PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 4 V2 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with an acute asthma attack.
Which side effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that works by relaxing the
smooth muscles in the airway. Because it stimulates beta receptors, it often causes
cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and palpitations. The nurse must monitor
the patient’s heart rate and rhythm during and after administration.
2. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical finding should the nurse
identify as a primary sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances like yellow halos
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased appetite
,D. Rapid heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Digoxin toxicity can manifest as gastrointestinal distress or
neurological symptoms. Visual disturbances, specifically seeing yellow-green halos around
lights, are a classic sign of toxicity. The nurse should also monitor for bradycardia and
anorexia in these patients.
3. The nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for warfarin. Which dietary
instruction is most important for this patient?
A. Maintain a consistent intake of foods high in Vitamin K.
B. Eliminate all green leafy vegetables from the diet.
C. Increase intake of grapefruit juice to improve absorption.
D. Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors. Abrupt changes in Vitamin K intake can interfere with the therapeutic
effectiveness of the drug or increase bleeding risk. Patients should be taught to keep their
intake of greens like spinach and kale consistent rather than eliminating them.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor to adjust the dosage?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
, B. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of heparin therapy. The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control value. Monitoring this value ensures the patient is anticoagulated enough to
prevent clots without excessive bleeding risk.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the patient to
report which common but annoying side effect?
A. Weight gain
B. Dry, persistent cough
C. Constipation
D. Yellowing of the skin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can lead to an accumulation of
bradykinin in the respiratory tract. This accumulation frequently results in a dry, non-
productive cough that does not resolve on its own. If the cough becomes intolerable, the
healthcare provider may switch the patient to an ARB.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with an acute asthma attack.
Which side effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that works by relaxing the
smooth muscles in the airway. Because it stimulates beta receptors, it often causes
cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and palpitations. The nurse must monitor
the patient’s heart rate and rhythm during and after administration.
2. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical finding should the nurse
identify as a primary sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances like yellow halos
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased appetite
,D. Rapid heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Digoxin toxicity can manifest as gastrointestinal distress or
neurological symptoms. Visual disturbances, specifically seeing yellow-green halos around
lights, are a classic sign of toxicity. The nurse should also monitor for bradycardia and
anorexia in these patients.
3. The nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for warfarin. Which dietary
instruction is most important for this patient?
A. Maintain a consistent intake of foods high in Vitamin K.
B. Eliminate all green leafy vegetables from the diet.
C. Increase intake of grapefruit juice to improve absorption.
D. Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors. Abrupt changes in Vitamin K intake can interfere with the therapeutic
effectiveness of the drug or increase bleeding risk. Patients should be taught to keep their
intake of greens like spinach and kale consistent rather than eliminating them.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor to adjust the dosage?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
, B. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of heparin therapy. The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control value. Monitoring this value ensures the patient is anticoagulated enough to
prevent clots without excessive bleeding risk.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the patient to
report which common but annoying side effect?
A. Weight gain
B. Dry, persistent cough
C. Constipation
D. Yellowing of the skin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can lead to an accumulation of
bradykinin in the respiratory tract. This accumulation frequently results in a dry, non-
productive cough that does not resolve on its own. If the cough becomes intolerable, the
healthcare provider may switch the patient to an ARB.
