NCLEX Pharmacology Practice Questions

15 free NCLEX-RN pharmacology questions with answers and rationales — perfect for pharmacology nclex questions practice. Want them as an interactive timed quiz?

Take the interactive quiz →Unlock full bank

1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for to prevent digoxin toxicity?
- A. Hypokalemia ✓
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A. Hypokalemia — Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing its effects on cardiac tissues.
2. A patient is receiving morphine sulfate for pain management. Which side effect should the nurse prioritize monitoring?
- A. Constipation
- B. Respiratory depression ✓
- C. Nausea
- D. Pruritus
Answer: B. Respiratory depression — Respiratory depression is the most critical side effect of morphine due to its potential to be life-threatening.
3. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which dietary instruction should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Avoid leafy green vegetables ✓
- B. Increase protein intake
- C. Limit dairy products
- D. Increase vitamin C intake
Answer: A. Avoid leafy green vegetables — Leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
4. A patient is to receive a first dose of lisinopril. What is the most important nursing action prior to administration?
- A. Check the patient's potassium level
- B. Assess for a history of asthma
- C. Measure blood pressure ✓
- D. Monitor liver function tests
Answer: C. Measure blood pressure — Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause hypotension, especially after the first dose.
5. A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which condition is a contraindication to the use of metformin?
- A. Renal insufficiency ✓
- B. Hypertension
- C. Hypothyroidism
- D. Asthma
Answer: A. Renal insufficiency — Metformin is contraindicated in renal insufficiency due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
6. A patient with bipolar disorder is starting lithium therapy. What should the nurse teach the patient regarding fluid intake?
- A. Maintain a consistent intake of 2-3 liters per day ✓
- B. Restrict fluid intake to less than 1 liter per day
- C. Increase fluid intake during exercise only
- D. Decrease fluid intake if weight gain occurs
Answer: A. Maintain a consistent intake of 2-3 liters per day — Adequate hydration is essential to prevent lithium toxicity due to its renal excretion.
7. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. When should the nurse instruct the patient to take the medication?
- A. In the morning on an empty stomach ✓
- B. With a glass of milk before bed
- C. With meals to aid absorption
- D. At bedtime with a snack
Answer: A. In the morning on an empty stomach — Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and efficacy.
8. A patient with a history of depression is prescribed fluoxetine. What is a key side effect that the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Sedation
- C. Weight gain
- D. Suicidal ideation ✓
Answer: D. Suicidal ideation — Antidepressants, especially in the initial treatment period, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
9. A patient with a bacterial infection is prescribed vancomycin. What is the most important nursing consideration when administering this medication?
- A. Monitor for signs of ototoxicity
- B. Administer with a large meal
- C. Infuse over at least 60 minutes ✓
- D. Ensure it is given intramuscularly
Answer: C. Infuse over at least 60 minutes — Vancomycin should be infused slowly to prevent red man syndrome, a reaction characterized by flushing and rash.
10. A patient is receiving furosemide for heart failure. What is the most important laboratory value for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Blood glucose
- B. Serum potassium ✓
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum creatinine
Answer: B. Serum potassium — Furosemide can cause hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications.
11. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse include about this medication?
- A. Avoid folic acid supplements
- B. Report any signs of infection immediately ✓
- C. Take with vitamin D supplements
- D. Increase intake of dairy products
Answer: B. Report any signs of infection immediately — Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant, increasing the risk of infections.
12. A patient is prescribed atorvastatin. Which adverse effect should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
- A. Muscle pain or weakness ✓
- B. Headache
- C. Constipation
- D. Flushing
Answer: A. Muscle pain or weakness — Muscle pain or weakness can indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin.
13. A patient on heparin therapy develops bleeding gums. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Administer protamine sulfate
- B. Apply pressure to the sites
- C. Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider ✓
- D. Check the patient's platelet count
Answer: C. Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider — Bleeding is a sign of potential heparin overdose requiring immediate intervention and provider notification.
14. A patient with a new prescription for albuterol inhaler should be taught to monitor for which side effect?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tremors ✓
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Tremors — Albuterol, a beta-agonist, can cause tremors as a common side effect due to its stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
15. A patient receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin develops tinnitus. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Reassure the patient that this is a common side effect
- B. Discontinue the medication immediately
- C. Notify the healthcare provider ✓
- D. Encourage increased fluid intake
Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider — Tinnitus can be an early sign of ototoxicity, requiring provider evaluation and potential alteration of therapy.

+ 45 more Pharmacology questions in the full bank

Unlock full NCLEX bank →

NCLEX Pharmacology Practice Questions

More NCLEX practice topics