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Kuwait MOH Pharmacology & Dosage Calculations Practice Questions
Pharmacology is one of the largest parts of every Gulf nursing exam. Expect high-alert drugs, antidotes, side effects to report and dosage calculations. Below are 5 free sample questions for the Kuwait MOH nursing exam, each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Dosage and IV drip-rate calculations
- Anticoagulants and their antidotes
- Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics
- Digoxin, diuretics and potassium
- Opioids, naloxone and paracetamol toxicity
- Antibiotics, lithium and high-alert medicines
The full bank has 150 pharmacology & dosage calculations questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free Kuwait MOH pharmacology & dosage calculations questions
1. A patient is prescribed metronidazole. What should the nurse teach the patient to avoid?
- A. Direct sunlight only
- B. Green leafy vegetables
- C. Alcohol, during treatment and for at least 48 hours after
- D. Dairy products
Show answer and rationale
Metronidazole with alcohol can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with flushing, nausea, vomiting and palpitations. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for at least 48 hours afterwards (some references advise 72 hours).
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – metronidazole
2. A patient is prescribed 1.5 L of IV fluid over 10 hours via an infusion pump. What rate should be set?
- A. 150 mL/h
- B. 125 mL/h
- C. 100 mL/h
- D. 175 mL/h
Show answer and rationale
1.5 L = 1500 mL. 1500 mL ÷ 10 h = 150 mL/h.
Reference: Standard dosage calculation – IV infusion rates
3. Before giving oral atenolol, the nurse finds the patient's heart rate is 50 beats/min and blood pressure 92/58 mmHg. What should the nurse do?
- A. Give the dose and encourage oral fluids
- B. Give half the dose
- C. Withhold the dose and notify the prescriber
- D. Give the dose because beta-blockers should not be missed
Show answer and rationale
Beta-blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure; bradycardia and hypotension are reasons to withhold and seek advice.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – beta-blockers
4. A nurse believes a prescribed dose is higher than the usual range for the drug. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Give the dose because the prescriber is responsible
- B. Withhold the dose and ask the pharmacist to change the prescription
- C. Give the usual dose instead of the prescribed dose
- D. Withhold the dose and clarify the prescription with the prescriber
Show answer and rationale
A nurse who questions a prescription must withhold it and clarify directly with the prescriber; the nurse is accountable for any drug they give and cannot change the dose independently.
Reference: Potter & Perry Fundamentals – medication orders
5. Gentamicin 5 mg/kg IV is prescribed for a patient weighing 60 kg. The vial contains 40 mg/mL. What volume should be drawn up?
- A. 7.5 mL
- B. 12 mL
- C. 1.5 mL
- D. 3 mL
Show answer and rationale
Dose = 5 mg/kg × 60 kg = 300 mg. Volume = 300 mg ÷ 40 mg/mL = 7.5 mL.
Reference: Standard nursing calculations – weight-based dosing
Study tip
Practise calculations until they are automatic. Write the formula down and check the answer is sensible before you choose.
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