NURS 180 Pharmacology Exam 3 - Comprehensive Practice Quiz 2026
|WCU
1. A patient receiving Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy has an International
Normalized Ratio (INR) of 5.2. Which medication should the nurse anticipate the
provider to order?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Enoxaparin
D. Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione)
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antidote for Warfarin toxicity. Protamine sulfate is
used for Heparin, while Calcium Gluconate is used for Magnesium toxicity.
2. A client is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
most strongly suggests Digoxin toxicity?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Peripheral edema and weight gain
C. Dry, hacking non-productive cough
D. Photophobia and yellow-green halos in vision
Answer: D
Rationale: Visual disturbances, specifically yellow-green halos or blurred vision, are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity, along with gastrointestinal distress and bradycardia.
,3. Which assessment finding is a priority for a nurse to report in a patient taking
an ACE Inhibitor such as Lisinopril?
A. A dry, persistent cough
B. Swelling of the lips and tongue
C. Occasional orthostatic hypotension
D. Slight increase in serum potassium to 4.5 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema) is a life-threatening side effect of
ACE inhibitors that can compromise the airway.
4. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s medication list and notes the patient is taking
Propranolol. Which pre-existing condition would require the nurse to clarify this
order?
A. Bronchial Asthma
B. Essential Tremor
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Glaucoma
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction
by blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs, making it contraindicated in asthma.
5. A diabetic patient is administered 5 units of Insulin Lispro at 08:00. At what
time should the nurse be most alert for signs of hypoglycemia?
A. 08:15 to 08:30
B. 12:00 to 14:00
C. 09:00 to 11:00
D. 14:00 to 16:00
Answer: C
, Rationale: Insulin Lispro is rapid-acting, with an onset of 15 minutes and a peak of 1-3
hours. Hypoglycemia is most likely during the peak period.
6. A patient is taking Spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction
is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium chloride
D. Take the medication only on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes (which
contain potassium) significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
7. Which instruction should a nurse give a patient regarding the storage of
sublingual Nitroglycerin tablets?
A. Store the tablets in a clear plastic container for easy access
B. Store the tablets in the refrigerator to maintain potency
C. Keep the tablets in the original dark glass bottle to prevent light exposure
D. Transfer the tablets to a weekly pill organizer
Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. It must be kept in its
original dark glass bottle with the cap tightly closed.
8. A patient receiving intravenous Vancomycin begins to develop flushing of the
neck and upper torso. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the physician
B. Administer intramuscular Epinephrine immediately
C. Slow the rate of the infusion and document the reaction
D. Increase the infusion rate to finish the dose quickly
Answer: C
|WCU
1. A patient receiving Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy has an International
Normalized Ratio (INR) of 5.2. Which medication should the nurse anticipate the
provider to order?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Enoxaparin
D. Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione)
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antidote for Warfarin toxicity. Protamine sulfate is
used for Heparin, while Calcium Gluconate is used for Magnesium toxicity.
2. A client is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
most strongly suggests Digoxin toxicity?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Peripheral edema and weight gain
C. Dry, hacking non-productive cough
D. Photophobia and yellow-green halos in vision
Answer: D
Rationale: Visual disturbances, specifically yellow-green halos or blurred vision, are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity, along with gastrointestinal distress and bradycardia.
,3. Which assessment finding is a priority for a nurse to report in a patient taking
an ACE Inhibitor such as Lisinopril?
A. A dry, persistent cough
B. Swelling of the lips and tongue
C. Occasional orthostatic hypotension
D. Slight increase in serum potassium to 4.5 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema) is a life-threatening side effect of
ACE inhibitors that can compromise the airway.
4. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s medication list and notes the patient is taking
Propranolol. Which pre-existing condition would require the nurse to clarify this
order?
A. Bronchial Asthma
B. Essential Tremor
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Glaucoma
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction
by blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs, making it contraindicated in asthma.
5. A diabetic patient is administered 5 units of Insulin Lispro at 08:00. At what
time should the nurse be most alert for signs of hypoglycemia?
A. 08:15 to 08:30
B. 12:00 to 14:00
C. 09:00 to 11:00
D. 14:00 to 16:00
Answer: C
, Rationale: Insulin Lispro is rapid-acting, with an onset of 15 minutes and a peak of 1-3
hours. Hypoglycemia is most likely during the peak period.
6. A patient is taking Spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction
is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium chloride
D. Take the medication only on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes (which
contain potassium) significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
7. Which instruction should a nurse give a patient regarding the storage of
sublingual Nitroglycerin tablets?
A. Store the tablets in a clear plastic container for easy access
B. Store the tablets in the refrigerator to maintain potency
C. Keep the tablets in the original dark glass bottle to prevent light exposure
D. Transfer the tablets to a weekly pill organizer
Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. It must be kept in its
original dark glass bottle with the cap tightly closed.
8. A patient receiving intravenous Vancomycin begins to develop flushing of the
neck and upper torso. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the physician
B. Administer intramuscular Epinephrine immediately
C. Slow the rate of the infusion and document the reaction
D. Increase the infusion rate to finish the dose quickly
Answer: C
