PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 4 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed insulin lispro (Humalog). Which statement by the nurse best
describes its onset of action?
A. It starts working in 15 minutes and peaks in 1 to 2 hours.
B. It starts working in 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 6 hours.
C. It has a peakless action and lasts for 24 hours.
D. It starts working in 2 to 4 hours and peaks in 8 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that requires the patient to eat
within 15 minutes of administration. The peak occurs shortly after administration to mimic
the body’s natural insulin response to a meal. Nurses must monitor for hypoglycemia
during this peak period.
2. A patient taking metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast dye. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the metformin with a small sip of water.
B. Hold the metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure.
C. Increase the dose of metformin to prevent hyperglycemia.
,D. Administer the metformin immediately after the CT scan.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be withheld prior to and for 48 hours following
procedures involving iodine-based contrast media. The combination of metformin and
contrast dye can lead to acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Renal function should be
verified before resuming the medication.
3. Which teaching point is essential for a patient starting levothyroxine (Synthroid) for
hypothyroidism?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
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. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach
to ensure optimal absorption. Calcium and food can significantly interfere with the drug’s
bioavailability. This is a lifelong therapy, and patients should not discontinue it without
medical supervision.
4. A patient is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) for exercise-induced bronchospasm. When
should the nurse instruct the patient to use it?
A. Only when the patient is wheezing or short of breath.
, B. Twice daily regardless of activity levels.
C. Immediately after finishing the exercise session.
D. 15 to 30 minutes before beginning the exercise.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for the
prevention of exercise-induced asthma. Administering it 15 to 30 minutes prior to activity
allows for bronchodilation before the stressor occurs. It is considered a ‘rescue’ medication
and not a long-term controller.
5. A patient is using fluticasone (Flovent) inhaler for chronic asthma. What is the most
important nursing intervention to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Administer the steroid after using a bronchodilator.
B. Limit fluid intake for 30 minutes after inhalation.
C. Ensure the patient uses a spacer with every dose.
D. Tell the patient to rinse their mouth and spit after use.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause localized immunosuppression in
the oral cavity, leading to thrush. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out removes
residual medication from the oral mucosa. This simple hygiene step significantly reduces
the risk of fungal infections.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is prescribed insulin lispro (Humalog). Which statement by the nurse best
describes its onset of action?
A. It starts working in 15 minutes and peaks in 1 to 2 hours.
B. It starts working in 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 6 hours.
C. It has a peakless action and lasts for 24 hours.
D. It starts working in 2 to 4 hours and peaks in 8 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that requires the patient to eat
within 15 minutes of administration. The peak occurs shortly after administration to mimic
the body’s natural insulin response to a meal. Nurses must monitor for hypoglycemia
during this peak period.
2. A patient taking metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast dye. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the metformin with a small sip of water.
B. Hold the metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure.
C. Increase the dose of metformin to prevent hyperglycemia.
,D. Administer the metformin immediately after the CT scan.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be withheld prior to and for 48 hours following
procedures involving iodine-based contrast media. The combination of metformin and
contrast dye can lead to acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Renal function should be
verified before resuming the medication.
3. Which teaching point is essential for a patient starting levothyroxine (Synthroid) for
hypothyroidism?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
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. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach
to ensure optimal absorption. Calcium and food can significantly interfere with the drug’s
bioavailability. This is a lifelong therapy, and patients should not discontinue it without
medical supervision.
4. A patient is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) for exercise-induced bronchospasm. When
should the nurse instruct the patient to use it?
A. Only when the patient is wheezing or short of breath.
, B. Twice daily regardless of activity levels.
C. Immediately after finishing the exercise session.
D. 15 to 30 minutes before beginning the exercise.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for the
prevention of exercise-induced asthma. Administering it 15 to 30 minutes prior to activity
allows for bronchodilation before the stressor occurs. It is considered a ‘rescue’ medication
and not a long-term controller.
5. A patient is using fluticasone (Flovent) inhaler for chronic asthma. What is the most
important nursing intervention to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Administer the steroid after using a bronchodilator.
B. Limit fluid intake for 30 minutes after inhalation.
C. Ensure the patient uses a spacer with every dose.
D. Tell the patient to rinse their mouth and spit after use.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause localized immunosuppression in
the oral cavity, leading to thrush. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out removes
residual medication from the oral mucosa. This simple hygiene step significantly reduces
the risk of fungal infections.
