These questions are one of the NCLEX prep samples for Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies. This post has a 15 set of questions with the accompanying answers and rationale located at the bottom. If you want to answer all of our NCLEX questions interactively then be one of our member today. Click here to join. It’s Free.
1. A patient in CCU (Coronary Care Unit) is receiving Digoxin (Lanoxin) and Furosemide (Lasix). In assessing the patient’s lab values, which of the following might the nurse expect to see?
a. Increase specific gravity of urine
b. Hyperkalemia
c. Hypokalemia
d. Hypernatremia
2. You are caring for a client just diagnosed with 3 degree A-V Block. Which of the following should the nurse be prepared to do?
a. Assist in possible insertion of a pacemaker
b. Administer Digoxin
c. Administer Lidocaine
d. Assist in doing CPR
3. A client is discharged on Digoxin (Lanoxin) following hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation. In preparing a Discharge Teaching Plan, the nurse would NOT include which of the following?
a. Take pulse correctly and count for one full minute
b. Report any signs and/or symptoms such as ocular disturbances, anorexia, etc., to M.D. promptly
c. Take another dose of medication if first dose is vomited
d. Withhold drug if heart rate falls below 60 bpm
4. A mother calls the clinic and asks to speak to the nurse regarding her 6 month old daughter who has been vomiting for the past 24 hours. The mother states that the baby is on Digoxin for a congenital heart defect and she is concerned that this may be a serious problem. What instructions should the nurse give to the mother over the phone?
a. Check the infant’s pulse for a HR <100 BPM
b. Increase the infant’s fluid intake
c. Check the infant for a wet diaper
d. Redose the digoxin
5. On a tour of the labor and delivery suite, a prospective couple asks the nurse when do you put the erythromycin ointment in the baby’s eyes. The correct response would be:
a. “It is only done if the mother has a chlamydia infection at the time of delivery.”
b. “It is only used if the baby has signs or symptoms of an eye infection.”
c. “It is placed in the eyes immediately after the delivery.”
d. “It is placed in the eyes after the parents have had a chance to hold the baby.“
6. A woman has been in labor for 13 hours and is 4 cm dilated, 50% effaced. She is on a Pitocin drip. The nurse is aware to discontinue the Pitocin if:
a. The woman complains of pain
b. The contractions are 90 seconds in duration
c. The contractions are 3 minutes apart
d. The contractions are not causing cervical dilation
7. A patient being treated for schizophrenia is started on Thorazine 200mg qid. The doctor has ordered Cogentin for this patient. The nurse is aware that the Cogentin is given:
a. To decrease the incidence of seizures
b. To reduce side effects of the Thorazine
c. To potentiate the action of Thorazine
d. To improve and stabilize mood
8. A patient with major depression has been placed on Parnate. The nurse teaches the patient the dietary restrictions required while taking an MAO inhibitor. The following statement made by the patient indicates the patient needs more teaching:
a. “I should avoid stimulants like caffeine and any drugs with epinephrine.”
b. “I can’t have smoked fish or pickled vegetables.”
c. “I should eat fresh foods and keep my lunch refrigerated when I go to work.”
d. “I should use over the counter cold remedies when I get sick.”
9. A mother who has just delivered is a known cocaine abuser. During the neonatal assessment, the nurse would assess the baby for the following complications:
a. Drowsiness, respiratory depression, sluggish reflexes
b. Irritability, jitterness, tachycardia
c. Fever, irritability, difficulty breathing
d. Poor muscle tone, persistent peripheral cyanosis, sleepiness
10. A patient has been placed on Prozac [Fluoxetine] to treat a major depression. The nurse is aware that Prozac is an SSRI which is different from a tricyclic antidepressant. Two advantages of Prozac related to side effects would be:
a. Facilitates weight loss and doesn’t potentiate seizures
b. Improves sleep and builds bone density
c. Strengthens immune system and improves sleep
d. Improves mood and stabilizes mood swings
11. A patient attends a medication class on Lithium. The following statement made by the patient indicates she needs additional medication teaching:
a. “I will need to have my Lithium blood level monitored.”
b. “I should have salt in my diet.”
c. “I should take a diuretic if I feel bloated.
d. “I should tell the nurse if I have diarrhea and vomiting.“
12. A schizophrenic patient has been placed on Prolixin. He complains that he hates having to take medication because it reminds him that he’s ill. The nurse reports this to the treatment team and recommends the doctor prescribe Prolixin Decanoate. The advantage of Prolixin Decanoate is:
a. The dose is minimal with few side effects
b. It is given by injection once every 1-2 weeks
c. It is given by injection once every 3-4 weeks
d. The dose can be given once a day
13. A patient with Pseudomonas is placed on Gentamycin Sulfate (Garamycin). Which of the following assessment parameters is NOT indicative of a potential serious adverse/toxic effect of this pharmacological agent?
a. Patient complains of decreased hearing or hearing loss
b. Elevation of serum BUN and/or Creatinine
c. Urine output of less than 600ml daily
d. Nausea and vomiting
14. You are taking care of a patient on Amphotericin-B. Which of the following electrolyte disturbances should the nurse be alert for:
a. Changes in Serum Potassium and Serum Sodium
b. Changes in Serum Potassium and Serum Magnesium
c. Changes in Serum Sodium and BUN
d. Changes in BUN and Creatinine
15. A young athlete injures his knee in football practice. The team doctor prescribes Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain, and to reduce inflammation. Following three weeks of therapy the patient develops petechiae, and a blood test reveals a Platelet Count of 9,000. The nurse can expect that:
a. The patient will be able to continue therapy with this medication
b. That the dosage will be reduced from 6 to 3 tablets daily
c. That the medication will be discontinued, and an alternative therapy will be prescribed
d. That the doctor will order repeat lab studies, as they are likely in error
ANSWERS & RATIONALE of NCLEX Practice Test for Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies