NU150 | NU150 Pharmacology Final Exam v3 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication with a full glass of water
B. Check the patient’s blood pressure
C. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Before administering digoxin, the nurse must assess the apical
pulse for a full minute to ensure it is above 60 beats per minute. Digoxin is a positive
inotrope and negative chronotrope that slows the heart rate. If the heart rate is too
low, the dose must be withheld and the provider notified.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this
medication?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
,C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of warfarin therapy. The goal for most patients on warfarin is an INR
between 2.0 and 3.0. Frequent monitoring is essential because warfarin has a
narrow therapeutic range and multiple drug-drug interactions.
3. Which of the following is a common side effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Increased heart rate
C. Hypokalemia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A persistent dry cough is a well-known side effect of ACE
inhibitors caused by the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is
often the reason patients switch to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
,Nurses should educate patients that this cough is non-productive and may not
resolve without stopping the medication.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for albuterol. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit caffeine intake while taking this medication
B. Use this medication for long-term control of asthma symptoms
C. Rinse your mouth with water after each use
D. Expect the medication to cause drowsiness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a beta2-agonist that can cause systemic effects
like tachycardia and tremors. Caffeine is a stimulant that can exacerbate these
cardiovascular side effects. Patients should be taught to recognize signs of excessive
stimulation while using rescue inhalers.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for metformin in treating Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
B. Increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine
C. Decreasing glucose production by the liver
, D. Replacing the body’s natural insulin deficiency
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by reducing hepatic glucose
production and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion, which reduces the risk of
hypoglycemia. It is generally considered the first-line pharmacologic treatment for
Type 2 Diabetes.
6. A patient is receiving intravenous vancomycin. The nurse monitors for ‘Red Man
Syndrome’ by observing for which of the following?
A. A localized rash at the injection site
B. Sudden onset of shortness of breath and wheezing
C. Severe hypotension and flushing of the face and neck
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-dependent infusion reaction
associated with vancomycin that causes flushing and hypotension. It is not a true
allergic reaction but rather a release of histamine. Slowing the infusion rate and
administering antihistamines can prevent or manage this condition.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication with a full glass of water
B. Check the patient’s blood pressure
C. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Before administering digoxin, the nurse must assess the apical
pulse for a full minute to ensure it is above 60 beats per minute. Digoxin is a positive
inotrope and negative chronotrope that slows the heart rate. If the heart rate is too
low, the dose must be withheld and the provider notified.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this
medication?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
,C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of warfarin therapy. The goal for most patients on warfarin is an INR
between 2.0 and 3.0. Frequent monitoring is essential because warfarin has a
narrow therapeutic range and multiple drug-drug interactions.
3. Which of the following is a common side effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Increased heart rate
C. Hypokalemia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A persistent dry cough is a well-known side effect of ACE
inhibitors caused by the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is
often the reason patients switch to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
,Nurses should educate patients that this cough is non-productive and may not
resolve without stopping the medication.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for albuterol. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit caffeine intake while taking this medication
B. Use this medication for long-term control of asthma symptoms
C. Rinse your mouth with water after each use
D. Expect the medication to cause drowsiness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a beta2-agonist that can cause systemic effects
like tachycardia and tremors. Caffeine is a stimulant that can exacerbate these
cardiovascular side effects. Patients should be taught to recognize signs of excessive
stimulation while using rescue inhalers.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for metformin in treating Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
B. Increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine
C. Decreasing glucose production by the liver
, D. Replacing the body’s natural insulin deficiency
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by reducing hepatic glucose
production and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion, which reduces the risk of
hypoglycemia. It is generally considered the first-line pharmacologic treatment for
Type 2 Diabetes.
6. A patient is receiving intravenous vancomycin. The nurse monitors for ‘Red Man
Syndrome’ by observing for which of the following?
A. A localized rash at the injection site
B. Sudden onset of shortness of breath and wheezing
C. Severe hypotension and flushing of the face and neck
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-dependent infusion reaction
associated with vancomycin that causes flushing and hypotension. It is not a true
allergic reaction but rather a release of histamine. Slowing the infusion rate and
administering antihistamines can prevent or manage this condition.
