NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz

10 free NCLEX-style pharmacology questions on drug classes, high-alert medications and safe administration, each with a rationale.

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NCLEX pharmacology questions study help – Dr. Blake NCLEX Review

NCLEX pharmacology questions: What You Need to Know

Looking for help with NCLEX pharmacology questions? You are in the right place. This guide gives nursing candidates across the USA and Canada clear, practical steps to prepare for the NCLEX with confidence.

Practice only: These are original practice questions written by Dr. Blake NCLEX Review to build clinical judgment. They are not actual NCLEX exam items and are not affiliated with NCSBN.

NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz: 10 Questions with Rationales

Answer every question, then select Check My Answers to see your score and the rationale for each item.

Question 1

Choose one answer

A client is prescribed digoxin. Which finding should the nurse report before giving the dose?

A. Apical heart rate of 78B. Potassium of 3.1 mEq/LC. Blood pressure of 128/74D. Respiratory rate of 16

Correct answer: B
Low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should hold and report before administering.

Question 2

Select all that apply

Which are signs of digoxin toxicity? Select all that apply.

A. Nausea and vomitingB. Visual changes such as yellow-green halosC. Increased appetiteD. BradycardiaE. Confusion

Correct answer: A, B, D, E
Digoxin toxicity causes GI upset, visual disturbances (yellow-green halos), bradycardia and confusion. Appetite typically decreases, not increases.

Question 3

Choose one answer

A client on warfarin should be taught to do which of the following?

A. Eat large amounts of leafy greens dailyB. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razorC. Take extra doses if a dose is missedD. Take ibuprofen for headaches

Correct answer: B
Warfarin increases bleeding risk, so measures to prevent injury are key. Vitamin K (leafy greens) should be kept consistent, doubling doses is unsafe, and NSAIDs increase bleeding.

Question 4

Choose one answer

Which medication is a high-alert drug requiring an independent double-check?

A. AcetaminophenB. IV insulinC. Docusate sodiumD. Multivitamin

Correct answer: B
IV insulin, heparin, and opioids are classic high-alert medications where errors can cause serious harm, warranting a double-check.

Question 5

Choose one answer

A client is receiving furosemide. Which lab value is most important to monitor?

A. SodiumB. PotassiumC. CalciumD. Chloride

Correct answer: B
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss, risking hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 6

Select all that apply

Before administering a beta blocker such as metoprolol, the nurse should assess which parameters? Select all that apply.

A. Heart rateB. Blood pressureC. Blood glucose in diabeticsD. Urine colorE. Level of consciousness

Correct answer: A, B, C
Beta blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure and can mask hypoglycemia symptoms in diabetics, so all three are assessed. Urine color and LOC are not routine checks for this drug.

Question 7

Choose one answer

A client taking an ACE inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril) reports a persistent dry cough. The nurse knows this is:

A. A sign of heart failureB. A common, expected side effectC. An allergic reaction requiring epinephrineD. A sign of overdose

Correct answer: B
A dry, nonproductive cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors and may prompt a switch to an ARB.

Question 8

Choose one answer

Which statement about administering IV potassium is correct?

A. It can be given by rapid IV pushB. It should never be given undiluted or by IV pushC. It does not require a pumpD. It is a low-alert medication

Correct answer: B
IV potassium is high-alert and must be diluted and infused slowly via pump. IV push potassium can be fatal.

Question 9

Select all that apply

A client is prescribed an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The nurse monitors for which toxicities? Select all that apply.

A. OtotoxicityB. NephrotoxicityC. Hepatotoxicity as the primary concernD. Photosensitivity as the primary concern

Correct answer: A, B
Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) are classically ototoxic and nephrotoxic; peak and trough levels are monitored.

Question 10

Choose one answer

The nurse is teaching about oral iron supplements. Which instruction is correct?

A. Take with an antacidB. Take with vitamin C or orange juice to aid absorptionC. Stools will turn bright redD. Crush enteric-coated tablets

Correct answer: B
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Iron commonly darkens stools (black, not red), and enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed.

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Study Tips for This Topic

Learn drug classes and suffixes, not just individual drugs.
Know the high-alert medications: insulin, heparin, opioids, IV potassium.
Memorize key antidotes and what labs each drug affects.
Focus on client teaching and safe administration.

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FAQ

Is pharmacology heavily tested on the NCLEX?

Yes. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies is 13–19% of the NCLEX-RN, one of the largest categories.

Are these actual NCLEX questions?

No. They are original practice questions with rationales, not real exam items.