All Free Nursing Pharmacology MCQs with Answers

Every Nursing Pharmacology question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

450 questions · page 13 of 23

Very hard
  • A. Increasing bronchial secretions
  • B. Worsening pinpoint pupils
  • C. Dry skin with marked tachycardia
  • D. Increasing abdominal cramping

Explanation: Dry skin, tachycardia, dilated pupils and urinary retention suggest excessive antimuscarinic effects from atropine.

Correct answer: Dry skin with marked tachycardia
  • A. Polyvalent antivenom
  • B. Atropine injection
  • C. Vitamin K injection
  • D. Methylene blue infusion

Explanation: Polyvalent antivenom binds and neutralises venom from several medically important snake species.

Correct answer: Polyvalent antivenom
Very hard
  • A. Deferoxamine
  • B. Calcium disodium edetate
  • C. Pralidoxime
  • D. Protamine sulfate

Explanation: Calcium disodium edetate binds lead and promotes its removal in significant lead poisoning.

Correct answer: Calcium disodium edetate
  • A. Idarucizumab
  • B. Phytonadione
  • C. Protamine sulfate
  • D. Andexanet alfa

Explanation: Idarucizumab is a specific antibody fragment that reverses the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran.

Correct answer: Idarucizumab
Moderate
  • A. Expected transient drug effects
  • B. Evidence of severe digoxin toxicity
  • C. A delayed allergic reaction
  • D. A sign of permanent heart block

Explanation: Adenosine commonly causes brief flushing, chest discomfort and transient slowing or asystole because its half-life is very short.

Correct answer: Expected transient drug effects
Moderate
  • A. Assess and support the airway
  • B. Induce vomiting with an emetic
  • C. Give activated charcoal by mouth
  • D. Offer milk to dilute the toxin

Explanation: Airway assessment and support come first because aspiration can rapidly threaten breathing and life.

Correct answer: Assess and support the airway
  • A. Mild dry mouth
  • B. A falling serum potassium level
  • C. Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia
  • D. Temporary blurred near vision

Explanation: Persistent hypotension or worsening dysrhythmia indicates ongoing life-threatening cardiac toxicity and requires urgent reassessment and…

Correct answer: Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia
Moderate
  • A. Slow the infusion and continue observing
  • B. Stop the infusion and assess the site
  • C. Flush rapidly with normal saline
  • D. Apply pressure and restart at the same site

Explanation: Calcium can cause serious tissue injury if it extravasates, so the infusion must be stopped immediately and the site assessed.

Correct answer: Stop the infusion and assess the site
Very hard
  • A. Red discoloration of skin and body fluids
  • B. Blue discoloration of the lips
  • C. Permanent pupil constriction
  • D. Severe salivation and diarrhoea

Explanation: Hydroxocobalamin commonly causes red skin and red discoloration of urine and other body fluids, which can interfere with some laboratory…

Correct answer: Red discoloration of skin and body fluids
Moderate
  • A. Intravenous hydrocortisone
  • B. Oral fludrocortisone
  • C. Intravenous furosemide
  • D. Subcutaneous insulin

Explanation: Intravenous hydrocortisone rapidly replaces deficient cortisol and helps restore vascular response during adrenal crisis.

Correct answer: Intravenous hydrocortisone
  • A. Insulin lispro
  • B. Regular insulin
  • C. NPH insulin
  • D. Insulin glargine

Explanation: Insulin lispro is rapid acting and usually starts working in about 15 minutes, so it is given close to meals.

Correct answer: Insulin lispro
  • A. Mix it with NPH insulin in one syringe
  • B. Mix it with regular insulin before injection
  • C. Give it separately from other insulin preparations
  • D. Shake it vigorously to resuspend the insulin

Explanation: Insulin glargine must be administered separately because mixing can alter its action and stability.

Correct answer: Give it separately from other insulin preparations
Moderate
  • A. Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate
  • B. Administer the scheduled dose of insulin
  • C. Encourage the patient to walk for ten minutes
  • D. Give a high-fat meal and recheck tomorrow

Explanation: The symptoms and glucose level indicate conscious hypoglycaemia, so fast-acting carbohydrate is given first.

Correct answer: Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate
  • A. It stimulates pancreatic insulin release
  • B. It reduces hepatic glucose production
  • C. It replaces circulating thyroid hormone
  • D. It blocks intestinal fat absorption

Explanation: Metformin primarily decreases glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.

Correct answer: It reduces hepatic glucose production
  • A. I take it with breakfast and milk each morning
  • B. I take it on an empty stomach before breakfast
  • C. I stop it when my energy level becomes normal
  • D. I take it only when I feel symptoms of hypothyroidism

Explanation: Levothyroxine is usually taken consistently on an empty stomach, commonly 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, to improve absorption.

Correct answer: I take it on an empty stomach before breakfast
Hard
  • A. Advise extra fluids and continue the medicine
  • B. Report the symptoms promptly to the prescriber
  • C. Give the next dose with an antacid
  • D. Reassure the patient that this is an expected effect

Explanation: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious adverse effect of methimazole that requires prompt evaluation and a blood…

Correct answer: Report the symptoms promptly to the prescriber
Hard
  • A. Stop the medicine when symptoms improve
  • B. Double the dose after missing any tablet
  • C. Taper the medicine only as prescribed
  • D. Take the medicine only during an infection

Explanation: Long-term corticosteroid therapy suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, so sudden withdrawal can cause adrenal insufficiency.

Correct answer: Taper the medicine only as prescribed
Moderate
  • A. Increased appetite after the morning dose
  • B. Mild facial rounding over several weeks
  • C. Fever with a productive cough
  • D. Difficulty sleeping after an evening dose

Explanation: Corticosteroids suppress immune and inflammatory responses, so infection may develop with less obvious symptoms and requires prompt…

Correct answer: Fever with a productive cough
Moderate
  • A. Take it with milk before going to bed
  • B. Take it with plain water and remain upright
  • C. Take it with calcium at the same time
  • D. Crush it and mix it with fruit juice

Explanation: Alendronate is taken with plain water on an empty stomach, and the patient remains upright to reduce oesophageal irritation and improve…

Correct answer: Take it with plain water and remain upright
  • A. Advise her to rest and observe the symptoms
  • B. Arrange urgent assessment for possible pulmonary embolism
  • C. Suggest taking the next tablet with food
  • D. Explain that mild breathlessness is expected

Explanation: Combined hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, and sudden chest pain with shortness of breath may…

Correct answer: Arrange urgent assessment for possible pulmonary embolism