PRN 1381/PRN1381 Final Exam V2 |
Principles of Pharmacology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication and recognizes that the first-pass
effect will occur. Which statement best describes this process?
A. The medication is metabolized by the liver after absorption but before reaching systemic
circulation.
B. The medication is excreted by the kidneys before it can act.
C. The medication is absorbed directly through the gastric mucosa into the bloodstream.
D. The medication is distributed to the target tissues during the first circulatory cycle.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect involves the metabolism of a drug by the liver
after it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This process significantly reduces the
concentration of the active drug before it reaches the rest of the body. Understanding this
concept is vital for determining the appropriate dosage for oral versus parenteral routes.
2. When administering Digoxin to a patient with heart failure, which assessment finding
would indicate the nurse should hold the medication?
A. An apical pulse of 52 beats per minute.
B. A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L.
,C. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute.
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing contractility. An apical pulse lower than 60 beats per minute in an adult is a
standard contraindication for administration. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for
one full minute before giving this medication to ensure patient safety.
3. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for the relief of acute bronchospasm. What is the primary
classification of this medication?
A. Inhaled corticosteroid
B. Long-acting beta2-agonist
C. Anticholinergic
D. Short-acting beta2-agonist
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is classified as a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used
primarily as a rescue inhaler. It works by rapidly relaxing the smooth muscles in the
airways during an asthma attack. Patients should be educated that this is not a
maintenance medication but is for acute symptom relief.
, 4. Which of the following is the most important nursing intervention before administering a
new dose of Warfarin?
A. Checking the patient’s heart rate.
B. Reviewing the most recent PT and INR levels.
C. Assessing the patient’s blood glucose.
D. Ensuring the patient has eaten a meal high in Vitamin K.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires strict monitoring of the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic levels. The dose is
frequently adjusted based on these lab values to prevent hemorrhage or clotting. The nurse
must verify these results to prevent administering a dose that could lead to toxicity.
5. A patient is experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose. Which medication should the
nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Protamine Sulfate
C. Flumazenil
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: A
Principles of Pharmacology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication and recognizes that the first-pass
effect will occur. Which statement best describes this process?
A. The medication is metabolized by the liver after absorption but before reaching systemic
circulation.
B. The medication is excreted by the kidneys before it can act.
C. The medication is absorbed directly through the gastric mucosa into the bloodstream.
D. The medication is distributed to the target tissues during the first circulatory cycle.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect involves the metabolism of a drug by the liver
after it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This process significantly reduces the
concentration of the active drug before it reaches the rest of the body. Understanding this
concept is vital for determining the appropriate dosage for oral versus parenteral routes.
2. When administering Digoxin to a patient with heart failure, which assessment finding
would indicate the nurse should hold the medication?
A. An apical pulse of 52 beats per minute.
B. A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L.
,C. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute.
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing contractility. An apical pulse lower than 60 beats per minute in an adult is a
standard contraindication for administration. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for
one full minute before giving this medication to ensure patient safety.
3. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for the relief of acute bronchospasm. What is the primary
classification of this medication?
A. Inhaled corticosteroid
B. Long-acting beta2-agonist
C. Anticholinergic
D. Short-acting beta2-agonist
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is classified as a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used
primarily as a rescue inhaler. It works by rapidly relaxing the smooth muscles in the
airways during an asthma attack. Patients should be educated that this is not a
maintenance medication but is for acute symptom relief.
, 4. Which of the following is the most important nursing intervention before administering a
new dose of Warfarin?
A. Checking the patient’s heart rate.
B. Reviewing the most recent PT and INR levels.
C. Assessing the patient’s blood glucose.
D. Ensuring the patient has eaten a meal high in Vitamin K.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires strict monitoring of the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic levels. The dose is
frequently adjusted based on these lab values to prevent hemorrhage or clotting. The nurse
must verify these results to prevent administering a dose that could lead to toxicity.
5. A patient is experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose. Which medication should the
nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Protamine Sulfate
C. Flumazenil
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: A
