Page 1 of 152
CAPSTONE PHARMACOLOGY
ASSESSMENT 2 EXAM REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED
A+|100% VERIFIED
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin).
Which finding indicates a therapeutic effect?
A) Heart rate increases from 60 to 80 bpm
B) Jugular venous distension improves and dyspnea
decreases
C) Blood pressure drops from 140/90 to 100/60
D) Patient reports increased urination at night
Answer: B
,Page 2 of 152
Rationale: Digoxin increases myocardial contractility
(positive inotrope), which improves cardiac output and
reduces symptoms of heart failure (e.g., JVD, dyspnea,
edema). Improved urination (diuresis) is more directly from
diuretics.
2. A patient taking furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg daily reports
muscle cramps and weakness. Which lab value should the
nurse check first?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Answer: B
,Page 3 of 152
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes
potassium wasting. Hypokalemia leads to muscle weakness,
cramps, and arrhythmias. Checking potassium is priority.
3. Scenario: A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed
warfarin (Coumadin). The INR today is 4.5. The patient has no
signs of bleeding. What should the nurse anticipate?
A) Administer vitamin K intramuscularly
B) Hold the next dose of warfarin and notify the provider
C) Increase the warfarin dose
D) Give fresh frozen plasma immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Target INR for atrial fibrillation is 2.0–3.0. An
INR of 4.5 is above therapeutic range. For an asymptomatic
patient, the warfarin is held and the provider may reduce
, Page 4 of 152
the dose. Vitamin K or plasma is used for active bleeding or
very high INR (>10).
4. A patient is started on lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) for
hypertension. Which adverse effect requires immediate patient
teaching?
A) Dry cough
B) Angioedema (swelling of lips, tongue, throat)
C) Headache
D) Dizziness
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a rare but life-threatening
adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Patients must be instructed
to seek immediate medical help if they experience facial or
throat swelling. Dry cough is common but not emergent.
CAPSTONE PHARMACOLOGY
ASSESSMENT 2 EXAM REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED
A+|100% VERIFIED
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin).
Which finding indicates a therapeutic effect?
A) Heart rate increases from 60 to 80 bpm
B) Jugular venous distension improves and dyspnea
decreases
C) Blood pressure drops from 140/90 to 100/60
D) Patient reports increased urination at night
Answer: B
,Page 2 of 152
Rationale: Digoxin increases myocardial contractility
(positive inotrope), which improves cardiac output and
reduces symptoms of heart failure (e.g., JVD, dyspnea,
edema). Improved urination (diuresis) is more directly from
diuretics.
2. A patient taking furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg daily reports
muscle cramps and weakness. Which lab value should the
nurse check first?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Answer: B
,Page 3 of 152
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes
potassium wasting. Hypokalemia leads to muscle weakness,
cramps, and arrhythmias. Checking potassium is priority.
3. Scenario: A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed
warfarin (Coumadin). The INR today is 4.5. The patient has no
signs of bleeding. What should the nurse anticipate?
A) Administer vitamin K intramuscularly
B) Hold the next dose of warfarin and notify the provider
C) Increase the warfarin dose
D) Give fresh frozen plasma immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Target INR for atrial fibrillation is 2.0–3.0. An
INR of 4.5 is above therapeutic range. For an asymptomatic
patient, the warfarin is held and the provider may reduce
, Page 4 of 152
the dose. Vitamin K or plasma is used for active bleeding or
very high INR (>10).
4. A patient is started on lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) for
hypertension. Which adverse effect requires immediate patient
teaching?
A) Dry cough
B) Angioedema (swelling of lips, tongue, throat)
C) Headache
D) Dizziness
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a rare but life-threatening
adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Patients must be instructed
to seek immediate medical help if they experience facial or
throat swelling. Dry cough is common but not emergent.
