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 4 of 23
- A. It kills bacteria by destroying their cell walls
- B. It stops bacterial growth and allows host defenses to clear them
- C. It prevents all bacterial toxins from entering the bloodstream
- D. It kills bacteria by immediately blocking nerve transmission
Explanation: A bacteriostatic drug inhibits bacterial growth or reproduction rather than directly killing the organisms.
Correct answer: It stops bacterial growth and allows host defenses to clear them- A. Continue the broad-spectrum drug indefinitely
- B. Change to the effective narrow-spectrum drug as prescribed
- C. Add a second antibiotic without consulting the prescriber
- D. Stop antimicrobial treatment because the culture is complete
Explanation: Using the narrowest effective antibiotic reduces exposure to other bacteria and lowers the risk of resistance and superinfection.
Correct answer: Change to the effective narrow-spectrum drug as prescribed- A. Offer oral fluids and reassess in 30 minutes
- B. Stop the drug and call for emergency treatment
- C. Document the reaction after completing the medication round
- D. Give the next dose slowly to reduce further symptoms
Explanation: Wheezing and facial swelling indicate a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, so the drug must be stopped and emergency help…
Correct answer: Stop the drug and call for emergency treatment- A. I will take it with an antacid to prevent stomach upset
- B. I will use sun protection while taking this medicine
- C. I will stop it when my fever returns to normal
- D. I will take each dose with milk to improve absorption
Explanation: Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity, so protective clothing and sunscreen are appropriate during treatment.
Correct answer: I will use sun protection while taking this medicine- A. Increase the infusion rate to complete the dose quickly
- B. Stop or slow the infusion and notify the prescriber
- C. Give the next dose by the intramuscular route
- D. Tell the patient that the reaction proves treatment failure
Explanation: Rapid intravenous vancomycin infusion can cause an infusion reaction with flushing and itching, often called vancomycin infusion reaction.
Correct answer: Stop or slow the infusion and notify the prescriber- A. Swallow it immediately without holding it in the mouth
- B. Swish it around the mouth before swallowing it
- C. Dilute it in a full glass of water before taking it
- D. Apply it only to the skin around the lips
Explanation: Nystatin suspension should contact the affected oral mucosa, so the patient should swish it around the mouth before swallowing.
Correct answer: Swish it around the mouth before swallowing it- A. That plan prevents all adverse effects from the medicines
- B. These medicines work best when taken consistently as prescribed
- C. Missing doses is safe if the viral load was once low
- D. The medicines can be stopped after symptoms improve
Explanation: Consistent adherence suppresses viral replication and reduces the risk of treatment failure and drug resistance.
Correct answer: These medicines work best when taken consistently as prescribed68. Before administering primaquine for a malaria infection, which assessment is especially important?
- A. Whether the patient has a history of motion sickness
- B. Whether the patient has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- C. Whether the patient received a tetanus booster this year
- D. Whether the patient has previously used an antifungal cream
Explanation: Primaquine can cause severe haemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, so screening or confirmation of G6PD…
Correct answer: Whether the patient has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency- A. Use the remaining tablets whenever a fever develops
- B. Complete the prescribed course and do not share or save doses
- C. Take double doses later if some tablets are missed
- D. Keep the tablets for a family member with similar symptoms
Explanation: The patient should take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed and follow local guidance for safe disposal of unused medicine.
Correct answer: Complete the prescribed course and do not share or save doses- A. It blocks bacterial folic acid synthesis
- B. It disrupts fungal ergosterol production
- C. It prevents viral protein attachment
- D. It inhibits parasite muscle contraction
Explanation: Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, reducing folic acid needed for nucleic acid production.
Correct answer: It blocks bacterial folic acid synthesis- A. Hyperuricaemia with gout-like pain
- B. Severe hypoglycaemia from insulin release
- C. Ototoxicity with vestibular damage
- D. Aplastic anaemia from marrow failure
Explanation: Pyrazinamide can increase uric acid and cause arthralgia or gout-like symptoms.
Correct answer: Hyperuricaemia with gout-like pain- A. Serum liver transaminase levels
- B. Serum calcium concentration
- C. Haemoglobin A1c level
- D. Peak expiratory flow rate
Explanation: Systemic ketoconazole can cause serious hepatotoxicity, so liver function requires monitoring.
Correct answer: Serum liver transaminase levels- A. Report possible Clostridioides difficile infection
- B. Give an antidiarrhoeal medicine immediately
- C. Advise the patient to increase dairy intake
- D. Tell the patient that this is an expected harmless effect
Explanation: Clindamycin is strongly associated with antibiotic-associated colitis caused by Clostridioides difficile.
Correct answer: Report possible Clostridioides difficile infection- A. Take it separately from aluminium antacids
- B. Take it with an iron tablet for better absorption
- C. Stop treatment when the fever disappears
- D. Use it together with milk at every dose
Explanation: Aluminium, magnesium, calcium and iron can reduce ciprofloxacin absorption by chelation, so doses should be separated.
Correct answer: Take it separately from aluminium antacids- A. Assess hydration and report possible nephrotoxicity
- B. Administer the next dose more rapidly
- C. Restrict oral fluids until urine output improves
- D. Give potassium without checking laboratory results
Explanation: Intravenous acyclovir can cause renal injury, especially if the patient is dehydrated, so reduced urine output requires prompt assessment…
Correct answer: Assess hydration and report possible nephrotoxicity- A. Albendazole
- B. Acyclovir
- C. Fluconazole
- D. Isoniazid
Explanation: Albendazole is an anthelmintic used for several intestinal nematode infections, including ascariasis.
Correct answer: Albendazole- A. Assess the patient and notify the prescriber
- B. Stop all future doses permanently
- C. Give the drug by rapid intravenous push
- D. Tell the patient that kidney failure is confirmed
Explanation: Infusion-related fever, chills and rigors are common with amphotericin B and require assessment and management according to the…
Correct answer: Assess the patient and notify the prescriber- A. I will take every dose at the prescribed time
- B. I can stop treatment when my viral load falls
- C. I will double the next dose after missing one
- D. I can share unused tablets with a family member
Explanation: Consistent antiretroviral adherence suppresses viral replication and reduces the risk of resistance.
Correct answer: I will take every dose at the prescribed time- A. Notify the prescriber and monitor for bleeding
- B. Give both medicines together without further assessment
- C. Stop warfarin permanently before the first dose
- D. Add aspirin to improve antifungal treatment
Explanation: Fluconazole can increase warfarin effect and raise the risk of bleeding, so the prescriber should be informed and coagulation monitoring…
Correct answer: Notify the prescriber and monitor for bleeding80. Which antimicrobial inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit?
- A. Erythromycin
- B. Gentamicin
- C. Doxycycline
- D. Amoxicillin
Explanation: Erythromycin is a macrolide that binds to the 50S subunit and blocks bacterial protein synthesis.
Correct answer: Erythromycin