EXAM QUIZS/ANS
INTRODUCTORY CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12TH EDITION
By Susan M Ford
, Chapter 01, General Principles of Pharmacology
1. After teaching a group of students about the basics of pharmacology, the students
will be able to choose which aspect as the most critical to remember?
A) Drug name
B) Drug class
C) Drug action
D) Drug source
Answer: C
Rationale: Pharmacology is the study of drugs and its action on living organisms.
Thus, an essential aspect of pharmacology is drug action. An understanding of the
drug name, drug class, and drug source is important, but the most critical aspect
related to pharmacology is how the drug acts in the body.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 1
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 3, Introduction
2. A nurse suspects the client had an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication
due to an interaction with an unreported over-the-counter supplement. Which
action by the nurse will best assist in preventing future similar incidents?
A) File a report with MedWatch
B) File a report with the State Board of Nursing
C) Instruct the client to avoid combining medications in the future
D) Document the incident and report it to the health care provider
Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses play an important role in monitoring for adverse reactions.
Therefore, it is important to submit reports, even if there is uncertainty about the
cause–effect relationship. The FDA protects the identity of those who voluntarily
report adverse reactions.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 9
Cognitive Level: Apply
, Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 7, Box 1.1 MedWatch and Reporting Adverse Events
3. A nurse is assessing a client and notes the client has developed swelling of the
eyelids and lips after administration of a prescribed medication. What does the
nurse interpret this finding to specifically indicate?
A) Mild allergic reaction
B) Anaphylactic shock
C) Angioedema
D) Drug idiosyncrasy
Answer: C
Rationale: Angioedema is a type of allergic drug reaction manifested by the
collection of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues, most commonly affecting the
eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat. Allergic reactions can be manifested by a wide
range of signs and symptoms such as itching, rashes, and hives. Anaphylactic
shock is a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Drug idiosyncrasy describes any unusual or abnormal reaction to a drug, one that
is different from the one normally expected.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 5
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 12, Allergic Drug Reactions
4. The nurse is preparing to teach a client about a new drug which is in the fourth
phase of development. Which activity will the nurse explain best illustrates this
phase?
A) Health care providers report adverse effects to FDA.
B) Healthy volunteers are involved in the test.
C) In vitro tests are performed using human cells.
D) The drug is given to clients with the disease.
Answer: A
, Rationale: The postmarketing surveillance phase of drug development
encourages health care professionals to report adverse effects of drugs to the FDA
using MedWatch. Phase 1 of clinical testing involves 20 to 100 healthy volunteers.
In vitro testing of the drug on human or animal cells is done in the pre-FDA phase.
In Phase 2 of clinical testing, the drug is given to clients with the disease for which
the drug is manufactured.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 4
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 7, Concept Mastery Alert
5. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client who admits to having a cocaine addiction.
Which condition of the baby after birth should the nurse explain and prepare the
client for?
A) Diabetes
B) Hypertension
C) Addiction to drugs
D) CNS defects
Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse informs the client that children born to mothers using
addictive drugs are often born with an addiction to the drug. Children born to
mothers who are addicted to cocaine are not known to be born with diabetes, CNS
defects, or hypertension.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 6
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 11, Drug Use, Pregnancy, and Lactation
6. A client arrives at the health care clinic and reports taking several pills for a
headache and severe cough without relief. Which adverse effect should the nurse
be aware may develop from this combination?
A) Gastrointestinal bleeding
B) Breathing difficulties
C) Liver damage
D) Anaphylaxis
, Answer: C
Rationale: Consumers should be urged to carefully read the directions before
taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as these drugs are not without risks. For
example, acetaminophen, commonly used for pain relief, is also found in many
OTC products, such as cough and cold remedies. When taken for both pain and in
a cold remedy, this accumulative amount of the drug can potentially harm a
person's liver. Aspirin presents the potential adverse reaction of gastrointestinal
bleeding. An allergic reaction could result in breathing difficulties and
anaphylaxis.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 5
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 5, Nonprescription Drugs
7. The nurse notes on assessment after administration of a drug that the client has
developed itching and a skin rash. The nurse interprets these findings as
indicating which possible reaction?
A) Toxicity
B) Allergic reaction
C) Angioedema
D) Crystalluria
Answer: B
Rationale: Allergic reactions are manifested by a variety of signs and symptoms
including itching, skin rashes, and hives. Swollen eyelids, lips, and mouth are
some of the symptoms of angioedema, an allergic drug reaction that may block
the airway, causing asphyxia. Toxicity or toxic reactions are caused when blood
concentration levels exceed the therapeutic level of drugs. Reduced blood
pressure is called hypotension. Crystals in the urine are symptoms of crystalluria.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 5
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 12, Allergic Drug Reactions
8. The nurse is monitoring a client with heart failure for effectiveness of the digoxin
therapy. Which factor should the nurse closely monitor for potential signs of
toxicity?
A) Seizure activity
, B) Drug blood level
C) Urinary output
D) Blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client's blood level of the drug to ensure
that the level remains within the therapeutic range. Monitoring seizure activity,
urination frequency, and blood pressure will not prevent toxicity. Seizure activity
is unrelated to digoxin or heart failure.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 9
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 14, Toxic Reactions
9. The nurse is assessing a client's response to sleeping pills and notes continued
restlessness and inability to sleep. After an increased dose leads to sleep, which
factor should the nurse investigate first?
A) Is this related to a genetic deficiency?
B) Is the drug accumulating in the client's body?
C) Is the client now tolerant to the drug?
D) Is this a toxic reaction?
Answer: C
Rationale: The client has developed drug tolerance and has to be administered an
increased dosage of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Cumulative drug effect
occurs when the body is unable to metabolize and excrete one (normal) dose of a
drug before the next dose is given. Drug idiosyncrasy is a term used to describe
any unusual or abnormal reaction to a drug, which can be related to genetics.
Toxic reactions are caused when blood concentration levels exceed the
therapeutic levels of a drug.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 7
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 13, Drug Tolerance
,10. An unconscious client is brought to the emergency department via ambulance
after family members were unable to wake up the client after coming home drunk
and taking a sleeping pill. The nurse will explain to the family that the client is
most likely experiencing which type of drug reaction?
A) Additive
B) Synergistic
C) Antagonistic
D) Toxic
Answer: B
Rationale: A synergistic drug reaction occurs when drugs interact with each other
and produce a sum greater than the sum of their separate actions. An additive
drug reaction occurs when the combined effect of two drugs is equal to the sum of
each drug given alone. An antagonistic drug reaction occurs when one drug
interferes with the action of another, causing neutralization or a decrease in the
effect of one drug. Toxic drug reactions are caused when blood concentration
levels exceed the therapeutic levels of a drug.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 8
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 14, Synergistic Drug Reaction
21,
11. A nurse has administered drugs to a client as per the health care provider's
orders. Which activity should the nurse perform after administering the
prescribed drugs?
A) Record symptoms of the condition.
B) Perform a culture and sensitivity test.
C) Obtain history of drug allergy.
D) Check for adverse drug reactions.
Answer: D
Rationale: After administering the drug to the client, the nurse should observe the
client for adverse drug reactions. Recording symptoms of infection, performing a
culture and sensitivity test, and obtaining a history of drug allergy are typically
performed by the nurse in the pre-administration assessment stage.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
, Learning Objective: 9
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 16, Nursing Implications With Drug Actions
12. The nurse is teaching a client about a newly prescribed medication which is an
enteric-coated tablet. Which statement by the nurse best explains this form of
medication?
A) “The medication dissolves directly from the stomach into the body.”
B) “The drug breaks up into pieces as it moves through the stomach.”
C) “The medication bypasses the GI tract and goes quickly into the
bloodstream.”
D) “The drug dissolves into fragments after it reaches the small intestine.”
Answer: D
Rationale: Enteric-coated tablets disintegrate or fragment after reaching the
alkaline medium of the small intestine. Tablets and capsules break up into small
particles and dissolve into body fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. Liquids and
parenteral drugs are quickly absorbed into the body system.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 5
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 8, Pharmaceutic Phase
13. After teaching a group of nursing students about pharmacokinetics, the instructor
determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which
phase as first?
A) Body changes drug for excretion.
B) Drug is made available for use in the body.
C) Drug is transported throughout the body.
D) Drug is eliminated from the body.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics refers to the transportation activity of drugs in the
body after administration. The first component is absorption. This is followed by
distribution, metabolism, and finally excretion.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
, Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 5
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 8, Pharmacokinetic Phase
14. A client is considering using herbal supplements and asks the nurse about them.
Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A) “Herbal supplements are safe to use because they are regulated closely.”
B) “Herbal supplements can affect the way other medications will act.”
C) “Taking more than the recommended amount usually is not harmful because
they are natural.”
D) “The risk of the supplement interacting with any prescription medications is
extremely low.”
Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse needs to explain to the client that just because an herbal
supplement is labeled “natural” does not mean the supplement is safe or without
harmful effects. Herbal supplements can act the same way as drugs and can
cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. Herbal
supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so products lack standardization in
relation to purity and potency. In addition, the client should be warned not to take
more than the recommended dose of any herbal health product or supplement.
The problems that these products can cause are much more likely to occur if the
client takes too much or takes them for too long.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 10
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 17, Box 1.2 Teaching Points When Discussing Herbal Therapy
15. A nurse is reading a journal article about seasonal allergies and comes across the
name of the drug loratadine. The nurse determines this drug name as which type?
A) Chemical
B) Generic
C) Trade
D) Brand
Answer: B
, Rationale: The generic name is the name given to a drug that can be made or
marketed by any company and is the name given to the drug by the FDA. The
chemical name is the scientific term that describes the molecular structure of the
drugs, typically the chemical components. The trade or brand name of the drug is
the name selected by a specific company for marketing purposes and isfollowed
by a trademark symbol or registered trademark symbol.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 2
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process)
Reference: p. 4, Drug Names
16. A nursing instructor determines a class on drug development is successful when
the students correctly choose which test group as involved in the initial process?
A) Small group of healthy volunteers
B) People who have the disease
C) Live animals
D) Large numbers of clients
Answer: C
Rationale: Initially, drug testing begins with testing in an artificial environment
such as a test tube, and then this testing is followed by testing on live animals.
Next, clinical testing occurs with each phase involving a larger number of people.
First, a small group of 20 to 100 healthy volunteers are tested; then testing is
performed on people who have the disease or condition. Last, the drug is given to
large numbers of clients in medical research centers.
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Chapter: 1
Learning Objective: 4
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Reference: p. 6, Drug Development
17. After a class on pharmacokinetics, the nursing students can correctly choose
which site for the metabolism of most drugs?
A) Liver
B) Lungs
C) Kidneys
D) Intestinal mucosa
