NUR2474 | NUR2474 Pharmacology for
Professional Nursing Exam 2 v3 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a patient prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side
effect is a common reason for patients to discontinue this medication?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. A persistent dry cough
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril often cause a persistent dry
cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is non-
harmful but can be very bothersome for the patient, leading to non-compliance. If
the cough becomes intolerable, the provider may switch the patient to an
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient taking
Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum Sodium
,B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Platelet Count
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
water, sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk and can lead to
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Nurses must monitor potassium levels regularly
and educate patients on consuming potassium-rich foods or taking supplements as
ordered.
3. A patient is receiving Digoxin. Which of the following findings would suggest the
patient is experiencing Digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite and thirst
B. Vision changes, such as seeing yellow-green halos
C. Hypertension and flushed skin
D. Hyperactivity and insomnia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual disturbances, particularly yellow-green halos or
blurred vision, are classic signs of Digoxin toxicity. Other signs include
,gastrointestinal distress like nausea and vomiting, as well as bradycardia. Because
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, these symptoms require immediate
reporting and serum level testing.
4. When administering Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain, how should the nurse
instruct the patient to take the medication?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve
D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sublingual administration allows Nitroglycerin to be absorbed
directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the first-pass effect of the liver. The
patient should not swallow or chew the tablet as this would decrease its
effectiveness. If pain persists after one dose, the patient should call emergency
services while continuing subsequent doses every five minutes for a maximum of
three doses.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking Spironolactone. Which food choice
indicates the patient needs further teaching?
A. Apples
, B. White bread
C. Bananas
D. Green beans
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it
inhibits the excretion of potassium. Consuming high-potassium foods like bananas
or salt substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia. The patient must be taught to avoid
excessive potassium intake to prevent cardiac complications.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. It dissolves existing blood clots in the coronary arteries
B. It activates antithrombin III to neutralize thrombin
C. It prevents platelets from aggregating together
D. It inhibits the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by interfering with the hepatic synthesis of
Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X). It is used for long-term
anticoagulation and does not dissolve existing clots but prevents new ones from
Professional Nursing Exam 2 v3 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a patient prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side
effect is a common reason for patients to discontinue this medication?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. A persistent dry cough
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril often cause a persistent dry
cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is non-
harmful but can be very bothersome for the patient, leading to non-compliance. If
the cough becomes intolerable, the provider may switch the patient to an
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient taking
Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum Sodium
,B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Platelet Count
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
water, sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk and can lead to
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Nurses must monitor potassium levels regularly
and educate patients on consuming potassium-rich foods or taking supplements as
ordered.
3. A patient is receiving Digoxin. Which of the following findings would suggest the
patient is experiencing Digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite and thirst
B. Vision changes, such as seeing yellow-green halos
C. Hypertension and flushed skin
D. Hyperactivity and insomnia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual disturbances, particularly yellow-green halos or
blurred vision, are classic signs of Digoxin toxicity. Other signs include
,gastrointestinal distress like nausea and vomiting, as well as bradycardia. Because
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, these symptoms require immediate
reporting and serum level testing.
4. When administering Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain, how should the nurse
instruct the patient to take the medication?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve
D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sublingual administration allows Nitroglycerin to be absorbed
directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the first-pass effect of the liver. The
patient should not swallow or chew the tablet as this would decrease its
effectiveness. If pain persists after one dose, the patient should call emergency
services while continuing subsequent doses every five minutes for a maximum of
three doses.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking Spironolactone. Which food choice
indicates the patient needs further teaching?
A. Apples
, B. White bread
C. Bananas
D. Green beans
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it
inhibits the excretion of potassium. Consuming high-potassium foods like bananas
or salt substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia. The patient must be taught to avoid
excessive potassium intake to prevent cardiac complications.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. It dissolves existing blood clots in the coronary arteries
B. It activates antithrombin III to neutralize thrombin
C. It prevents platelets from aggregating together
D. It inhibits the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by interfering with the hepatic synthesis of
Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X). It is used for long-term
anticoagulation and does not dissolve existing clots but prevents new ones from
