PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 4 V1 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. When should the nurse
instruct the patient to eat?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after administration
B. Before the injection is given only
C. At least 2 hours after administration
D. Immediately or within 15 minutes of administration
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30
minutes. Patients must eat within 15 minutes of administration to prevent a rapid drop in
blood glucose levels. If the meal is delayed, the risk for severe hypoglycemia increases
significantly.
2. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which symptom indicates the
dose may be too high?
A. Palpitations
B. Weight gain
C. Bradycardia
,D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Palpitations and tachycardia are signs of hyperthyroidism, which can
occur if the Levothyroxine dose is excessive. This medication mimics the body’s natural
thyroid hormone and speeds up metabolism. Patients should report any chest pain or
increased heart rate to their provider immediately.
3. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking Metformin?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
B. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
C. Discontinue use 48 hours before and after CT scans with contrast
D. Expect the stool to turn black and tarry
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be held before and after procedures using iodine-
based contrast media to prevent acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a
rare but life-threatening complication associated with Metformin accumulation. The nurse
must verify the patient’s renal function before resuming the drug.
4. A patient is taking Prednisone for an autoimmune flare-up. Why must this medication be
tapered off slowly?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
, B. To reduce the risk of secondary infections
C. To avoid adrenal insufficiency or ‘Adrenal Crisis’
D. To prevent immediate weight loss
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Exogenous steroids like Prednisone suppress the hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing the adrenal glands to stop producing natural cortisol.
Sudden withdrawal does not give the glands enough time to resume production, leading to
a life-threatening crisis. Tapering allows the body to gradually restart its own hormone
production.
5. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a patient experiencing a severe
hypoglycemic reaction who is unconscious?
A. Oral glucose gel
B. Regular insulin
C. Metformin
D. Glucagon
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Glucagon is used for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia
when the patient is unable to swallow or is unconscious. It works by stimulating the liver to
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. When should the nurse
instruct the patient to eat?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after administration
B. Before the injection is given only
C. At least 2 hours after administration
D. Immediately or within 15 minutes of administration
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30
minutes. Patients must eat within 15 minutes of administration to prevent a rapid drop in
blood glucose levels. If the meal is delayed, the risk for severe hypoglycemia increases
significantly.
2. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which symptom indicates the
dose may be too high?
A. Palpitations
B. Weight gain
C. Bradycardia
,D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Palpitations and tachycardia are signs of hyperthyroidism, which can
occur if the Levothyroxine dose is excessive. This medication mimics the body’s natural
thyroid hormone and speeds up metabolism. Patients should report any chest pain or
increased heart rate to their provider immediately.
3. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking Metformin?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
B. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
C. Discontinue use 48 hours before and after CT scans with contrast
D. Expect the stool to turn black and tarry
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin must be held before and after procedures using iodine-
based contrast media to prevent acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a
rare but life-threatening complication associated with Metformin accumulation. The nurse
must verify the patient’s renal function before resuming the drug.
4. A patient is taking Prednisone for an autoimmune flare-up. Why must this medication be
tapered off slowly?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
, B. To reduce the risk of secondary infections
C. To avoid adrenal insufficiency or ‘Adrenal Crisis’
D. To prevent immediate weight loss
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Exogenous steroids like Prednisone suppress the hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing the adrenal glands to stop producing natural cortisol.
Sudden withdrawal does not give the glands enough time to resume production, leading to
a life-threatening crisis. Tapering allows the body to gradually restart its own hormone
production.
5. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a patient experiencing a severe
hypoglycemic reaction who is unconscious?
A. Oral glucose gel
B. Regular insulin
C. Metformin
D. Glucagon
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Glucagon is used for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia
when the patient is unable to swallow or is unconscious. It works by stimulating the liver to
