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
Hard
  • 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
Moderate
  • 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
Very hard
  • 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
Moderate
  • 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 prescribed
  • 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
Hard
  • 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
Moderate
  • 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
Hard
  • 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
Moderate
  • 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 bleeding
  • 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