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 17 of 23
- A. 5% dextrose in water
- B. Lactated Ringer's solution
- C. 3% sodium chloride
- D. 20% human albumin
Explanation: Lactated Ringer's solution is a balanced isotonic crystalloid containing sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and lactate.
Correct answer: Lactated Ringer's solution- A. Rapid expansion of intravascular volume
- B. Provision of free water and limited calories
- C. Correction of severe symptomatic hyponatraemia
- D. Replacement of large plasma protein losses
Explanation: Glucose is metabolised, leaving free water that distributes through body compartments, with a small carbohydrate contribution.
Correct answer: Provision of free water and limited calories- A. Slow the infusion and reassess the site
- B. Stop the infusion and remove the cannula
- C. Apply heat and continue the infusion
- D. Flush the cannula with normal saline
Explanation: These findings indicate infiltration, so the nurse stops the infusion and removes the cannula to prevent further leakage into tissue.
Correct answer: Stop the infusion and remove the cannula- A. Increase the programmed infusion rate
- B. Inspect the tubing and IV site for obstruction
- C. Silence the alarm and leave the infusion running
- D. Flush forcefully without checking the IV site
Explanation: The nurse should assess the tubing, clamps, connections and cannula site to find the obstruction before correcting it.
Correct answer: Inspect the tubing and IV site for obstruction- A. 21 drops per minute
- B. 42 drops per minute
- C. 63 drops per minute
- D. 84 drops per minute
Explanation: The calculation is 500 mL × 20 drops/mL ÷ 240 minutes = 41.7 drops/minute, rounded to 42 drops/minute.
Correct answer: 42 drops per minute- A. Add prescribed antibiotics to the blood bag
- B. Use the same tubing for several different units
- C. Administer other IV medicines through the blood line
- D. Use a separate line for medicines and blood products
Explanation: Medications must not be added to blood or administered through the blood tubing because they may cause incompatibility or harm the cells.
Correct answer: Use a separate line for medicines and blood products- A. A positive
- B. B positive
- C. AB positive
- D. AB negative
Explanation: A B-positive recipient can receive B-positive packed cells because the donor red cells carry the recipient's ABO and Rh antigens.
Correct answer: B positive- A. Febrile non-haemolytic reaction
- B. Acute haemolytic reaction
- C. Mild allergic reaction
- D. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload
Explanation: Fever and chills without evidence of red-cell destruction are typical of a febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction.
Correct answer: Febrile non-haemolytic reaction- A. Slow the transfusion and observe the patient
- B. Stop the transfusion and support the airway
- C. Give oral fluids and document the symptoms
- D. Restart the transfusion after changing the filter
Explanation: Wheezing, facial swelling and hypotension indicate a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction, so the transfusion is stopped and airway…
Correct answer: Stop the transfusion and support the airway330. Which observation is most important during the first part of a packed red blood cell transfusion?
- A. Measure the patient's weight after one hour
- B. Remain with the patient and observe for an early reaction
- C. Ask the patient to walk to assess tolerance
- D. Restrict all oral fluids until transfusion ends
Explanation: Serious transfusion reactions can begin soon after the transfusion starts, so the nurse remains with the patient and observes closely…
Correct answer: Remain with the patient and observe for an early reaction- A. The pulse becomes faster and weaker
- B. Urine output increases and mentation improves
- C. Thirst becomes stronger and the mouth is dry
- D. Postural dizziness becomes more pronounced
Explanation: Improved urine output and mental status suggest better renal perfusion and circulating volume.
Correct answer: Urine output increases and mentation improves- A. Serum potassium level and renal function
- B. Capillary glucose level and bowel sounds
- C. Serum calcium level and skin turgor
- D. Haemoglobin level and pupil reaction
Explanation: The nurse checks the potassium level and renal function because impaired potassium excretion can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia.
Correct answer: Serum potassium level and renal function- A. Silence the alarm and continue the infusion
- B. Stop the pump and inspect the tubing for air
- C. Increase the infusion rate to clear the tubing
- D. Disconnect the tubing and flush it with saline
Explanation: The nurse stops the pump and examines the tubing before restarting the infusion.
Correct answer: Stop the pump and inspect the tubing for air- A. Force a saline flush through the catheter
- B. Lower the fluid bag and increase the pressure
- C. Stop the infusion and assess the catheter site
- D. Remove the dressing and massage the vein
Explanation: Resistance may indicate a kink, closed clamp, malposition, or an occluded catheter, so the infusion is stopped and the site and tubing are…
Correct answer: Stop the infusion and assess the catheter site- A. Continue the infusion and reassess in one hour
- B. Stop or slow the infusion and assess respirations
- C. Encourage oral fluids and apply a warm blanket
- D. Place the patient upright and offer a high-potassium meal
Explanation: Reduced reflexes and drowsiness can indicate magnesium toxicity, which may progress to respiratory depression.
Correct answer: Stop or slow the infusion and assess respirations- A. Clamp the line, stop the infusion, and give oxygen
- B. Restart the infusion rapidly to clear the line
- C. Flush the cannula forcefully with normal saline
- D. Place the patient flat and leave the line open
Explanation: The line is clamped and the infusion stopped to prevent further air entry, while oxygen and urgent assistance address the breathing…
Correct answer: Clamp the line, stop the infusion, and give oxygen- A. Changing the dressing only when it becomes loose
- B. Using hand hygiene and aseptic technique during access
- C. Covering the site with gauze after every assessment
- D. Flushing the catheter before checking the insertion site
Explanation: Hand hygiene and aseptic technique during insertion and every line access reduce the introduction of microorganisms.
Correct answer: Using hand hygiene and aseptic technique during access- A. Packed red blood cells
- B. Fresh frozen plasma
- C. Platelet concentrate
- D. Cryoprecipitate
Explanation: Platelet concentrate replaces platelets and is used when thrombocytopenia is associated with significant bleeding or a serious bleeding…
Correct answer: Platelet concentrate- A. Transfusion-related acute lung injury
- B. Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction
- C. Mild allergic transfusion reaction
- D. Simple febrile transfusion reaction
Explanation: Transfusion-related acute lung injury causes acute respiratory distress and non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, usually without evidence of…
Correct answer: Transfusion-related acute lung injury- A. Warm the unit and begin it slowly
- B. Shake the unit gently before administration
- C. Do not use it and notify the blood bank
- D. Remove the clumps with a sterile needle
Explanation: Cloudiness, clumps, or abnormal discolouration may indicate contamination, haemolysis, or damage to the blood product.
Correct answer: Do not use it and notify the blood bank