PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 2 V2 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with a history of asthma. Which
vital sign should the nurse prioritize for assessment before and after administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Capillary refill
C. Body temperature
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can stimulate beta-1 receptors in
the heart as a side effect. This stimulation often leads to tachycardia and palpitations in
patients using the medication. Monitoring the heart rate allows the nurse to identify
adverse cardiovascular effects early.
2. A patient is prescribed beclomethasone dipropionate via inhaler. What instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Wait 10 minutes between two puffs of the same medication.
C. Use a spacer only if the dose is doubled.
,D. Rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can deposit in the
oropharyngeal cavity and suppress local immunity. Rinsing the mouth helps remove
residual drug particles that could lead to fungal infections. This practice is essential for
long-term maintenance therapy in respiratory patients.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving morphine sulfate via PCA pump. Which respiratory
rate would require immediate intervention with naloxone?
A. 16 breaths per minute
B. 8 breaths per minute
C. 14 breaths per minute
D. 20 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Opioid analgesics like morphine can cause profound respiratory
depression by acting on the brainstem. A respiratory rate below 10 or 12 breaths per
minute indicates significant toxicity. Naloxone is the specific antagonist used to reverse
life-threatening opioid-induced CNS depression.
4. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed donepezil. What is the primary mechanism
of action for this drug?
A. It inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
, B. It blocks dopamine receptors in the brain.
C. It increases the production of serotonin.
D. It acts as a CNS stimulant to improve memory.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Donepezil works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the
synaptic cleft. Increasing acetylcholine levels helps improve cognitive function and nerve
communication in Alzheimer’s patients. It does not cure the disease but manages the
symptoms by enhancing cholinergic activity.
5. A patient is taking phenytoin for seizure control. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report to the dentist?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Metallic taste
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Tooth discoloration
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Phenytoin is well-known for causing overgrowth of the gum tissue,
known as gingival hyperplasia. This condition requires meticulous oral hygiene and
frequent dental check-ups to prevent infection. Patients should be taught to use a soft
toothbrush and massage their gums regularly.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with a history of asthma. Which
vital sign should the nurse prioritize for assessment before and after administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Capillary refill
C. Body temperature
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can stimulate beta-1 receptors in
the heart as a side effect. This stimulation often leads to tachycardia and palpitations in
patients using the medication. Monitoring the heart rate allows the nurse to identify
adverse cardiovascular effects early.
2. A patient is prescribed beclomethasone dipropionate via inhaler. What instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Drink a full glass of water before using the inhaler.
B. Wait 10 minutes between two puffs of the same medication.
C. Use a spacer only if the dose is doubled.
,D. Rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can deposit in the
oropharyngeal cavity and suppress local immunity. Rinsing the mouth helps remove
residual drug particles that could lead to fungal infections. This practice is essential for
long-term maintenance therapy in respiratory patients.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving morphine sulfate via PCA pump. Which respiratory
rate would require immediate intervention with naloxone?
A. 16 breaths per minute
B. 8 breaths per minute
C. 14 breaths per minute
D. 20 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Opioid analgesics like morphine can cause profound respiratory
depression by acting on the brainstem. A respiratory rate below 10 or 12 breaths per
minute indicates significant toxicity. Naloxone is the specific antagonist used to reverse
life-threatening opioid-induced CNS depression.
4. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed donepezil. What is the primary mechanism
of action for this drug?
A. It inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
, B. It blocks dopamine receptors in the brain.
C. It increases the production of serotonin.
D. It acts as a CNS stimulant to improve memory.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Donepezil works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the
synaptic cleft. Increasing acetylcholine levels helps improve cognitive function and nerve
communication in Alzheimer’s patients. It does not cure the disease but manages the
symptoms by enhancing cholinergic activity.
5. A patient is taking phenytoin for seizure control. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report to the dentist?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Metallic taste
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Tooth discoloration
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Phenytoin is well-known for causing overgrowth of the gum tissue,
known as gingival hyperplasia. This condition requires meticulous oral hygiene and
frequent dental check-ups to prevent infection. Patients should be taught to use a soft
toothbrush and massage their gums regularly.
