Pharmacology MCQs for Nursing Exams

Answer: D. Hyperkalemia

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication used in the prophylaxis of organ rejection. Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, infection, hepatotoxicity, hypomagnesemia, coma, hypertension, tremor, and hirsutism. Additionally, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal effects, hyperkalemia, and hyperglycemia can occur. Options A, B, and 3 are not associated with this medication. Priority Nursing Tip: Monitor the urine output and the potassium level if a patient is receiving a medication that is nephrotoxic.

Answer: C. Aminoglycoside antibiotic

The aminoglycoside family of antibiotics, of which gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin) is one example, is ototoxic and nephrotoxic. Beta-adrenergic blockers cause vertigo but do not affect hearing acuity. Neither nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs nor H2 antagonists are known to be ototoxic.

Answer: C. 4 weeks

Answer C is correct. Depot injections of Haldol are administered every 4 weeks. Answers A and B are incorrect because the medication is still in the patient’s system. Answer D is incorrect because the medication has been eliminated from the patient’s system, which allows the symptoms of schizophrenia to return.

Answer: D. "This medicine can cause delayed ejaculation."

Sertraline, like other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause decreased libido and sexual dysfunction such as delayed ejaculation in men and an inability to achieve orgasm in women. SSRIs do not typically cause weight gain but may cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Dry mouth is a possible side effect, but it is temporary. The patient should be told to take sips of water, suck on ice chips, or use sugarless gum or candy. St. John's wort should not be taken with SSRIs because a severe reaction could occur.

Answer: A. Go to the pharmacy to obtain the drug

Although the nurse needs to obtain and administer the medication as soon as possible, it is inappropriate for the nurse to go to the pharmacy and request the drug without first calling the pharmacy and checking to see whether the medication was delivered. The drug may have been delivered to several appropriate spots on the unit, such as the patient's drug bin, the transport system, or the delivery box. The nurse should assess the patient's blood pressure to determine the immediacy of the condition for which the medication was prescribed.