NUR2474 Pharmacology for Professional Nursing
Exam 2 v1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving beclomethasone via a metered-dose inhaler.
Which instruction should the nurse include to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Avoid eating for at least 30 minutes after administration.
C. Rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after each use.
D. Use a spacer only when the patient has an active infection.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can deposit in the
oropharynx, leading to local immunosuppression and fungal overgrowth. Rinsing
the mouth helps remove residual medication and prevents the development of oral
thrush. This is a standard nursing intervention for all patients using inhaled steroid
maintenance therapy.
2. A patient is prescribed albuterol for exercise-induced bronchospasm. When should
the nurse instruct the patient to use the inhaler?
A. 15 to 30 minutes before beginning physical activity.
B. Immediately after finishing the exercise routine.
,C. Once daily in the morning regardless of activity level.
D. Only if symptoms like wheezing occur during exercise.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation. For exercise-induced bronchospasm, it is most effective
when administered prophylactically to prevent the airway from narrowing during
exertion. Patients should be taught that this medication is a rescue or pre-treatment
drug, not a long-term controller.
3. A nurse is reviewing the medication record of a patient with a new prescription for
propranolol. Which condition in the patient’s history is a contraindication for this
drug?
A. Hypertension
B. Asthma
C. Tachycardia
D. Glaucoma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can lead to
,bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Nurses
must screen for respiratory conditions before administering non-selective beta
antagonists.
4. A patient is taking levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson’s disease. The patient reports
‘wearing off’ before the next dose is due. What is a common strategy to manage this?
A. Shortening the dosing interval or adding a COMT inhibitor.
B. Discontinuing the medication immediately.
C. Increasing the intake of high-protein meals.
D. Switching the medication to an anticholinergic drug only.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ‘wearing-off’ phenomenon occurs when drug levels fall
below the therapeutic threshold near the end of a dosing cycle. Adjusting the timing
of doses or adding an adjunct like entacapone helps maintain more stable dopamine
levels in the brain. High-protein meals should actually be avoided as they can
interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute anaphylactic
reaction?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
, C. Methylprednisolone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors. It causes vasoconstriction to
increase blood pressure and bronchodilation to open airways during severe allergic
reactions. While antihistamines and steroids are used adjunctively, they do not act
quickly enough to save a life during anaphylaxis.
6. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving phenytoin for seizures. Which of the
following is a common adverse effect associated with long-term use?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Weight gain
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, is a well-
known side effect of phenytoin. Patients should be encouraged to maintain
Exam 2 v1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving beclomethasone via a metered-dose inhaler.
Which instruction should the nurse include to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Avoid eating for at least 30 minutes after administration.
C. Rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after each use.
D. Use a spacer only when the patient has an active infection.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can deposit in the
oropharynx, leading to local immunosuppression and fungal overgrowth. Rinsing
the mouth helps remove residual medication and prevents the development of oral
thrush. This is a standard nursing intervention for all patients using inhaled steroid
maintenance therapy.
2. A patient is prescribed albuterol for exercise-induced bronchospasm. When should
the nurse instruct the patient to use the inhaler?
A. 15 to 30 minutes before beginning physical activity.
B. Immediately after finishing the exercise routine.
,C. Once daily in the morning regardless of activity level.
D. Only if symptoms like wheezing occur during exercise.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation. For exercise-induced bronchospasm, it is most effective
when administered prophylactically to prevent the airway from narrowing during
exertion. Patients should be taught that this medication is a rescue or pre-treatment
drug, not a long-term controller.
3. A nurse is reviewing the medication record of a patient with a new prescription for
propranolol. Which condition in the patient’s history is a contraindication for this
drug?
A. Hypertension
B. Asthma
C. Tachycardia
D. Glaucoma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can lead to
,bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Nurses
must screen for respiratory conditions before administering non-selective beta
antagonists.
4. A patient is taking levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson’s disease. The patient reports
‘wearing off’ before the next dose is due. What is a common strategy to manage this?
A. Shortening the dosing interval or adding a COMT inhibitor.
B. Discontinuing the medication immediately.
C. Increasing the intake of high-protein meals.
D. Switching the medication to an anticholinergic drug only.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ‘wearing-off’ phenomenon occurs when drug levels fall
below the therapeutic threshold near the end of a dosing cycle. Adjusting the timing
of doses or adding an adjunct like entacapone helps maintain more stable dopamine
levels in the brain. High-protein meals should actually be avoided as they can
interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute anaphylactic
reaction?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
, C. Methylprednisolone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors. It causes vasoconstriction to
increase blood pressure and bronchodilation to open airways during severe allergic
reactions. While antihistamines and steroids are used adjunctively, they do not act
quickly enough to save a life during anaphylaxis.
6. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving phenytoin for seizures. Which of the
following is a common adverse effect associated with long-term use?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Weight gain
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, is a well-
known side effect of phenytoin. Patients should be encouraged to maintain
