NUR 2407 Pharmacology Final Exam Questions and Correct Answers
with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high first-pass effect. Which
route of administration should the nurse expect to be avoided?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Oral
D. Transdermal
Answer: C
Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver before
reaching systemic circulation, which happens primarily with oral medications.
2. When administering Gentamicin, the nurse should monitor which laboratory
values due to the risk of nephrotoxicity?
A. BUN and Creatinine
B. AST and ALT
C. Amylase and Lipase
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Answer: A
,Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known to be nephrotoxic; therefore,
monitoring renal function (BUN/Creatinine) is essential.
3. A patient is receiving Warfarin for deep vein thrombosis. Which lab value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. INR
B. PTT
C. Platelet count
D. White blood cell count
Answer: A
Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used
to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
4. What is the reversal agent for Heparin?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Flumazenil
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Explanation: Protamine Sulfate is the specific antidote used to reverse the anticoagulant
effects of Heparin.
,5. A patient on Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Assess the patient’s heart rate and notify the provider
C. Request an order for an EKG only
D. Document this as a normal side effect
Answer: B
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign of Digoxin
toxicity; the pulse should be checked and the provider notified immediately.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after injection
B. Immediately or within 15 minutes of injection
C. At least 2 hours before the injection
D. Only if they feel hypoglycemic
Answer: B
Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes, so the patient
must eat immediately to prevent hypoglycemia.
, 7. Which medication is contraindicated for a patient scheduled for a CT scan
with IV contrast dye?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Furosemide
Answer: B
Explanation: Metformin must be held 48 hours before and after contrast dye because the
combination increases the risk of lactic acidosis and renal failure.
8. A patient using an Albuterol inhaler for asthma reports a racing heart. How
should the nurse explain this?
A. It is an allergic reaction to the propellant
B. The patient is using the inhaler incorrectly
C. It is a common sympathetic nervous system side effect
D. It indicates the medication is not working
Answer: C
Explanation: Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart,
causing tachycardia and tremors.
with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high first-pass effect. Which
route of administration should the nurse expect to be avoided?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Oral
D. Transdermal
Answer: C
Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver before
reaching systemic circulation, which happens primarily with oral medications.
2. When administering Gentamicin, the nurse should monitor which laboratory
values due to the risk of nephrotoxicity?
A. BUN and Creatinine
B. AST and ALT
C. Amylase and Lipase
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Answer: A
,Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known to be nephrotoxic; therefore,
monitoring renal function (BUN/Creatinine) is essential.
3. A patient is receiving Warfarin for deep vein thrombosis. Which lab value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. INR
B. PTT
C. Platelet count
D. White blood cell count
Answer: A
Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used
to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
4. What is the reversal agent for Heparin?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Flumazenil
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Explanation: Protamine Sulfate is the specific antidote used to reverse the anticoagulant
effects of Heparin.
,5. A patient on Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Assess the patient’s heart rate and notify the provider
C. Request an order for an EKG only
D. Document this as a normal side effect
Answer: B
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign of Digoxin
toxicity; the pulse should be checked and the provider notified immediately.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after injection
B. Immediately or within 15 minutes of injection
C. At least 2 hours before the injection
D. Only if they feel hypoglycemic
Answer: B
Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes, so the patient
must eat immediately to prevent hypoglycemia.
, 7. Which medication is contraindicated for a patient scheduled for a CT scan
with IV contrast dye?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Furosemide
Answer: B
Explanation: Metformin must be held 48 hours before and after contrast dye because the
combination increases the risk of lactic acidosis and renal failure.
8. A patient using an Albuterol inhaler for asthma reports a racing heart. How
should the nurse explain this?
A. It is an allergic reaction to the propellant
B. The patient is using the inhaler incorrectly
C. It is a common sympathetic nervous system side effect
D. It indicates the medication is not working
Answer: C
Explanation: Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart,
causing tachycardia and tremors.
