PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 2 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Occasional headache
B. Dry, persistent cough
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril often cause a dry, nonproductive cough
due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. While not life-threatening, this side
effect is a common reason for patients to discontinue the medication. The nurse should
inform the provider so the patient can potentially be switched to an Angiotensin II
Receptor Blocker (ARB).
2. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which action is
most important before administration?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
B. Assess the radial pulse for 30 seconds
,C. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute
D. Measure the patient’s weight
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can significantly slow the
heart rate. The nurse must auscultate the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds to ensure the
heart rate is at least 60 beats per minute in adults. If the heart rate is below the specified
threshold, the dose must be held and the healthcare provider notified.
3. A patient taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation has an INR of 5.5. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Enoxaparin
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of
warfarin when the INR is dangerously high. The therapeutic range for INR is typically 2.0 to
3.0, and a level of 5.5 indicates a high risk for bleeding. Nurses must monitor for signs of
hemorrhage while the reversal agent takes effect.
, 4. A patient is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse
administer first?
A. Salmeterol
B. Beclomethasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that acts quickly to
relax bronchial smooth muscle during an acute attack. Other medications like salmeterol or
corticosteroids are used for long-term maintenance and do not provide immediate relief.
Prompt administration of a rescue inhaler is critical to restore adequate ventilation and
oxygenation.
5. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving furosemide?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D. Serum calcium
Correct Answer: B
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Occasional headache
B. Dry, persistent cough
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril often cause a dry, nonproductive cough
due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. While not life-threatening, this side
effect is a common reason for patients to discontinue the medication. The nurse should
inform the provider so the patient can potentially be switched to an Angiotensin II
Receptor Blocker (ARB).
2. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which action is
most important before administration?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
B. Assess the radial pulse for 30 seconds
,C. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute
D. Measure the patient’s weight
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can significantly slow the
heart rate. The nurse must auscultate the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds to ensure the
heart rate is at least 60 beats per minute in adults. If the heart rate is below the specified
threshold, the dose must be held and the healthcare provider notified.
3. A patient taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation has an INR of 5.5. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Enoxaparin
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of
warfarin when the INR is dangerously high. The therapeutic range for INR is typically 2.0 to
3.0, and a level of 5.5 indicates a high risk for bleeding. Nurses must monitor for signs of
hemorrhage while the reversal agent takes effect.
, 4. A patient is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse
administer first?
A. Salmeterol
B. Beclomethasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that acts quickly to
relax bronchial smooth muscle during an acute attack. Other medications like salmeterol or
corticosteroids are used for long-term maintenance and do not provide immediate relief.
Prompt administration of a rescue inhaler is critical to restore adequate ventilation and
oxygenation.
5. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving furosemide?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D. Serum calcium
Correct Answer: B
