NUR 242 Week 9 Pharmacology Study Guide 2026 |Galen College
1. A nurse is educating a patient about the administration of Lispro (Humalog)
insulin. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. This insulin can be mixed with Insulin Glargine in the same syringe.
C. Ensure the meal is available before administering the dose.
D. Expect the peak effect to occur 6 to 8 hours after injection.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes; therefore, the
patient must eat immediately to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which laboratory value is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient
taking Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Serum amylase
B. Serum Potassium
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin is renally excreted and is contraindicated in patients with significant
renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach every morning.
B. I can take my calcium supplement at the same time as this medication.
C. I should expect to take this medication for the rest of my life.
D. I will report any heart palpitations to my doctor immediately.
Answer: B
Rationale: Calcium, iron, and antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of
Levothyroxine; they should be taken at least 4 hours apart.
4. A nurse is reviewing the medication list for a patient with a history of heart
failure. Which medication for Type 2 Diabetes should be used with caution?
A. Metformin
B. Pioglitazone
C. Acarbose
D. Glipizide
Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention and are
contraindicated or should be used with extreme caution in patients with heart failure.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Sulfonylureas such as Glipizide?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
B. Stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas
C. Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
Answer: B
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete
more insulin.
, 6. A patient is receiving Radioactive Iodine (I-131) for Graves’ disease. Which
precaution is essential for the nurse to teach?
A. Avoid salt-restricted diets during treatment.
B. Do not share utensils or laundry with family members for several days.
C. Expect a full recovery and normal thyroid function within 24 hours.
D. The medication should be stopped if the patient develops a cough.
Answer: B
Rationale: Radioactive iodine makes body fluids radioactive; patients must avoid close
contact and sharing items to prevent radiation exposure to others.
7. Which medication is used to treat Diabetes Insipidus by mimicking the action
of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?
A. Dexamethasone
B. Desmopressin
C. Propylthiouracil
D. Somatropin
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of ADH used to treat Diabetes Insipidus by
increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer Prednisone to a patient with a chronic
inflammatory condition. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypotension
Answer: A
Rationale: Glucocorticoids like Prednisone increase blood glucose levels by promoting
gluconeogenesis and decreasing peripheral glucose utilization.
1. A nurse is educating a patient about the administration of Lispro (Humalog)
insulin. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. This insulin can be mixed with Insulin Glargine in the same syringe.
C. Ensure the meal is available before administering the dose.
D. Expect the peak effect to occur 6 to 8 hours after injection.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes; therefore, the
patient must eat immediately to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which laboratory value is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient
taking Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Serum amylase
B. Serum Potassium
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin is renally excreted and is contraindicated in patients with significant
renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach every morning.
B. I can take my calcium supplement at the same time as this medication.
C. I should expect to take this medication for the rest of my life.
D. I will report any heart palpitations to my doctor immediately.
Answer: B
Rationale: Calcium, iron, and antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of
Levothyroxine; they should be taken at least 4 hours apart.
4. A nurse is reviewing the medication list for a patient with a history of heart
failure. Which medication for Type 2 Diabetes should be used with caution?
A. Metformin
B. Pioglitazone
C. Acarbose
D. Glipizide
Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention and are
contraindicated or should be used with extreme caution in patients with heart failure.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Sulfonylureas such as Glipizide?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
B. Stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas
C. Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
Answer: B
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete
more insulin.
, 6. A patient is receiving Radioactive Iodine (I-131) for Graves’ disease. Which
precaution is essential for the nurse to teach?
A. Avoid salt-restricted diets during treatment.
B. Do not share utensils or laundry with family members for several days.
C. Expect a full recovery and normal thyroid function within 24 hours.
D. The medication should be stopped if the patient develops a cough.
Answer: B
Rationale: Radioactive iodine makes body fluids radioactive; patients must avoid close
contact and sharing items to prevent radiation exposure to others.
7. Which medication is used to treat Diabetes Insipidus by mimicking the action
of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?
A. Dexamethasone
B. Desmopressin
C. Propylthiouracil
D. Somatropin
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of ADH used to treat Diabetes Insipidus by
increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer Prednisone to a patient with a chronic
inflammatory condition. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypotension
Answer: A
Rationale: Glucocorticoids like Prednisone increase blood glucose levels by promoting
gluconeogenesis and decreasing peripheral glucose utilization.
