KAPLAN PHARMACOLOGY D NGN
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES Complete 100% Well-
Explained Guide
Question 1
A nurse is about to administer digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding requires holding
the dose?
A. HR 58 bpm
B. BP 130/80
C. RR 18
D. Temp 98.6°F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia (heart rate below 60 bpm in adults) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and decreases heart rate
through vagal stimulation. The nurse should hold the dose and reassess.
Category: Cardiac Glycoside | Kaplan Focus: Medication Safety
,Question 2
Which laboratory value must be monitored closely in a client taking furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium only
D. Troponin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting through
the urine. Hypokalemia (low potassium) increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias,
especially in clients also taking digoxin.
Category: Loop Diuretic | Kaplan Focus: Electrolyte Monitoring
Question 3
NGN Case: A patient is confused, diaphoretic, and shaky. What is the FIRST
action?
A. Give insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Call provider
D. Give long-acting carbohydrate
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify the
blood glucose level FIRST before administering any treatment. Giving insulin
would worsen the condition.
Category: Antidiabetic | Kaplan Focus: Hypoglycemia Management
Question 4
Which medication requires INR monitoring to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Heparin
B. Warfarin (Coumadin)
C. Aspirin
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that prolongs clotting time. The
International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standardized laboratory test used to
monitor warfarin therapy, with a therapeutic target typically 2.0–3.0 for most
indications.
Category: Anticoagulant | Kaplan Focus: Laboratory Monitoring
Question 5
A client taking an ACE inhibitor should be monitored for which electrolyte
imbalance?
, A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) block aldosterone, leading to
decreased potassium excretion and potential hyperkalemia. This risk increases in
clients with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics.
Category: ACE Inhibitor | Kaplan Focus: Electrolyte Imbalance
Question 6
What is the priority safety action when administering IV potassium?
A. Give IV push slowly
B. Never administer IV push
C. Give IM injection
D. Mix with dextrose only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IV potassium should NEVER be given as an IV push because rapid
administration can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, including cardiac arrest.
Potassium must be diluted and infused slowly via IV infusion pump.
Category: Electrolyte | Kaplan Focus: Medication Administration Safety
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES Complete 100% Well-
Explained Guide
Question 1
A nurse is about to administer digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding requires holding
the dose?
A. HR 58 bpm
B. BP 130/80
C. RR 18
D. Temp 98.6°F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia (heart rate below 60 bpm in adults) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and decreases heart rate
through vagal stimulation. The nurse should hold the dose and reassess.
Category: Cardiac Glycoside | Kaplan Focus: Medication Safety
,Question 2
Which laboratory value must be monitored closely in a client taking furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium only
D. Troponin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting through
the urine. Hypokalemia (low potassium) increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias,
especially in clients also taking digoxin.
Category: Loop Diuretic | Kaplan Focus: Electrolyte Monitoring
Question 3
NGN Case: A patient is confused, diaphoretic, and shaky. What is the FIRST
action?
A. Give insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Call provider
D. Give long-acting carbohydrate
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify the
blood glucose level FIRST before administering any treatment. Giving insulin
would worsen the condition.
Category: Antidiabetic | Kaplan Focus: Hypoglycemia Management
Question 4
Which medication requires INR monitoring to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Heparin
B. Warfarin (Coumadin)
C. Aspirin
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that prolongs clotting time. The
International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standardized laboratory test used to
monitor warfarin therapy, with a therapeutic target typically 2.0–3.0 for most
indications.
Category: Anticoagulant | Kaplan Focus: Laboratory Monitoring
Question 5
A client taking an ACE inhibitor should be monitored for which electrolyte
imbalance?
, A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) block aldosterone, leading to
decreased potassium excretion and potential hyperkalemia. This risk increases in
clients with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics.
Category: ACE Inhibitor | Kaplan Focus: Electrolyte Imbalance
Question 6
What is the priority safety action when administering IV potassium?
A. Give IV push slowly
B. Never administer IV push
C. Give IM injection
D. Mix with dextrose only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IV potassium should NEVER be given as an IV push because rapid
administration can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, including cardiac arrest.
Potassium must be diluted and infused slowly via IV infusion pump.
Category: Electrolyte | Kaplan Focus: Medication Administration Safety
