NURS 180 Pharmacology Exam 2 Questions and Answers 2026 |WCU
1. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the nurse monitor most closely as it increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin,
significantly increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity even if the drug level is within the
therapeutic range.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. Which laboratory
value is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Bleeding time
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) and PT (Prothrombin Time) are used to
monitor warfarin. aPTT is used for heparin monitoring.
,3. A patient with asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
antihypertensive medications should the nurse question?
A. Metoprolol
B. Lisinopril
C. Amlodipine
D. Valsartan
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Non-selective beta-blockers or even high doses of
selective ones can cause bronchoconstriction, making them risky for patients with asthma.
4. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting lisinopril for
hypertension?
A. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
B. Expect a persistent, dry cough as a common side effect.
C. Discontinue immediately if facial swelling occurs and call 911.
D. Take the medication only when feeling dizzy.
Answer: C
Rationale: Facial swelling indicates angioedema, a life-threatening adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors. A dry cough is common but not the most critical instruction compared to the
emergency of angioedema.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a patient. Which
assessment finding would warrant holding the dose?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
D. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Answer: D
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. A potassium level
of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), and the drug should be held.
6. A patient is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. What is the
correct protocol for administration?
A. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 5 doses.
B. Take one tablet; if pain persists after 5 minutes, call 911 and take a second tablet.
C. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
D. Take the medication only before bed to prevent nocturnal angina.
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard protocol is to take one dose. If pain is not relieved or worsens
after 5 minutes, the patient should call emergency services and then may take additional
doses.
7. What is the most common side effect of atorvastatin that the nurse should
educate the patient about?
A. Generalized rash
B. Muscle pain or weakness
C. Frequent urination
D. Dry mouth
Answer: B
Rationale: Myalgia (muscle pain) is a common side effect of statins and can lead to
rhabdomyolysis, a serious breakdown of muscle tissue.
1. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the nurse monitor most closely as it increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin,
significantly increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity even if the drug level is within the
therapeutic range.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. Which laboratory
value is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Bleeding time
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) and PT (Prothrombin Time) are used to
monitor warfarin. aPTT is used for heparin monitoring.
,3. A patient with asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
antihypertensive medications should the nurse question?
A. Metoprolol
B. Lisinopril
C. Amlodipine
D. Valsartan
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Non-selective beta-blockers or even high doses of
selective ones can cause bronchoconstriction, making them risky for patients with asthma.
4. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting lisinopril for
hypertension?
A. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
B. Expect a persistent, dry cough as a common side effect.
C. Discontinue immediately if facial swelling occurs and call 911.
D. Take the medication only when feeling dizzy.
Answer: C
Rationale: Facial swelling indicates angioedema, a life-threatening adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors. A dry cough is common but not the most critical instruction compared to the
emergency of angioedema.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a patient. Which
assessment finding would warrant holding the dose?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
D. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Answer: D
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. A potassium level
of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), and the drug should be held.
6. A patient is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. What is the
correct protocol for administration?
A. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 5 doses.
B. Take one tablet; if pain persists after 5 minutes, call 911 and take a second tablet.
C. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
D. Take the medication only before bed to prevent nocturnal angina.
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard protocol is to take one dose. If pain is not relieved or worsens
after 5 minutes, the patient should call emergency services and then may take additional
doses.
7. What is the most common side effect of atorvastatin that the nurse should
educate the patient about?
A. Generalized rash
B. Muscle pain or weakness
C. Frequent urination
D. Dry mouth
Answer: B
Rationale: Myalgia (muscle pain) is a common side effect of statins and can lead to
rhabdomyolysis, a serious breakdown of muscle tissue.
