NUR 6011/NUR6011 Exam 3 V1 | Advance
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary
reason carbidopa is combined with levodopa?
A. To prevent the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, allowing more to reach the CNS.
B. To cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate dopamine receptors directly.
C. To increase the conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the peripheral tissues.
D. To reduce the risk of hypertensive crisis when consuming tyramine-rich foods.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase in the periphery,
which prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine before it reaches the brain.
This mechanism ensures that a higher concentration of levodopa is available to cross the
blood-brain barrier. Consequently, it also reduces peripheral side effects such as severe
nausea and vomiting.
2. When monitoring a patient on phenytoin for seizure control, which finding should the
nurse prioritize?
A. Presence of a new-onset morbilliform rash.
B. Development of gingival hyperplasia.
,C. Mild sedation and drowsiness.
D. Occasional brownish discoloration of urine.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A new-onset rash in a patient taking phenytoin can be a precursor to
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. While gingival hyperplasia is
common, it is not an acute emergency compared to potential dermatological crises. The
nurse must report any skin changes immediately to prevent life-threatening complications.
3. A patient is started on metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which lab value is most critical to
monitor to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
B. Serum amylase and lipase.
C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c).
D. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys and can
accumulate in the presence of renal impairment. Elevated levels of metformin increase the
risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Therefore, clinicians must
assess kidney function before starting the drug and at least annually thereafter.
, 4. Which teaching point is essential for a patient newly prescribed a Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)?
A. Report any sudden increase in suicidal ideation or agitation.
B. The drug will reach full therapeutic effect within 48 hours.
C. Avoid all dairy products to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
D. Stop the medication immediately if you feel better.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts,
especially in children, adolescents, and young adults during the early stages of treatment.
Patients should be monitored closely for changes in mood, agitation, or irritability. It is also
important to note that these medications typically take several weeks to reach full
therapeutic effectiveness.
5. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a dry, nonproductive cough. What is the
physiological cause of this side effect?
A. Direct irritation of the pharynx by the drug molecules.
B. Increased levels of bradykinin in the lungs.
C. Development of pulmonary edema from heart failure.
D. Inhibition of surfactant production in the alveoli.
Correct Answer: B
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary
reason carbidopa is combined with levodopa?
A. To prevent the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, allowing more to reach the CNS.
B. To cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate dopamine receptors directly.
C. To increase the conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the peripheral tissues.
D. To reduce the risk of hypertensive crisis when consuming tyramine-rich foods.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase in the periphery,
which prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine before it reaches the brain.
This mechanism ensures that a higher concentration of levodopa is available to cross the
blood-brain barrier. Consequently, it also reduces peripheral side effects such as severe
nausea and vomiting.
2. When monitoring a patient on phenytoin for seizure control, which finding should the
nurse prioritize?
A. Presence of a new-onset morbilliform rash.
B. Development of gingival hyperplasia.
,C. Mild sedation and drowsiness.
D. Occasional brownish discoloration of urine.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A new-onset rash in a patient taking phenytoin can be a precursor to
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. While gingival hyperplasia is
common, it is not an acute emergency compared to potential dermatological crises. The
nurse must report any skin changes immediately to prevent life-threatening complications.
3. A patient is started on metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which lab value is most critical to
monitor to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
B. Serum amylase and lipase.
C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c).
D. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys and can
accumulate in the presence of renal impairment. Elevated levels of metformin increase the
risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Therefore, clinicians must
assess kidney function before starting the drug and at least annually thereafter.
, 4. Which teaching point is essential for a patient newly prescribed a Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)?
A. Report any sudden increase in suicidal ideation or agitation.
B. The drug will reach full therapeutic effect within 48 hours.
C. Avoid all dairy products to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
D. Stop the medication immediately if you feel better.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts,
especially in children, adolescents, and young adults during the early stages of treatment.
Patients should be monitored closely for changes in mood, agitation, or irritability. It is also
important to note that these medications typically take several weeks to reach full
therapeutic effectiveness.
5. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a dry, nonproductive cough. What is the
physiological cause of this side effect?
A. Direct irritation of the pharynx by the drug molecules.
B. Increased levels of bradykinin in the lungs.
C. Development of pulmonary edema from heart failure.
D. Inhibition of surfactant production in the alveoli.
Correct Answer: B
