All Free Nursing Pharmacology MCQs with Answers

• A. 0.45% sodium chloride
• B. 0.9% sodium chloride
• C. 3% sodium chloride
• D. 5% dextrose in water

Explanation: 3% sodium chloride is hypertonic and raises the extracellular sodium concentration.

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Explanation: A sodium level of 124 mmol/L with confusion, nausea and cramps indicates hyponatremia.

• A. Increase the infusion rate
• B. Clamp the tubing promptly
• C. Flush the line with sterile water
• D. Place the empty bag below the patient

Explanation: The nurse should clamp the tubing promptly to prevent air entering the line and to stop the prescribed infusion safely.

• A. Add prescribed medication to the blood line
• B. Use the blood line for a dextrose infusion
• C. Use a separate line for incompatible medications
• D. Mix the unit gently with antibiotics before use

Explanation: Packed red blood cells should run through a dedicated line, with medications administered separately because drugs may damage cells or…

• A. Packed red blood cells
• B. Fresh frozen plasma
• C. Platelet concentrate
• D. Cryoprecipitate

Explanation: Fresh frozen plasma supplies multiple clotting factors and is used when bleeding is associated with a deficiency of these factors.

• A. Fresh frozen plasma
• B. Packed red blood cells
• C. Cryoprecipitate
• D. Platelet concentrate

Explanation: Cryoprecipitate is rich in fibrinogen and is used when fibrinogen replacement is required.

• A. Bacterial contamination of the blood product
• B. Mild allergic transfusion reaction
• C. Simple dilutional hyponatraemia
• D. Local infiltration at the IV site

Explanation: High fever, rigors and hypotension during transfusion suggest bacterial contamination, which is a medical emergency.

• A. Discard them in the clinical waste bin
• B. Send them to the laboratory for investigation
• C. Return them to the blood bank without documentation
• D. Reconnect them after the symptoms settle

Explanation: The blood bag and tubing should be sent for laboratory investigation according to hospital policy, together with the required patient…

• A. Citrate-related hypocalcaemia
• B. Acute hypernatremia
• C. Transfusion-associated hyperkalaemia
• D. Dilutional hypermagnesemia

Explanation: Citrate used to preserve blood binds ionised calcium, and rapid or massive transfusion can produce hypocalcaemia.

• A. Cool swelling around the cannula
• B. Blanching of the surrounding skin
• C. Burning pain with blister formation
• D. A slower flow through the tubing

Explanation: Burning pain with blistering suggests tissue injury from extravasation of a vesicant and requires immediate action according to the drug…

• A. Ask the patient to state the room number
• B. Use two approved patient identifiers
• C. Confirm the patient’s bed number only
• D. Ask a relative to identify the patient

Explanation: Two identifiers, such as the patient’s name and medical record number, reduce wrong-patient errors.

• A. Swallow it with a full glass of water
• B. Place it under the tongue until dissolved
• C. Chew it well before swallowing it
• D. Place it between the gum and cheek

Explanation: Sublingual medication is placed under the tongue for absorption through the oral mucosa and should not be swallowed immediately.

• A. Crush it and mix it with formula
• B. Dissolve it in a small amount of juice
• C. Hold the dose and contact the prescriber
• D. Give it with the feeding and flush later

Explanation: Enteric-coated tablets must not be crushed because the coating controls where the drug dissolves.

• A. Insert the needle bevel up at a shallow angle
• B. Insert the needle bevel down at a deep angle
• C. Insert the needle bevel up into the muscle
• D. Insert the needle bevel down under the skin

Explanation: An intradermal injection is placed just below the epidermis with the bevel up at a shallow angle, producing a small wheal.

• A. The ventrogluteal muscle
• B. The inner forearm muscle
• C. The abdomen near the umbilicus
• D. The upper inner buttock area

Explanation: The ventrogluteal site has a large muscle mass and is away from major nerves and blood vessels, making it a safe adult IM site.

• A. Inject into the deltoid muscle tissue
• B. Rotate suitable abdominal injection sites
• C. Massage the site firmly after injection
• D. Inject through clothing into the thigh

Explanation: Suitable abdominal areas can be used for subcutaneous insulin, with site rotation to reduce lipodystrophy and absorption problems.

• A. Breathe in quickly after pressing the canister
• B. Exhale fully, then inhale slowly while pressing
• C. Swallow the medication after spraying it
• D. Spray twice rapidly without breathing between doses

Explanation: The patient should exhale, begin a slow deep inhalation, and press the canister during inhalation so the aerosol reaches the lower…

• A. Apply it with clean gloves after checking the skin
• B. Apply it with bare hands to improve sensitivity
• C. Cover every treated area with a tight dressing
• D. Rub it vigorously until the skin becomes red

Explanation: Clean gloves protect the nurse and prevent contamination while the medication is applied to the assessed area.

• A. Administer the antibiotic and observe closely
• B. Record the allergy after giving the medication
• C. Withhold the medication and verify the prescription
• D. Give an antihistamine before administering it

Explanation: A reported severe allergy requires withholding the medication and promptly verifying the prescription with the prescriber or pharmacist.

• A. Place the tablet in the patient’s mouth
• B. Crush the tablet and give it with water
• C. Ask another nurse to administer the dose
• D. Hold the dose and clarify another route

Explanation: An unconscious patient without a swallowing reflex has a serious aspiration risk, so the oral route is unsafe.