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SNLE 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 Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam (SNLE), 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 SNLE pharmacology & dosage calculations questions
1. Which side effects are common after inhaled salbutamol?
- A. Tremor and a fast heart rate
- B. Bradycardia and drowsiness
- C. Oral thrush and a hoarse voice
- D. Constipation and a dry cough
Show answer and rationale
Salbutamol is a beta-2 agonist that commonly causes fine tremor, palpitations and tachycardia. Oral thrush and hoarseness are side effects of inhaled corticosteroids.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – beta-2 agonists
2. Which drug reverses the effects of a benzodiazepine overdose?
- A. Naloxone
- B. Protamine sulfate
- C. Atropine
- D. Flumazenil
Show answer and rationale
Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Naloxone reverses opioids and protamine reverses heparin.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – benzodiazepines
3. Which oral antidiabetic drug is most likely to cause hypoglycaemia?
- A. Gliclazide (a sulfonylurea)
- B. Sitagliptin used alone
- C. Acarbose used alone
- D. Metformin
Show answer and rationale
Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release regardless of glucose level and commonly cause hypoglycaemia, especially in older adults or with missed meals.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – oral hypoglycaemics
4. A heparin infusion of 25 000 units in 250 mL is running at 18 mL/h. How many units per hour is the patient receiving?
- A. 1250 units/h
- B. 2500 units/h
- C. 900 units/h
- D. 1800 units/h
Show answer and rationale
Concentration = 25 000 ÷ 250 = 100 units/mL. Dose = 18 mL/h × 100 units/mL = 1800 units/h.
Reference: Standard dosage calculation – heparin infusion
5. A patient who started enalapril two days ago develops swelling of the lips and tongue. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Withhold the drug, assess the airway and seek urgent medical help
- B. Document the finding as a minor side effect
- C. Give the next dose with an antihistamine
- D. Apply ice to the lips and reassess in an hour
Show answer and rationale
Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that can obstruct the airway; the drug must be stopped permanently and the airway protected.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – ACE inhibitors
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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