NCLEX Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
Question 1 of 5.
The client recently has had a myocardial infarction. Which medications should the nurse anticipate the health-care provider recommending to prevent another heart attack?
A. Vitamin K and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
B. Vitamin E and a daily low-dose aspirin.
C. Vitamin A and an anticoagulant.
D. Vitamin B complex and an iron supplement.
Explanation: Low-dose aspirin prevents platelet aggregation, reducing MI risk, per ACC/AHA guidelines. Vitamin E lacks evidence for secondary prevention; other options are irrelevant or contraindicated.
Question 2 of 5.
The client is diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Which health-care provider order should the nurse anticipate in treating this condition?
A. Subcutaneous iron dextran.
B. Intramuscular vitamin B12.
C. Intravenous folic acid.
D. Oral thiamine medication.
Explanation: Pernicious anemia results from B12 deficiency; IM B12 is standard treatment due to absorption issues. Iron, folic acid, or thiamine do not address the primary cause.
Question 3 of 5.
The elderly client is admitted to the emergency department from a long-term care facility. The client has multiple ecchymotic areas on the body. The client is receiving digoxin, a cardiac glycoside; Lasix, a loop diuretic; Coumadin, an anticoagulant; and Xanax, an antianxiety medication. Which order should the nurse request from the health-care provider?
A. A STAT serum potassium level.
B. An order to admit to the hospital for observation.
C. An order to administer Valium intravenous push.
D. A STAT international normalized ratio (INR).
Explanation: Ecchymosis with Coumadin suggests bleeding risk; STAT INR assesses anticoagulation status, guiding reversal if needed. Potassium, admission, or Valium are less urgent.
Question 4 of 5.
The client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving Lioresal (baclofen), a muscle relaxant. Which information should the nurse teach the client/family?
A. The importance of tapering off medication when discontinuing medication.
B. Baclofen may cause diarrhea, so the client should take antidiarrheal medication.
C. The client should not be allowed to drive alone while taking this medication.
D. The need for follow-up visits to obtain a monthly white blood cell count.
Explanation: Baclofen requires tapering to prevent withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, per FDA warnings. Diarrhea, driving, or WBC counts are not primary concerns.
Question 5 of 5.
The client who has had a kidney transplant tells the nurse he has been taking St. John's wort, an herb, for depression. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Praise the client for taking the initiative to treat the depression.
B. Remain nonjudgmental about the client's alternative treatments.
C. Refer the client to a psychologist for counseling for depression.
D. Instruct the client to quit taking the medication immediately.
Explanation: St. John's wort induces CYP3A4, reducing immunosuppressant efficacy (e.g., cyclosporine), risking transplant rejection. Stopping it is the priority.