NR 406B Exam 3: Pharmacology II V1
Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers - Regis University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient with type 1
diabetes. At what time should the nurse advise the patient to consume their
meal?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before the injection
B. Two hours after the injection is administered
C. Only if the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
D. Within 15 minutes of receiving the injection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This exam covers advanced pharmacological concepts essential for nursing
practice in complex clinical scenarios. The focus includes endocrine regulation, respiratory
management, gastrointestinal interventions, and comprehensive anti-infective therapy.
Nurses must demonstrate proficiency in identifying therapeutic drug levels and monitoring
for life-threatening adverse reactions across various systems. A deep understanding of
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is required to ensure patient safety and
medication efficacy. The questions emphasize patient education, such as proper
administration techniques for inhaled medications and oral bisphosphonates. Critical
thinking is applied through the assessment of drug-drug interactions, particularly with
high-risk medications like nitrates and sildenafil. Management of chronic conditions like
diabetes and thyroid disorders remains a core component of the pharmacology curriculum.
Infection control through the appropriate use of antibiotics and the recognition of
resistance patterns is highlighted throughout the material. Specialty areas such as oncology
and women’s health are integrated to prepare students for diverse patient populations.
Overall, this assessment ensures that students can synthesize pharmacological knowledge
into safe and effective nursing care plans.
,2. Which lab value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient taking
metformin for type 2 diabetes?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C. Platelet count
D. Serum calcium levels
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis if renal
function is impaired; GFR is the best indicator of renal safety.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
B. Take the medication with a full meal
C. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued
D. Take the medication immediately before bedtime
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is increased when taken on an empty stomach,
ideally 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient taking propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse
effect should the nurse prioritize for reporting?
A. Mild weight gain
B. Sore throat and fever
C. Cold intolerance
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PTU can cause agranulocytosis; sore throat and fever are early signs of
infection that must be reported immediately.
, 5. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an
acute asthma attack?
A. Tiotropium
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
6. A patient is prescribed inhaled fluticasone. What is the most important action
the nurse should teach the patient to prevent a local side effect?
A. Rinse the mouth with water after use
B. Take a deep breath before puffing
C. Use a spacer with the inhaler
D. Wait 5 minutes between puffs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rinsing the mouth helps prevent oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush), a
common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
7. A patient taking long-term prednisone is being discharged. Why is it essential
to taper the dose rather than stopping abruptly?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To reduce the risk of hyperglycemia
C. To avoid gastric ulceration
D. To prevent adrenal insufficiency
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Exogenous steroids suppress the HPA axis; abrupt cessation can lead to a
life-threatening adrenal crisis.
Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers - Regis University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient with type 1
diabetes. At what time should the nurse advise the patient to consume their
meal?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before the injection
B. Two hours after the injection is administered
C. Only if the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
D. Within 15 minutes of receiving the injection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This exam covers advanced pharmacological concepts essential for nursing
practice in complex clinical scenarios. The focus includes endocrine regulation, respiratory
management, gastrointestinal interventions, and comprehensive anti-infective therapy.
Nurses must demonstrate proficiency in identifying therapeutic drug levels and monitoring
for life-threatening adverse reactions across various systems. A deep understanding of
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is required to ensure patient safety and
medication efficacy. The questions emphasize patient education, such as proper
administration techniques for inhaled medications and oral bisphosphonates. Critical
thinking is applied through the assessment of drug-drug interactions, particularly with
high-risk medications like nitrates and sildenafil. Management of chronic conditions like
diabetes and thyroid disorders remains a core component of the pharmacology curriculum.
Infection control through the appropriate use of antibiotics and the recognition of
resistance patterns is highlighted throughout the material. Specialty areas such as oncology
and women’s health are integrated to prepare students for diverse patient populations.
Overall, this assessment ensures that students can synthesize pharmacological knowledge
into safe and effective nursing care plans.
,2. Which lab value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient taking
metformin for type 2 diabetes?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C. Platelet count
D. Serum calcium levels
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis if renal
function is impaired; GFR is the best indicator of renal safety.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
B. Take the medication with a full meal
C. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued
D. Take the medication immediately before bedtime
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is increased when taken on an empty stomach,
ideally 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient taking propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse
effect should the nurse prioritize for reporting?
A. Mild weight gain
B. Sore throat and fever
C. Cold intolerance
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PTU can cause agranulocytosis; sore throat and fever are early signs of
infection that must be reported immediately.
, 5. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an
acute asthma attack?
A. Tiotropium
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
6. A patient is prescribed inhaled fluticasone. What is the most important action
the nurse should teach the patient to prevent a local side effect?
A. Rinse the mouth with water after use
B. Take a deep breath before puffing
C. Use a spacer with the inhaler
D. Wait 5 minutes between puffs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rinsing the mouth helps prevent oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush), a
common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
7. A patient taking long-term prednisone is being discharged. Why is it essential
to taper the dose rather than stopping abruptly?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To reduce the risk of hyperglycemia
C. To avoid gastric ulceration
D. To prevent adrenal insufficiency
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Exogenous steroids suppress the HPA axis; abrupt cessation can lead to a
life-threatening adrenal crisis.
