NURS 180 Pharmacology Week 9 Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which underlying
condition would be a contraindication due to the increased risk of lactic
acidosis?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Renal Impairment (Creatinine Clearance < 30 mL/min)
C. Mild Hypertension
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys; renal impairment leads to drug
accumulation and a significantly increased risk of life-threatening lactic acidosis.
2. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most critical for ensuring optimal absorption?
A. Take the medication with a high-fiber breakfast.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
D. Take the medication only when feeling symptoms of fatigue.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, calcium, and fiber; therefore, it
must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning.
,3. A patient is receiving high-dose Methylprednisolone. Which electrolyte
imbalance is the nurse most likely to monitor for?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids have mineralocorticoid effects that cause sodium retention and
potassium excretion, leading to hypokalemia.
4. Which type of insulin should the nurse prepare to administer intravenously
for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Insulin Lispro
C. NPH Insulin
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: D
Rationale: Regular insulin is the only insulin that can be administered intravenously for
the rapid treatment of DKA.
5. A patient taking Glipizide (a sulfonylurea) reports feeling dizzy, sweaty, and
shaky. What is the most likely cause?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
C. Disulfiram-like reaction
D. Allergic reaction
Answer: A
Rationale: Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release insulin regardless of blood
glucose levels, frequently causing hypoglycemia.
, 6. For a patient diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus, which medication is used to
replace the deficient hormone?
A. Oxytocin
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Somatropin
D. Propylthiouracil
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) used to
treat the polyuria associated with Diabetes Insipidus.
7. What is the black box warning associated with Pioglitazone (a
Thiazolidinedione)?
A. Heart failure exacerbation due to fluid retention
B. Severe hepatic failure
C. Increased risk of bladder cancer
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: A
Rationale: Pioglitazone causes fluid retention and is contraindicated in patients with
NYHA Class III or IV heart failure.
8. A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU). The
nurse should monitor for which rare but serious adverse effect?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Weight loss
D. Insomnia
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells), making the
patient highly susceptible to infection.
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which underlying
condition would be a contraindication due to the increased risk of lactic
acidosis?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Renal Impairment (Creatinine Clearance < 30 mL/min)
C. Mild Hypertension
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys; renal impairment leads to drug
accumulation and a significantly increased risk of life-threatening lactic acidosis.
2. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most critical for ensuring optimal absorption?
A. Take the medication with a high-fiber breakfast.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
D. Take the medication only when feeling symptoms of fatigue.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, calcium, and fiber; therefore, it
must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning.
,3. A patient is receiving high-dose Methylprednisolone. Which electrolyte
imbalance is the nurse most likely to monitor for?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids have mineralocorticoid effects that cause sodium retention and
potassium excretion, leading to hypokalemia.
4. Which type of insulin should the nurse prepare to administer intravenously
for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Insulin Lispro
C. NPH Insulin
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: D
Rationale: Regular insulin is the only insulin that can be administered intravenously for
the rapid treatment of DKA.
5. A patient taking Glipizide (a sulfonylurea) reports feeling dizzy, sweaty, and
shaky. What is the most likely cause?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
C. Disulfiram-like reaction
D. Allergic reaction
Answer: A
Rationale: Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release insulin regardless of blood
glucose levels, frequently causing hypoglycemia.
, 6. For a patient diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus, which medication is used to
replace the deficient hormone?
A. Oxytocin
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Somatropin
D. Propylthiouracil
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) used to
treat the polyuria associated with Diabetes Insipidus.
7. What is the black box warning associated with Pioglitazone (a
Thiazolidinedione)?
A. Heart failure exacerbation due to fluid retention
B. Severe hepatic failure
C. Increased risk of bladder cancer
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: A
Rationale: Pioglitazone causes fluid retention and is contraindicated in patients with
NYHA Class III or IV heart failure.
8. A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU). The
nurse should monitor for which rare but serious adverse effect?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Weight loss
D. Insomnia
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells), making the
patient highly susceptible to infection.
