NUR2474 | NUR2474 Pharmacology for
Professional Nursing Final Exam v1 | Questions
with Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for
Each Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse review before administration to
minimize the risk of toxicity?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum hemoglobin
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
because potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites on the sodium-
potassium ATPase pump. When potassium levels are low, more digoxin binds to
these sites, leading to an intensified drug effect. The nurse must ensure the serum
potassium is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L before giving the
medication.
,2. A patient is prescribed vancomycin IV for a MRSA infection. During the infusion, the
patient develops flushing of the neck and face. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the infusion and notify the provider
C. Administer epinephrine immediately
D. Apply a cold compress to the affected area
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: This reaction is known as Red Man Syndrome, which is a rate-
dependent infusion reaction rather than a true allergic response. Slowing the
infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms and prevents further occurrences. The
nurse should also monitor the patient’s blood pressure and potentially administer
an antihistamine if prescribed.
3. A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
B. Take the medication at bedtime
C. Take the medication with a full meal
D. Double the dose if a day is missed
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is significantly improved when
taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it
with food or certain minerals like calcium can decrease its bioavailability and
effectiveness. Establishing a consistent morning routine helps maintain stable
thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
4. A patient is taking spironolactone for hypertension. Which of the following dietary
items should the nurse advise the patient to limit?
A. Dairy products and cheese
B. Bananas and salt substitutes
C. Whole grain breads
D. Red meat and poultry
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone in the distal nephron. Because it prevents the excretion of potassium,
the patient is at high risk for hyperkalemia. Bananas and many salt substitutes are
high in potassium and should be avoided to prevent dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
, 5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for the treatment of an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress. Unlike salmeterol, which is
long-acting, albuterol works within minutes to open the airways. Fluticasone and
montelukast are used for long-term control and do not work quickly enough for
rescue therapy.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory test is
used to monitor the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet Count
Professional Nursing Final Exam v1 | Questions
with Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for
Each Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse review before administration to
minimize the risk of toxicity?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum hemoglobin
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
because potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites on the sodium-
potassium ATPase pump. When potassium levels are low, more digoxin binds to
these sites, leading to an intensified drug effect. The nurse must ensure the serum
potassium is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L before giving the
medication.
,2. A patient is prescribed vancomycin IV for a MRSA infection. During the infusion, the
patient develops flushing of the neck and face. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the infusion and notify the provider
C. Administer epinephrine immediately
D. Apply a cold compress to the affected area
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: This reaction is known as Red Man Syndrome, which is a rate-
dependent infusion reaction rather than a true allergic response. Slowing the
infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms and prevents further occurrences. The
nurse should also monitor the patient’s blood pressure and potentially administer
an antihistamine if prescribed.
3. A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
B. Take the medication at bedtime
C. Take the medication with a full meal
D. Double the dose if a day is missed
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is significantly improved when
taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it
with food or certain minerals like calcium can decrease its bioavailability and
effectiveness. Establishing a consistent morning routine helps maintain stable
thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
4. A patient is taking spironolactone for hypertension. Which of the following dietary
items should the nurse advise the patient to limit?
A. Dairy products and cheese
B. Bananas and salt substitutes
C. Whole grain breads
D. Red meat and poultry
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone in the distal nephron. Because it prevents the excretion of potassium,
the patient is at high risk for hyperkalemia. Bananas and many salt substitutes are
high in potassium and should be avoided to prevent dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
, 5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for the treatment of an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress. Unlike salmeterol, which is
long-acting, albuterol works within minutes to open the airways. Fluticasone and
montelukast are used for long-term control and do not work quickly enough for
rescue therapy.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory test is
used to monitor the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet Count
