NU150 | NU150 Pharmacology Exam 2 v2 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. Which action should
the nurse take regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Ensure the patient’s meal tray is present before injecting.
C. Give the injection immediately after the patient finishes eating.
D. Administer the dose only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30
minutes. The nurse must ensure that the patient has food ready to eat to prevent a
rapid drop in blood glucose. Administering it too early without food can lead to
severe hypoglycemia.
2. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which diagnostic test
requires the nurse to hold this medication for 48 hours?
A. A routine chest X-ray.
B. An electrocardiogram (ECG).
C. An abdominal ultrasound.
,D. A CT scan with intravenous contrast dye.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be withheld before and 48 hours after
procedures involving iodine-based contrast media. The combination of contrast and
metformin increases the risk of acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Monitoring
renal function is essential before resuming the medication.
3. When teaching a patient about taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
B. If a dose is missed, double the next dose immediately.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
D. Expect the full effects of the medication within 24 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach,
preferably 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. This practice ensures optimal
absorption of the hormone in the GI tract. Taking it with food or other medications
can significantly decrease its bioavailability.
, 4. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Morphine via a PCA pump. Which
assessment finding should be the nurse’s priority concern?
A. The patient reports mild nausea.
B. The patient has not had a bowel movement in two days.
C. The patient reports a pain level of 3 out of 10.
D. The patient’s respiratory rate is 8 breaths per minute.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of
opioid analgesics like morphine. A respiratory rate of 8 indicates significant
depression and requires immediate intervention or the administration of naloxone.
Nausea and constipation are common but non-life-threatening side effects.
5. A patient who has been taking Prednisone for several weeks asks if they can stop it
since they feel better. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Yes, you can stop it immediately if your symptoms are gone.
B. It is better to take the medication every other day starting now.
C. You should switch to an over-the-counter NSAID instead.
D. You must taper the dose gradually to prevent adrenal crisis.
Correct Answer: D
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. Which action should
the nurse take regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Ensure the patient’s meal tray is present before injecting.
C. Give the injection immediately after the patient finishes eating.
D. Administer the dose only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30
minutes. The nurse must ensure that the patient has food ready to eat to prevent a
rapid drop in blood glucose. Administering it too early without food can lead to
severe hypoglycemia.
2. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which diagnostic test
requires the nurse to hold this medication for 48 hours?
A. A routine chest X-ray.
B. An electrocardiogram (ECG).
C. An abdominal ultrasound.
,D. A CT scan with intravenous contrast dye.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be withheld before and 48 hours after
procedures involving iodine-based contrast media. The combination of contrast and
metformin increases the risk of acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Monitoring
renal function is essential before resuming the medication.
3. When teaching a patient about taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
B. If a dose is missed, double the next dose immediately.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
D. Expect the full effects of the medication within 24 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach,
preferably 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. This practice ensures optimal
absorption of the hormone in the GI tract. Taking it with food or other medications
can significantly decrease its bioavailability.
, 4. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Morphine via a PCA pump. Which
assessment finding should be the nurse’s priority concern?
A. The patient reports mild nausea.
B. The patient has not had a bowel movement in two days.
C. The patient reports a pain level of 3 out of 10.
D. The patient’s respiratory rate is 8 breaths per minute.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of
opioid analgesics like morphine. A respiratory rate of 8 indicates significant
depression and requires immediate intervention or the administration of naloxone.
Nausea and constipation are common but non-life-threatening side effects.
5. A patient who has been taking Prednisone for several weeks asks if they can stop it
since they feel better. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Yes, you can stop it immediately if your symptoms are gone.
B. It is better to take the medication every other day starting now.
C. You should switch to an over-the-counter NSAID instead.
D. You must taper the dose gradually to prevent adrenal crisis.
Correct Answer: D
