Safety Administration

b)

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

c)

Very Awful Effects Regarding Shots organization

d)

National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act program

37.

Which technique would the nurse use to promote medication independence when educating a patient who cannot read?

a)

Label original bottles

b)

Share directions from the manufacturer

c)

Instruct family members

d)

Use a color-coded chart with photographs

38.

Which question should the nurse ask a patient taking herbal supplement during the assessment phase of the nursing process?

a)

“Herbal remedies are never as safe as prescription drugs.”

b)

“How long have you been taking turmeric for your heartburn?”

c)

“Isn’t it a bad idea to see an herbalist instead of a doctor?”

d)

“I’m going to give you a referral to a dietitian who help you with your symptoms”

39.

Central nervous system stimulant drugs are given to patients with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and are potent, with high potential for abuse and dependence. Based on this knowledge, how would this group of drugs be classified?

a)

Schedule I

b)

Schedule II

c)

Schedule III

d)

Schedule IV

40.

The health care provider has asked the nurse to administer the shingles vaccine to a parent and the chickenpox vaccine to the child. Which vaccines does the nurse administer to the patients?

a)

Varicella to both patients

b)

Herpes zoster to both patients

c)

Herpes zoster to the child and varicella to the adult

d)

Herpes zoster to the adult and varicella to the child

41.

The nurse is caring for patients in a clinical drug trial. One of the patients decides they want to quit. Which basic ethical principle allows the patient to leave the trial midway?

a)

Justice

b)

Veracity

c)

Autonomy

d)

Beneficence

42.

The nurse is reviewing a patient’s medication orders. Which element of the prescription does the nurse specifically check? (Select all that apply. SATA)

a)

Expiration date of the drug

b)

Name of the patient

c)

Drug name

d)

Signature of the health care provider

e)

Drug allergies

43.

A prescription order for a patient reads: “acetaminophen two tablets PO, every 6 hours as needed for fever.” Which part of the order does the nurse ask the health care provider to clarify?

a)

Name

b)

Dosage

c)

Frequency

d)

Route

44.

When a new patient is transferred from one unit of the hospital to another, which action is the most useful in preventing medication errors?

a)

Completing a drug reconciliation between units

b)

Participating in a verbal report from the transferring nurse

c)

Asking the patient which medications they received in the previous unit

d)

Asking the primary care provider to rewrite all prescriptions upon transfer

45.

The nurse will question the health care provider if a drug with a half-life of 6 hours is ordered to be given more than how often?

a)

every 4 hours

b)

every 8 hours

c)

every 12 hours

d)

every 24 hours

46.

A nurse is reviewing a patient’s medication prescriptions. One of the prescriptions is written as “Diazepam 5 mg once daily at 2100”. Which action does the nurse take?

a)

Administer the medicine to the patient by mouth at 2100.

b)

Administer the medicine to the patient intravenously at 2100

c)

Administer the medicine to the patient intramuscularly at 2100

d)

Administer the medicine after confirming the route with the health care provider.

47.

The nurse is educating a patient about the precautions for using enteric-coated tablets. Which statement made by the patient indicates the need for further teaching??

a)

“I can take half a tablet when required”

b)

“I can drink more fluids after taking the medicine”

c)

“I should be patient when waiting for the therapeutic effect”

d)

“I should avoid taking any other medications before the drug action”

48.

Which effect is achieved when naloxone (an antidote) is given to a patient who has overdosed on morphine?

a)

Additive

b)

Negative

c)

Synergistic

d)

Antagonistic

49.

The therapeutic blood level range for an antibiotic is 4 to 10 mcg/mL. Which should the nurse conclude when the lab test indicates a peak level of 12 mcg/mL?

a)

Drug dose is safe.

b)

Drug dose is subtherapeutic.

c)

Patient is at risk for drug accumulation

d)

Client’s next dose of the drug should be given over a longer period of time.

50.

An antibiotic is to be given via IV piggyback every 12 hours to a patient. At which time would the nurse schedule a blood sample to be drawn to determine the trough level when the drug is being administered at 2:00PM?

a)

1:30 PM

b)

2:30 AM

c)

3:00 PM

d)

8:00 PM