NU150 | NU150 Pharmacology Exam 2 v3 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A patient is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. Which medication should the
nurse expect to administer?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine
C. Bethanechol
D. Metoprolol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases the
heart rate by inhibiting vagal influence on the heart. It is the first-line treatment for
symptomatic bradycardia in clinical settings. The nurse must monitor the patient for
tachycardia and dry mouth as common side effects of this medication.
2. A client is prescribed Albuterol for a sudden onset of shortness of breath. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of this medication?
A. This medication will help open my airways quickly during an attack.
B. I should rinse my mouth after each use to prevent thrush.
C. I will use this daily to prevent asthma attacks.
,D. I should take this right before I go to sleep.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) designed for
the rapid relief of bronchospasm. It is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler and should not
be used as a primary long-term controller. Patients should be taught that it works
quickly to improve airflow during acute respiratory distress.
3. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of Morphine?
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Protamine Sulfate
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of
opioid toxicity, including respiratory depression. It works by competing for opioid
receptor sites in the central nervous system. Because its half-life is shorter than
many opioids, repeated doses may be necessary for the patient’s safety.
,4. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving Bethanechol for urinary retention. Which
assessment finding would indicate a potential adverse effect?
A. Tachycardia
B. Dry skin
C. Constipation
D. Abdominal cramping
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the
parasympathetic nervous system. Common side effects include increased
gastrointestinal motility, leading to abdominal cramps or diarrhea. The nurse should
also monitor for other ‘wet’ symptoms like increased salivation and slowed heart
rate.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which
medication should the nurse question if prescribed?
A. Amlodipine
B. Lisinopril
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Propranolol
, Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both
beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors can lead to
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD.
Selective beta-blockers like metoprolol are usually preferred for patients with
respiratory conditions.
6. What is the most serious adverse effect associated with high doses of
Acetaminophen?
A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Respiratory depression
C. Renal failure
D. Hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and excessive
amounts can lead to severe hepatic necrosis. Patients should be educated to limit
their total daily intake to 3,000 to 4,000 mg depending on institutional policy. Early
signs of toxicity can be non-specific, making monitoring of liver enzymes essential.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A patient is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. Which medication should the
nurse expect to administer?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine
C. Bethanechol
D. Metoprolol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases the
heart rate by inhibiting vagal influence on the heart. It is the first-line treatment for
symptomatic bradycardia in clinical settings. The nurse must monitor the patient for
tachycardia and dry mouth as common side effects of this medication.
2. A client is prescribed Albuterol for a sudden onset of shortness of breath. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of this medication?
A. This medication will help open my airways quickly during an attack.
B. I should rinse my mouth after each use to prevent thrush.
C. I will use this daily to prevent asthma attacks.
,D. I should take this right before I go to sleep.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) designed for
the rapid relief of bronchospasm. It is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler and should not
be used as a primary long-term controller. Patients should be taught that it works
quickly to improve airflow during acute respiratory distress.
3. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of Morphine?
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Protamine Sulfate
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of
opioid toxicity, including respiratory depression. It works by competing for opioid
receptor sites in the central nervous system. Because its half-life is shorter than
many opioids, repeated doses may be necessary for the patient’s safety.
,4. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving Bethanechol for urinary retention. Which
assessment finding would indicate a potential adverse effect?
A. Tachycardia
B. Dry skin
C. Constipation
D. Abdominal cramping
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the
parasympathetic nervous system. Common side effects include increased
gastrointestinal motility, leading to abdominal cramps or diarrhea. The nurse should
also monitor for other ‘wet’ symptoms like increased salivation and slowed heart
rate.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which
medication should the nurse question if prescribed?
A. Amlodipine
B. Lisinopril
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Propranolol
, Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both
beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors can lead to
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD.
Selective beta-blockers like metoprolol are usually preferred for patients with
respiratory conditions.
6. What is the most serious adverse effect associated with high doses of
Acetaminophen?
A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Respiratory depression
C. Renal failure
D. Hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and excessive
amounts can lead to severe hepatic necrosis. Patients should be educated to limit
their total daily intake to 3,000 to 4,000 mg depending on institutional policy. Early
signs of toxicity can be non-specific, making monitoring of liver enzymes essential.
