NUR 334 Exam 2: Pharmacology I V2 - Arizona College
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
determine the effectiveness of this therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Serum potassium levels
C. Platelet count
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Ans: D
Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored primarily through the International Normalized Ratio to
ensure appropriate anticoagulation levels. The Prothrombin Time is also tracked, but the INR provides a
standardized measurement across different laboratories. Maintaining a therapeutic INR range is essential
to prevent both clotting and excessive bleeding risks. The nurse should assess the patient for any signs of
unusual bruising or bleeding during the treatment. Consistently monitoring this value allows the
provider to adjust the dosage based on the patient’s individual response.
2. Which medication is considered the gold standard antidote for a patient experiencing a Heparin
overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Flumazenil
C. Vitamin K
D. Acetylcysteine
,Ans: A
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is administered intravenously to neutralize the anticoagulant effects of
heparin in emergency situations. It works by forming a stable salt with the strongly acidic heparin
molecule to inhibit its activity. This intervention is critical when a patient develops life-threatening
hemorrhage while receiving heparin infusions. Nurses must monitor the patient’s respiratory status and
blood pressure during the administration of the antidote. Understanding specific antidotes is a
fundamental component of safe pharmacological practice in acute care settings.
3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
B. Notify the provider and request a serum digoxin level.
C. Document the finding as a normal side effect.
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake.
Ans: B
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow or green halos are classic signs of digoxin toxicity that
require immediate attention. The nurse must hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider to
assess for toxic serum levels. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, making toxicity a common and
dangerous complication for many patients. Assessment of the apical pulse for a full minute is also
required before any digoxin administration. Early identification of these symptoms can prevent more
severe complications like cardiac arrhythmias or death.
4. Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Hypokalemia
, B. Persistent dry cough
C. Peripheral edema
D. Tachycardia
Ans: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors often cause a persistent, nonproductive dry cough due to the accumulation
of bradykinin in the respiratory tract. If the cough becomes intolerable, the provider may switch the
patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker instead. This side effect is unrelated to an actual respiratory
infection but is a direct result of the drug’s mechanism. Patients should be informed about this potential
side effect before starting the medication to reduce anxiety. Monitoring for angioedema is another critical
safety assessment when a patient begins ACE inhibitor therapy.
5. A patient is receiving Furosemide for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at the
highest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Ans: B
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water along with significant
amounts of potassium and sodium. Low potassium levels can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and
muscle weakness in susceptible patients. The nurse should encourage the consumption of potassium-rich
foods or administer supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Routine blood work is necessary to
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
determine the effectiveness of this therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Serum potassium levels
C. Platelet count
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Ans: D
Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored primarily through the International Normalized Ratio to
ensure appropriate anticoagulation levels. The Prothrombin Time is also tracked, but the INR provides a
standardized measurement across different laboratories. Maintaining a therapeutic INR range is essential
to prevent both clotting and excessive bleeding risks. The nurse should assess the patient for any signs of
unusual bruising or bleeding during the treatment. Consistently monitoring this value allows the
provider to adjust the dosage based on the patient’s individual response.
2. Which medication is considered the gold standard antidote for a patient experiencing a Heparin
overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Flumazenil
C. Vitamin K
D. Acetylcysteine
,Ans: A
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is administered intravenously to neutralize the anticoagulant effects of
heparin in emergency situations. It works by forming a stable salt with the strongly acidic heparin
molecule to inhibit its activity. This intervention is critical when a patient develops life-threatening
hemorrhage while receiving heparin infusions. Nurses must monitor the patient’s respiratory status and
blood pressure during the administration of the antidote. Understanding specific antidotes is a
fundamental component of safe pharmacological practice in acute care settings.
3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
B. Notify the provider and request a serum digoxin level.
C. Document the finding as a normal side effect.
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake.
Ans: B
Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow or green halos are classic signs of digoxin toxicity that
require immediate attention. The nurse must hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider to
assess for toxic serum levels. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, making toxicity a common and
dangerous complication for many patients. Assessment of the apical pulse for a full minute is also
required before any digoxin administration. Early identification of these symptoms can prevent more
severe complications like cardiac arrhythmias or death.
4. Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Hypokalemia
, B. Persistent dry cough
C. Peripheral edema
D. Tachycardia
Ans: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors often cause a persistent, nonproductive dry cough due to the accumulation
of bradykinin in the respiratory tract. If the cough becomes intolerable, the provider may switch the
patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker instead. This side effect is unrelated to an actual respiratory
infection but is a direct result of the drug’s mechanism. Patients should be informed about this potential
side effect before starting the medication to reduce anxiety. Monitoring for angioedema is another critical
safety assessment when a patient begins ACE inhibitor therapy.
5. A patient is receiving Furosemide for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at the
highest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Ans: B
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water along with significant
amounts of potassium and sodium. Low potassium levels can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and
muscle weakness in susceptible patients. The nurse should encourage the consumption of potassium-rich
foods or administer supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Routine blood work is necessary to
