NUR 210 Final Exam: Principles of Pharmacology - Galen
College of Nursing Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following findings would indicate potential
digoxin toxicity?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Reports of seeing yellow-green halos around lights
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as visual disturbances such as seeing yellow-green halos. The
drug works by increasing myocardial contractility while slowing the heart rate through the AV node.
Nurses must monitor serum digoxin levels and electrolyte balances, especially potassium. If toxicity is
suspected, the nurse should notify the provider and check the apical pulse immediately. Patient education
should emphasize recognizing these early signs of toxicity to prevent severe complications.
2. Which lab value is most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving an IV infusion of heparin?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Serum calcium levels
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Heparin therapy is monitored using the aPTT to ensure the dose remains within the
therapeutic range. The therapeutic goal is typically 1.5 to 2 times the normal control value. Unlike
warfarin, heparin works quickly by inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Nurses must
also watch for signs of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during the treatment period. Safety protocols
require two nurses to verify the dose before starting the infusion.
3. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse instruct the patient
to report immediately?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Increased appetite
C. Constipation
D. Swelling of the lips and tongue
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue indicates angioedema, a life-threatening adverse reaction to
ACE inhibitors. While a dry cough is a common side effect, angioedema requires immediate emergency
intervention. The medication works by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent
vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Patients should be taught to avoid potassium-sparing supplements while
taking this medication. Monitoring blood pressure before and after administration is a standard nursing
priority.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for the medication Furosemide?
A. Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle
B. Blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
C. Decreases heart rate by blocking beta receptors
, D. Inhibits the reabsorption of water in the distal tubule
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that significantly increases the excretion of water and
electrolytes. By inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, it reduces fluid volume in the body.
The nurse must monitor for hypokalemia, as this drug causes significant potassium loss. It is often used
to treat pulmonary edema and chronic heart failure conditions. Patients should be encouraged to
consume potassium-rich foods or take prescribed supplements during therapy.
5. A patient has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following should be included in the teaching
plan?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
B. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding
C. Aspirin can be used for occasional headaches
D. Stop the medication if minor bruising occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding, so soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended for
oral hygiene. Patients must maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K rather than increasing or
decreasing it abruptly. The therapeutic effect is monitored by the PT and INR values. Concurrent use of
aspirin or other NSAIDs should be avoided due to the increased hemorrhage risk. Regular blood tests are
essential to ensure the dosage is safe and effective.
6. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of benzodiazepines?
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
College of Nursing Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following findings would indicate potential
digoxin toxicity?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Reports of seeing yellow-green halos around lights
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as visual disturbances such as seeing yellow-green halos. The
drug works by increasing myocardial contractility while slowing the heart rate through the AV node.
Nurses must monitor serum digoxin levels and electrolyte balances, especially potassium. If toxicity is
suspected, the nurse should notify the provider and check the apical pulse immediately. Patient education
should emphasize recognizing these early signs of toxicity to prevent severe complications.
2. Which lab value is most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving an IV infusion of heparin?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Serum calcium levels
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Heparin therapy is monitored using the aPTT to ensure the dose remains within the
therapeutic range. The therapeutic goal is typically 1.5 to 2 times the normal control value. Unlike
warfarin, heparin works quickly by inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Nurses must
also watch for signs of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during the treatment period. Safety protocols
require two nurses to verify the dose before starting the infusion.
3. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse instruct the patient
to report immediately?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Increased appetite
C. Constipation
D. Swelling of the lips and tongue
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue indicates angioedema, a life-threatening adverse reaction to
ACE inhibitors. While a dry cough is a common side effect, angioedema requires immediate emergency
intervention. The medication works by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent
vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Patients should be taught to avoid potassium-sparing supplements while
taking this medication. Monitoring blood pressure before and after administration is a standard nursing
priority.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for the medication Furosemide?
A. Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle
B. Blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
C. Decreases heart rate by blocking beta receptors
, D. Inhibits the reabsorption of water in the distal tubule
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that significantly increases the excretion of water and
electrolytes. By inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, it reduces fluid volume in the body.
The nurse must monitor for hypokalemia, as this drug causes significant potassium loss. It is often used
to treat pulmonary edema and chronic heart failure conditions. Patients should be encouraged to
consume potassium-rich foods or take prescribed supplements during therapy.
5. A patient has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following should be included in the teaching
plan?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
B. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding
C. Aspirin can be used for occasional headaches
D. Stop the medication if minor bruising occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding, so soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended for
oral hygiene. Patients must maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K rather than increasing or
decreasing it abruptly. The therapeutic effect is monitored by the PT and INR values. Concurrent use of
aspirin or other NSAIDs should be avoided due to the increased hemorrhage risk. Regular blood tests are
essential to ensure the dosage is safe and effective.
6. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of benzodiazepines?
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
