NURS 180 Week 7 Pharmacology Quiz 2026/2027 – WCU
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 45 minutes before a meal
B. Only when the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
C. Immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating
D. At bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
D. White Blood Cell count
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Both Metformin and contrast dye can
cause renal stress. High creatinine levels indicate renal impairment, increasing the risk of
lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient is taking Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which
symptom would suggest the dose is too high?
A. Palpitations and insomnia
B. Constipation and lethargy
C. Bradycardia and weight gain
D. Cold intolerance and dry skin
Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive levothyroxine mimics hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms of
cardiac stimulation (palpitations) and increased metabolic rate (insomnia, tremors).
4. The nurse is educating a patient about Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse
effect should the patient be told to report immediately?
A. Sore throat and fever
B. Increased appetite
C. Mild nausea
D. Occasional headache
Answer: A
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells). Fever and
sore throat are early signs of infection that must be addressed immediately.
5. Which statement by a patient starting Prednisone indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. ‘I will try to avoid being around people who are sick.’
B. ‘I need to monitor my blood sugar more closely.’
C. ‘I should report any black, tarry stools to my doctor.’
D. ‘I should stop taking the pills immediately if I feel better.’
Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids must be tapered slowly to prevent adrenal crisis. Abrupt
cessation is dangerous.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Diabetes Insipidus. What is
the priority nursing assessment?
A. Bowel sounds and abdominal distension
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Peripheral edema and weight gain
D. Serum Calcium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin causes water retention. The nurse must monitor for water
intoxication, indicated by rapid weight gain and edema.
7. When administering Glucagon to an unconscious patient with hypoglycemia,
what is the most important nursing action?
A. Administer the medication orally
B. Turn the patient on their side to prevent aspiration
C. Wait 30 minutes before checking blood glucose
D. Keep the patient in a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Glucagon often causes vomiting. To prevent aspiration in an unconscious
patient, they should be placed on their side (recovery position).
8. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Pioglitazone (Actos). Which
condition in the patient’s history is a contraindication?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Heart Failure (NYHA Class III/IV)
Answer: D
Rationale: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention and exacerbate
heart failure.
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 45 minutes before a meal
B. Only when the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
C. Immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating
D. At bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
D. White Blood Cell count
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Both Metformin and contrast dye can
cause renal stress. High creatinine levels indicate renal impairment, increasing the risk of
lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient is taking Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which
symptom would suggest the dose is too high?
A. Palpitations and insomnia
B. Constipation and lethargy
C. Bradycardia and weight gain
D. Cold intolerance and dry skin
Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive levothyroxine mimics hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms of
cardiac stimulation (palpitations) and increased metabolic rate (insomnia, tremors).
4. The nurse is educating a patient about Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse
effect should the patient be told to report immediately?
A. Sore throat and fever
B. Increased appetite
C. Mild nausea
D. Occasional headache
Answer: A
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells). Fever and
sore throat are early signs of infection that must be addressed immediately.
5. Which statement by a patient starting Prednisone indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. ‘I will try to avoid being around people who are sick.’
B. ‘I need to monitor my blood sugar more closely.’
C. ‘I should report any black, tarry stools to my doctor.’
D. ‘I should stop taking the pills immediately if I feel better.’
Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids must be tapered slowly to prevent adrenal crisis. Abrupt
cessation is dangerous.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Diabetes Insipidus. What is
the priority nursing assessment?
A. Bowel sounds and abdominal distension
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Peripheral edema and weight gain
D. Serum Calcium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin causes water retention. The nurse must monitor for water
intoxication, indicated by rapid weight gain and edema.
7. When administering Glucagon to an unconscious patient with hypoglycemia,
what is the most important nursing action?
A. Administer the medication orally
B. Turn the patient on their side to prevent aspiration
C. Wait 30 minutes before checking blood glucose
D. Keep the patient in a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Glucagon often causes vomiting. To prevent aspiration in an unconscious
patient, they should be placed on their side (recovery position).
8. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Pioglitazone (Actos). Which
condition in the patient’s history is a contraindication?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Heart Failure (NYHA Class III/IV)
Answer: D
Rationale: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention and exacerbate
heart failure.
