All Free Nursing Pharmacology MCQs with Answers

• A. 0.9% sodium chloride
• B. 3% sodium chloride
• C. 5% dextrose in water
• D. 20% human albumin

Explanation: 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic crystalloid that expands extracellular fluid volume.

• A. 0.9% sodium chloride
• B. Ringer lactate
• C. 5% human albumin
• D. 5% dextrose in water

Explanation: Human albumin is a colloid containing large protein molecules that increase plasma oncotic pressure.

• A. Give it by rapid IV push
• B. Administer it diluted through an infusion pump
• C. Mix it with blood in the same tubing
• D. Give it undiluted through a small vein

Explanation: IV potassium chloride must be diluted and administered at a controlled rate using an infusion pump because rapid administration can cause…

• A. Phlebitis
• B. Infiltration
• C. Fluid overload
• D. Haemolytic reaction

Explanation: Infiltration occurs when a nonvesicant IV fluid enters surrounding tissue, causing coolness, pallor, swelling and a slow infusion.

• A. Increase the infusion rate
• B. Stop the infusion and assess the site
• C. Apply pressure and continue the infusion
• D. Flush the cannula with concentrated saline

Explanation: These findings indicate phlebitis, so the nurse should stop the infusion and assess the IV site before removing the cannula according to…

• A. Slow or stop the infusion and assess breathing
• B. Place the patient flat and offer oral fluids
• C. Flush the line rapidly with normal saline
• D. Apply a warm compress to the IV site

Explanation: Breathlessness, crackles and falling oxygen saturation suggest fluid overload with an immediate breathing problem.

• A. 5% dextrose in water
• B. 0.9% sodium chloride
• C. Ringer lactate
• D. 5% human albumin

Explanation: 0.9% sodium chloride is compatible with blood components and is used with standard blood administration tubing.

• A. Verify the patient and blood details with a second trained nurse
• B. Warm the blood in a microwave for faster administration
• C. Add medication to the blood bag before transfusion
• D. Start the unit without checking the expiry time

Explanation: The patient identity, blood group, compatibility record, unit number and expiry must be checked according to hospital policy, commonly by…

• A. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline
• B. Reduce the rate and continue while observing the patient
• C. Give an antipyretic and restart the same unit
• D. Flush the blood rapidly through the existing tubing

Explanation: Chills, fever and back pain may indicate an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction, which is life threatening.

• A. Mild allergic transfusion reaction
• B. Acute haemolytic transfusion reaction
• C. Febrile non-haemolytic reaction
• D. Circulatory overload reaction

Explanation: Itching and urticaria without respiratory or circulatory compromise are typical of a mild allergic reaction to plasma proteins.

• A. 0.45% sodium chloride
• B. 0.9% sodium chloride
• C. 3% sodium chloride
• D. 5% human albumin

Explanation: 0.45% sodium chloride is hypotonic and provides less sodium than plasma, so water moves into cells.

• A. To replace routine daily fluid losses
• B. To rapidly correct severe shock
• C. To increase the patient's haemoglobin
• D. To provide immediate treatment for hyperkalaemia

Explanation: Maintenance fluids replace expected daily water and electrolyte losses when oral intake is inadequate.

• A. 100 mL per hour
• B. 125 mL per hour
• C. 150 mL per hour
• D. 175 mL per hour

Explanation: The rate is calculated as 1,000 mL divided by 8 hours, which equals 125 mL per hour.

• A. Electronic infusion pump
• B. Gravity tubing without a clamp
• C. Syringe without a driver
• D. Blood pressure cuff around the bag

Explanation: An electronic infusion pump controls the volume and rate accurately, especially when a small or precise amount is prescribed.

• A. Improved appetite
• B. New dependent oedema
• C. Warm hands bilaterally
• D. Urine that is pale yellow

Explanation: New dependent oedema with rapid weight gain can be an early sign of excess fluid retention.

• A. Neurological status and serum sodium
• B. Bowel sounds and abdominal girth
• C. Visual acuity and hearing
• D. Skin temperature and hair texture

Explanation: Hypertonic saline can change serum sodium rapidly, and neurological observations help detect worsening hyponatraemia or complications of…

• A. To test donor serum against recipient urine
• B. To test recipient serum against donor red cells
• C. To measure the patient's clotting time
• D. To determine the donor's platelet count

Explanation: A major crossmatch tests the recipient's serum against donor red cells for antibodies that could cause agglutination or haemolysis.

• A. A blood filter
• B. A burette chamber
• C. A urinary drainage bag
• D. A nebuliser reservoir

Explanation: Blood administration sets contain a filter that helps remove clots and particulate material before the blood enters the patient.

• A. AB positive
• B. A positive
• C. B negative
• D. O negative

Explanation: O negative red cells lack A, B, and Rh D antigens and are generally used when emergency red-cell transfusion is needed before…

• A. Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction
• B. Simple crystalloid infiltration
• C. Immediate allergic skin reaction
• D. Venous air embolism

Explanation: A delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction can occur several days after transfusion when antibodies destroy transfused red cells, causing…