Download 30 Essential Nursing Exam Practice Questions and Answers and more Exercises Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
1. What is the primary focus of pathophysiology in nursing practice?
a) Treatment of diseases b) Study of disease causes and effects c) Development of pharmaceuticals d) Prevention of chronic illnesses Answer: b) Study of disease causes and effects Explanation: Pathophysiology is the study of the physiological processes that lead to the development of diseases, which helps nurses identify symptoms, causes, and effective treatment interventions.
2. Which of the following is an example of a drug interaction that could be dangerous
for a patient?
a) A patient taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together for pain relief b) A patient taking warfarin and aspirin together, increasing the risk of bleeding c) A patient using insulin with oral antihyperglycemic agents d) A patient taking a multivitamin and calcium supplement Answer: b) A patient taking warfarin and aspirin together, increasing the risk of bleeding Explanation: Both warfarin and aspirin are anticoagulants, and when taken together, they increase the risk of bleeding due to the combined effect on blood clotting.
3. Which organ is primarily responsible for drug metabolism in the body?
a) Kidneys b) Liver c) Lungs d) Heart Answer: b) Liver Explanation: The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing most drugs, converting them into water-soluble compounds that can be excreted through urine.
4. What does the term "pharmacodynamics" refer to in drug therapy?
a) The study of drug absorption b) The effects of drugs on the body c) The time it takes for a drug to be eliminated from the body d) The methods of administering a drug Answer: b) The effects of drugs on the body Explanation: Pharmacodynamics describes how drugs affect the body, including their therapeutic and adverse effects.
a) Hypertension b) Liver disease c) Diabetes d) Asthma Answer: b) Liver disease Explanation: Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver. In patients with liver disease, acetaminophen can cause further liver damage.
8. What is the effect of diuretics on the kidneys?
a) They increase fluid retention b) They promote the excretion of urine c) They increase blood pressure d) They cause kidney stones Answer: b) They promote the excretion of urine Explanation: Diuretics increase urine output by the kidneys, reducing fluid retention and helping to manage conditions such as hypertension and edema.
9. What type of drug is commonly used to treat hypertension by blocking calcium
channels?
a) Beta-blockers b) Calcium channel blockers c) ACE inhibitors d) Diuretics Answer: b) Calcium channel blockers Explanation: Calcium channel blockers help relax blood vessels and reduce heart rate, making them effective in managing high blood pressure.
10. What is the first-pass effect in pharmacology?
a) The breakdown of drugs in the liver after being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract b) The process by which drugs are distributed to the target tissues c) The metabolism of drugs by enzymes in the stomach d) The elimination of drugs through the kidneys Answer: a) The breakdown of drugs in the liver after being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation, which often reduces the drug's bioavailability.
13. Which of the following conditions can be managed by corticosteroid therapy?
a) Asthma b) Hypertension c) Type 2 diabetes d) Heart failure Answer: a) Asthma Explanation: Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in conditions like asthma and autoimmune diseases.
14. What is the main function of beta-blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular
conditions?
a) They increase heart rate b) They relax blood vessels c) They block beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure d) They increase blood volume Answer: c) They block beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure Explanation: Beta-blockers are used to reduce the workload on the heart, lower blood pressure, and decrease heart rate.
15. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for patients with
type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose levels?
a) Metformin b) Acetaminophen c) Insulin d) Prednisone Answer: a) Metformin Explanation: Metformin helps lower blood glucose levels by improving the body’s response to insulin.
16. What is the role of an advanced practice nurse in managing a patient's
medication regimen?
a) Prescribing medications b) Dispensing medications c) Monitoring for side effects and adjusting dosages d) Diagnosing diseases Answer: c) Monitoring for side effects and adjusting dosages Explanation: Advanced practice nurses monitor patient responses to medications, making adjustments to improve outcomes and minimize side effects.
19. Which of the following drugs can be used to treat opioid overdose?
a) Naloxone b) Diazepam c) Metformin d) Lisinopril Answer: a) Naloxone Explanation: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression.
20. Which of the following is a common side effect of diuretics?
a) Weight gain b) Electrolyte imbalances c) Increased blood pressure d) Skin rashes Answer: b) Electrolyte imbalances Explanation: Diuretics promote fluid loss and can lead to imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
21. What is the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on
neurotransmitter levels?
a) They increase serotonin levels in the brain b) They decrease dopamine levels in the brain c) They block norepinephrine reuptake d) They increase acetylcholine production Answer: a) They increase serotonin levels in the brain Explanation: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain, which helps treat depression and anxiety.
22. Which of the following is a key consideration when administering medications to
pediatric patients?
a) Dosage is usually based on body weight b) Pediatric patients require lower doses than adults for all medications c) Medications should be given without regard to food intake d) Pediatric patients do not experience side effects from medications Answer: a) Dosage is usually based on body weight Explanation: Pediatric medication dosages are often calculated based on body weight or surface area, as children metabolize drugs differently than adults.
25. What is the purpose of a medication's "therapeutic index"?
a) To measure the drug's half-life b) To determine the drug's dosage frequency c) To assess the safety margin between the effective dose and the toxic dose d) To calculate the cost of the drug Answer: c) To assess the safety margin between the effective dose and the toxic dose Explanation: The therapeutic index measures the safety of a drug by comparing the effective dose with the toxic dose.
26. What is a key consideration when administering oral medications to patients with
a feeding tube?
a) Crushing medications is always safe for all drugs b) Some medications may be contraindicated for administration via a tube c) Medications should always be taken with food d) Only liquid medications can be administered via a feeding tube Answer: b) Some medications may be contraindicated for administration via a tube Explanation: Not all medications can be safely crushed or given through a feeding tube due to potential changes in absorption or effects.
27. What is the primary role of the nurse in managing a patient's response to
medication therapy?
a) Prescribing medications b) Monitoring for adverse effects and evaluating drug effectiveness c) Dispensing medications d) Making diagnoses Answer: b) Monitoring for adverse effects and evaluating drug effectiveness Explanation: Nurses play a vital role in monitoring patient responses, reporting adverse effects, and ensuring the effectiveness of medications.
28. What class of medication is commonly used to manage anxiety and panic
disorders?
a) Beta-blockers b) Benzodiazepines c) Antipsychotics d) Diuretics Answer: b) Benzodiazepines Explanation: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety and panic attacks due to their calming effects.
