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Free Emergency Drugs and Antidotes MCQs with Answers

50 Emergency Drugs and Antidotes MCQs from Nursing Pharmacology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Emergency pharmacology covers drugs used in cardiac arrest, shock, severe allergy, acute asthma, seizures, poisoning and hypoglycaemia, including adrenaline, atropine, naloxone, flumazenil and selected antidotes. The focus is on indications, routes, rapid adverse effects, dose safety and matching a toxic substance with its specific reversal agent.

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50 questions · page 3 of 3

41. A patient with organophosphate poisoning receives atropine. Which finding best indicates that atropine treatment is becoming excessive?

Very hard
  • A. Increasing bronchial secretions
  • B. Worsening pinpoint pupils
  • C. Dry skin with marked tachycardia
  • D. Increasing abdominal cramping

Explanation: Dry skin, tachycardia, dilated pupils and urinary retention suggest excessive antimuscarinic effects from atropine.

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Correct answer: Dry skin with marked tachycardia

42. A patient develops severe muscle weakness, abdominal pain and drooping eyelids after a suspected neurotoxic snakebite. Which treatment specifically neutralises the circulating venom?

  • A. Polyvalent antivenom
  • B. Atropine injection
  • C. Vitamin K injection
  • D. Methylene blue infusion

Explanation: Polyvalent antivenom binds and neutralises venom from several medically important snake species.

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Correct answer: Polyvalent antivenom

43. A patient develops severe abdominal colic, anaemia and peripheral neuropathy after occupational exposure to lead. Which antidote is used as a chelating agent for significant lead poisoning?

Very hard
  • A. Deferoxamine
  • B. Calcium disodium edetate
  • C. Pralidoxime
  • D. Protamine sulfate

Explanation: Calcium disodium edetate binds lead and promotes its removal in significant lead poisoning.

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Correct answer: Calcium disodium edetate

44. A patient taking dabigatran develops life-threatening bleeding. Which specific reversal agent should the nurse expect to prepare?

  • A. Idarucizumab
  • B. Phytonadione
  • C. Protamine sulfate
  • D. Andexanet alfa

Explanation: Idarucizumab is a specific antibody fragment that reverses the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran.

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Correct answer: Idarucizumab

45. A patient receives adenosine for a regular narrow-complex tachycardia and briefly reports flushing and chest pressure. The ECG shows a short pause before the rhythm returns. What is the best nursing interpretation?

Moderate
  • A. Expected transient drug effects
  • B. Evidence of severe digoxin toxicity
  • C. A delayed allergic reaction
  • D. A sign of permanent heart block

Explanation: Adenosine commonly causes brief flushing, chest discomfort and transient slowing or asystole because its half-life is very short.

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Correct answer: Expected transient drug effects

46. A patient with suspected severe poisoning has a reduced level of consciousness, but the substance is unknown and the airway is not protected. Which action has the highest priority before giving an oral antidote?

Moderate
  • A. Assess and support the airway
  • B. Induce vomiting with an emetic
  • C. Give activated charcoal by mouth
  • D. Offer milk to dilute the toxin

Explanation: Airway assessment and support come first because aspiration can rapidly threaten breathing and life.

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Correct answer: Assess and support the airway

47. A patient with suspected tricyclic antidepressant poisoning has hypotension and a widening QRS complex. After initial sodium bicarbonate treatment, which finding requires immediate reassessment?

  • A. Mild dry mouth
  • B. A falling serum potassium level
  • C. Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia
  • D. Temporary blurred near vision

Explanation: Persistent hypotension or worsening dysrhythmia indicates ongoing life-threatening cardiac toxicity and requires urgent reassessment and…

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Correct answer: Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia

48. A patient receiving intravenous calcium develops pain, swelling and blanching around the cannula. What should the nurse do first?

Moderate
  • A. Slow the infusion and continue observing
  • B. Stop the infusion and assess the site
  • C. Flush rapidly with normal saline
  • D. Apply pressure and restart at the same site

Explanation: Calcium can cause serious tissue injury if it extravasates, so the infusion must be stopped immediately and the site assessed.

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Correct answer: Stop the infusion and assess the site

49. A patient with suspected cyanide poisoning receives hydroxocobalamin. Which expected effect should the nurse recognise and report to the laboratory team?

Very hard
  • A. Red discoloration of skin and body fluids
  • B. Blue discoloration of the lips
  • C. Permanent pupil constriction
  • D. Severe salivation and diarrhoea

Explanation: Hydroxocobalamin commonly causes red skin and red discoloration of urine and other body fluids, which can interfere with some laboratory…

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Correct answer: Red discoloration of skin and body fluids

50. A patient with known adrenal insufficiency presents with vomiting, severe weakness and hypotension during an acute illness. Which emergency medicine should the nurse prepare first?

Moderate
  • A. Intravenous hydrocortisone
  • B. Oral fludrocortisone
  • C. Intravenous furosemide
  • D. Subcutaneous insulin

Explanation: Intravenous hydrocortisone rapidly replaces deficient cortisol and helps restore vascular response during adrenal crisis.

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Correct answer: Intravenous hydrocortisone
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