Are you preparing for your LPN pharmacology exam? You’re not alone in feeling that mix of excitement and nervousness! Pharmacology can be challenging, but with the right practice questions, you’ll build confidence and improve your chances of success. At Ulosca.com, we’ve gathered some of the most helpful LPN pharmacology exam practice questions to support your learning journey.
Understanding medication administration, drug interactions, and dosage calculations is crucial for your career as an LPN. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide with practice questions that mirror what you’ll face on exam day. Ulosca.com is here to help you transform those nervous butterflies into wings of confidence!
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LPN Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions & Answers
Sample Question 1
A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The nurse should monitor for which common side effect?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Bradycardia
C) Tachycardia
D) Hypertension
Answer: B) Bradycardia
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that strengthens heart contractions and slows heart rate. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is a common side effect that nurses must monitor for, as it could indicate potential digoxin toxicity.
Sample Question 2
A patient is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte should the nurse closely monitor?
A) Sodium
B) Calcium
C) Potassium
D) Magnesium
Answer: C) Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion, potentially leading to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and other complications.
Sample Question 3
When administering insulin, the nurse should be aware that its peak action time is influenced by which factor?
A) Patient’s age
B) Type of insulin
C) Patient’s weight
D) Time of day administered
Answer: B) Type of insulin
Rationale: Different types of insulin (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting) have different onset, peak, and duration times. The type of insulin primarily determines when peak action will occur.
Sample Question 4
A patient is prescribed metformin for Type 2 diabetes. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach
B) Take the medication with meals
C) Take the medication at bedtime only
D) Take the medication with orange juice
Answer: B) Take the medication with meals
Rationale: Metformin should be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common with this medication.
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Sample Question 5
A patient is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which food should the nurse instruct the patient to limit in their diet?
A) Citrus fruits
B) Dairy products
C) Leafy green vegetables
D) Whole grain breads
Answer: C) Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can decrease the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Patients should maintain consistent (not necessarily low) vitamin K intake while on warfarin to maintain stable INR levels.
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LPN Pharmacology Exam: Sample Questions & Answers
Sample Question 1
A patient is receiving morphine for pain management. Which side effect requires immediate nursing intervention?
A) Constipation
B) Respiratory depression
C) Dry mouth
D) Drowsiness
Answer: B) Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening side effect of opioids like morphine. It requires immediate intervention, possibly including the administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
Sample Question 2
When administering phenytoin (Dilantin), what should the nurse do to prevent precipitation in the IV line?
A) Administer with D5W
B) Flush with heparin solution
C) Use normal saline for flushing
D) Administer through a central line only
Answer: C) Use normal saline for flushing
Rationale: Phenytoin can precipitate when mixed with dextrose solutions. Normal saline should be used to flush IV lines before and after phenytoin administration to prevent precipitation and maintain line patency.
Sample Question 3
A patient is taking lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse teach the patient to report immediately?
A) Dry cough
B) Facial swelling
C) Mild headache
D) Slight dizziness
Answer: B) Facial swelling
Rationale: Facial swelling could indicate angioedema, a serious allergic reaction to ACE inhibitors like lisinopril that can progress to life-threatening airway compromise and requires immediate medical attention.
Sample Question 4
The nurse is preparing to administer gentamicin. Which lab value should be checked before administration?
A) Liver enzymes
B) Renal function
C) Blood glucose
D) Coagulation studies
Answer: B) Renal function
Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is nephrotoxic (can damage kidneys). Renal function should be assessed before administration to prevent toxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
Sample Question 5
A patient is prescribed albuterol for asthma. Which side effect should the nurse inform the patient about?
A) Increased appetite
B) Tremors
C) Drowsiness
D) Constipation
Answer: B) Tremors
Rationale: Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can cause tremors, nervousness, and tachycardia as side effects due to its stimulant properties on the sympathetic nervous system.
Sample Question 6
The nurse is administering heparin subcutaneously. The correct technique includes:
A) Aspirating before injection
B) Massaging the site after injection
C) Rotating injection sites
D) Using a 2-inch needle
Answer: C) Rotating injection sites
Rationale: Rotating injection sites for heparin administration helps prevent tissue damage and ensures proper absorption. Unlike some medications, heparin should not have the site massaged after injection, aspiration is unnecessary for subcutaneous injections, and a shorter needle (typically 5/8 inch) is appropriate.
Sample Question 7
A patient is taking simvastatin for hyperlipidemia. When should the nurse instruct the patient to take this medication?
A) Morning with breakfast
B) Afternoon with lunch
C) Evening with dinner
D) At bedtime
Answer: D) At bedtime
Rationale: Simvastatin should be taken at bedtime because cholesterol synthesis peaks during night hours. Taking it at bedtime maximizes its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels.
Sample Question 8
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving vancomycin. Which assessment finding may indicate “Red Man Syndrome”?
A) Yellow sclera
B) Flushed face and upper body
C) Pale extremities
D) Blue discoloration of the lips
Answer: B) Flushed face and upper body
Rationale: Red Man Syndrome is characterized by flushing of the face, neck, and upper torso due to histamine release. It’s associated with rapid infusion of vancomycin and can be prevented by slowing the infusion rate.
LPN Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions Final Word
Preparing for your LPN pharmacology exam doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! With consistent practice using quality questions like these, you’ll develop the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. Remember that pharmacology is not just about memorizing medications—it’s about understanding how they work, their effects on the body, and your role in safe administration.
At Ulosca.com, we believe in your potential to excel in your LPN journey. Use these practice questions as stepping stones toward mastery, and don’t hesitate to revisit challenging concepts. Your dedication to learning pharmacology now will directly translate to safer, more effective patient care throughout your nursing career. Keep practicing, stay curious, and approach your exam with the confidence that comes from thorough preparation!