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 20 of 23
- A. Mix the medication directly into the formula
- B. Pause the feed according to the medication instructions
- C. Add several medications together in one cup
- D. Flush the tube only after all medications are given
Explanation: Some medicines interact with enteral formula, so the feed may need to be paused according to specific instructions.
Correct answer: Pause the feed according to the medication instructions- A. Its gradual release over the prescribed time
- B. Its rapid absorption in the stomach
- C. Its immediate effect under the tongue
- D. Its direct entry into the bloodstream
Explanation: Sustained-release formulations are designed to release medication gradually over time.
Correct answer: Its gradual release over the prescribed time- A. Displace the skin laterally before inserting the needle
- B. Pinch the skin upward and inject into the dermis
- C. Insert the needle at a shallow angle into the epidermis
- D. Massage the site firmly immediately after injection
Explanation: The Z-track technique involves pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally before injection, then releasing it afterward.
Correct answer: Displace the skin laterally before inserting the needle- A. At 15 degrees to the skin
- B. At 30 degrees to the skin
- C. At 45 degrees to the skin
- D. At 90 degrees to the skin
Explanation: An intramuscular injection is generally given at 90 degrees so the medication reaches muscle tissue.
Correct answer: At 90 degrees to the skin- A. Give the dose with a small sip of water
- B. Change the medication to an injection independently
- C. Withhold the dose permanently without notification
- D. Consult the prescriber about a suitable alternative route
Explanation: The nurse should assess whether oral administration is safe and contact the prescriber about another route when necessary.
Correct answer: Consult the prescriber about a suitable alternative route- A. Compare the prescription with the medication label
- B. Compare the patient's age with the room number
- C. Compare the tablet colour with another patient's tablet
- D. Compare the administration time with the meal schedule
Explanation: The prescription or medication administration record states the ordered route, which must match the label and prepared form.
Correct answer: Compare the prescription with the medication label- A. The skin is free of scars, bruising, and inflammation
- B. The site is closest to the patient's dominant hand
- C. The area has the greatest amount of visible hair
- D. The skin is directly over a bony prominence
Explanation: Healthy subcutaneous tissue improves absorption and reduces injury, so bruised, scarred, inflamed, or damaged areas should be avoided.
Correct answer: The skin is free of scars, bruising, and inflammation- A. Exhale away from the device before inhaling the dose
- B. Shake the device vigorously before every inhalation
- C. Use a spacer chamber with every dry-powder dose
- D. Inhale slowly after spraying the medication into the mouth
Explanation: The patient should exhale away from the device, then inhale the powder quickly and deeply as instructed.
Correct answer: Exhale away from the device before inhaling the dose- A. Apply the medication with clean gloves when indicated
- B. Apply a thick layer to make absorption faster
- C. Cover the area tightly without a prescription
- D. Use bare hands despite the medication precautions
Explanation: Clean gloves help protect the patient and nurse from contamination and medication exposure.
Correct answer: Apply the medication with clean gloves when indicated- A. Choose the route commonly used for that medication
- B. Ask another patient which route was used previously
- C. Withhold administration and clarify the prescription
- D. Administer it by the route with the fastest absorption
Explanation: An unspecified route must be clarified before administration because route affects absorption, onset, and safety.
Correct answer: Withhold administration and clarify the prescription- A. It is absorbed slowly for a prolonged effect
- B. It is destroyed by enzymes in the stomach
- C. It acts only on the outermost skin layer
- D. It cannot enter the bloodstream through skin
Explanation: Transdermal medicines pass gradually through the skin and provide sustained systemic absorption.
Correct answer: It is absorbed slowly for a prolonged effect- A. Shake the container thoroughly
- B. Leave the container undisturbed
- C. Add water to dilute the medicine
- D. Warm the container in hot water
Explanation: Suspensions contain particles that settle during storage, so the container should be shaken to distribute the medication evenly.
Correct answer: Shake the container thoroughly- A. Give it intramuscularly as labelled
- B. Give it subcutaneously at a smaller dose
- C. Hold the medication and clarify the discrepancy
- D. Ask the patient which route seems preferable
Explanation: A disagreement between the prescribed route and the product information creates a medication safety risk.
Correct answer: Hold the medication and clarify the discrepancy- A. Hide the medication in the patient's food
- B. Respect the refusal and assess the reason
- C. Ask another nurse to give the medication
- D. Leave the medication at the bedside
Explanation: A competent patient has the right to refuse treatment after receiving suitable information.
Correct answer: Respect the refusal and assess the reason395. A tablet falls onto the floor while the nurse is preparing an oral dose. What is the safest action?
- A. Wipe it and administer it promptly
- B. Return it to the medication container
- C. Discard it and obtain a replacement dose
- D. Rinse it with water before administration
Explanation: A tablet that contacts the floor is contaminated and must not be administered.
Correct answer: Discard it and obtain a replacement dose- A. The patient reports improved breathing
- B. The patient asks when the next dose is due
- C. The medication wrapper is placed in the bin
- D. The patient is offered a glass of water
Explanation: Improved breathing, reduced wheezing and better respiratory effort indicate the intended response to a bronchodilator.
Correct answer: The patient reports improved breathing- A. Inject into the indurated area
- B. Massage the area before injecting
- C. Select another suitable intact muscle site
- D. Apply heat and give the injection there
Explanation: Tender, indurated or inflamed tissue should not be used for an intramuscular injection because absorption may be altered and discomfort or…
Correct answer: Select another suitable intact muscle site- A. The package is intact and within its expiry date
- B. The package has the patient's favourite colour
- C. The medication is the largest available size
- D. The package was stored beside similar drugs
Explanation: The nurse should inspect the package for damage, contamination, altered appearance and expiry before opening it.
Correct answer: The package is intact and within its expiry date- A. 1 mL
- B. 1.5 mL
- C. 2.5 mL
- D. 3 mL
Explanation: The concentration is 500 mg divided by 2 mL, which equals 250 mg/mL. The required volume is 750 mg divided by 250 mg/mL, giving 3 mL; the…
Correct answer: 3 mL- A. Administer it because muscle absorption is always reliable
- B. Give it subcutaneously to improve absorption
- C. Hold the dose and clarify the prescribed route
- D. Massage the selected muscle to increase circulation
Explanation: Severe hypotension can reduce muscle perfusion, making intramuscular absorption slow or unpredictable.
Correct answer: Hold the dose and clarify the prescribed route