NR 406B Final Exam: Pharmacology II V2 Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers - Regis University
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate the medication’s therapeutic effectiveness?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT) only
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory value used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin; for
most patients, the therapeutic range is 2.0 to 3.0.
2. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess for other signs of toxicity and notify the provider
B. Administer the next scheduled dose
C. Document the finding as a common side effect
D. Check the patient’s blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are classic signs of Digoxin toxicity and
require immediate assessment and notification.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient at highest risk for when taking Furosemide?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium, leading to a high risk
of hypokalemia.
,4. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the most likely cause?
A. Upper respiratory infection
B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Allergic reaction to the drug
D. Heart failure exacerbation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can lead to a
dry, persistent cough in some patients.
5. Before administering Metoprolol, the nurse should prioritize which assessment?
A. Temperature
B. Oxygen saturation
C. Respiratory rate
D. Heart rate and blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure; it should
be held if the heart rate is less than 60 bpm.
6. A patient taking Atorvastatin reports unexplained muscle pain and weakness. Which lab
test should the nurse expect?
A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
B. Serum glucose
C. Creatine kinase (CK) level
D. Complete blood count
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Statin medications can cause rhabdomyolysis; an elevated CK level indicates muscle
breakdown and requires immediate attention.
, 7. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which food choice indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Apples
D. Chicken breast
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; patients should avoid high-potassium foods
like bananas to prevent hyperkalemia.
8. The nurse is preparing to administer Heparin intravenously. Which lab result is used to
adjust the infusion rate?
A. INR
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Bleeding time
D. Prothrombin time
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: aPTT is the standard test for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy and adjusting the
dosage based on hospital protocols.
9. A patient is instructed to take Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. How many doses
can be taken before calling 911?
A. One dose
B. Three doses, 5 minutes apart
C. Five doses, 2 minutes apart
D. As many as needed until pain subsides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard protocol is to take one dose every 5 minutes for up to three doses; if pain
persists after the first dose, many protocols suggest calling EMS.
Latest Questions and Correct Answers - Regis University
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate the medication’s therapeutic effectiveness?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT) only
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory value used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin; for
most patients, the therapeutic range is 2.0 to 3.0.
2. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess for other signs of toxicity and notify the provider
B. Administer the next scheduled dose
C. Document the finding as a common side effect
D. Check the patient’s blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are classic signs of Digoxin toxicity and
require immediate assessment and notification.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient at highest risk for when taking Furosemide?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium, leading to a high risk
of hypokalemia.
,4. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the most likely cause?
A. Upper respiratory infection
B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Allergic reaction to the drug
D. Heart failure exacerbation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can lead to a
dry, persistent cough in some patients.
5. Before administering Metoprolol, the nurse should prioritize which assessment?
A. Temperature
B. Oxygen saturation
C. Respiratory rate
D. Heart rate and blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure; it should
be held if the heart rate is less than 60 bpm.
6. A patient taking Atorvastatin reports unexplained muscle pain and weakness. Which lab
test should the nurse expect?
A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
B. Serum glucose
C. Creatine kinase (CK) level
D. Complete blood count
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Statin medications can cause rhabdomyolysis; an elevated CK level indicates muscle
breakdown and requires immediate attention.
, 7. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which food choice indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Apples
D. Chicken breast
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; patients should avoid high-potassium foods
like bananas to prevent hyperkalemia.
8. The nurse is preparing to administer Heparin intravenously. Which lab result is used to
adjust the infusion rate?
A. INR
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Bleeding time
D. Prothrombin time
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: aPTT is the standard test for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy and adjusting the
dosage based on hospital protocols.
9. A patient is instructed to take Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. How many doses
can be taken before calling 911?
A. One dose
B. Three doses, 5 minutes apart
C. Five doses, 2 minutes apart
D. As many as needed until pain subsides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard protocol is to take one dose every 5 minutes for up to three doses; if pain
persists after the first dose, many protocols suggest calling EMS.
