NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 4 V2 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the
following assessments is a priority before giving the medication?
A. Check the patient’s radial pulse for 30 seconds.
B. Evaluate the patient’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
C. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure while standing.
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate and increases
the force of contraction. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure it
is above 60 beats per minute before administration. If the pulse is below the established
parameter, the medication should be withheld and the provider notified to prevent toxicity.
2. A patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for the management of edema. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
,D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of sodium,
water, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and potentially dangerous side effect that
can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Patients are often encouraged to consume potassium-
rich foods or take supplements to maintain safe serum levels during therapy.
3. The nurse is educating a patient about a new prescription for levothyroxine. What is the
most important instruction regarding the timing of this medication?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Administer the dose right before going to sleep.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
D. Mix the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach to ensure
consistent therapeutic levels. Food and certain minerals like calcium or iron can
significantly interfere with its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Consistent daily
administration in the morning helps maintain steady-state thyroid hormone levels in the
blood.
4. Which of the following medications is considered the antidote for an overdose of heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
,B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent used to neutralize the
anticoagulant effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with heparin, rendering it
inactive and stopping further hemorrhage risk. Nurses must monitor the patient’s
coagulation studies closely after administration to ensure effective reversal.
5. A patient is receiving vancomycin IV for a MRSA infection. The patient suddenly develops
flushing of the face and neck. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and call a code blue.
B. Apply cool compresses to the patient’s neck and chest.
C. Administer an immediate dose of intramuscular epinephrine.
D. Slow the rate of the infusion and monitor for hypotension.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a common infusion-related reaction associated
with rapid administration of vancomycin. It is not a true allergic reaction but is caused by
histamine release, and slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms. The nurse
, should also notify the provider and monitor the patient’s blood pressure, as hypotension
can occur.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat after receiving the injection?
A. Immediately before going to bed.
B. Wait at least 45 minutes before eating.
C. Two hours after the injection is administered.
D. Within 15 minutes of the injection.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. It is critical for the patient to consume carbohydrates shortly after administration
to prevent sudden hypoglycemia. If a meal is delayed after a Lispro injection, the patient’s
blood sugar can drop dangerously low very quickly.
7. When administering Albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), what is the primary
therapeutic effect the nurse should expect?
A. Decreased airway inflammation.
B. Bronchodilation and improved airflow.
C. Thinning of thick respiratory secretions.
D. Suppression of the cough reflex.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the
following assessments is a priority before giving the medication?
A. Check the patient’s radial pulse for 30 seconds.
B. Evaluate the patient’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
C. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure while standing.
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate and increases
the force of contraction. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure it
is above 60 beats per minute before administration. If the pulse is below the established
parameter, the medication should be withheld and the provider notified to prevent toxicity.
2. A patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for the management of edema. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
,D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of sodium,
water, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and potentially dangerous side effect that
can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Patients are often encouraged to consume potassium-
rich foods or take supplements to maintain safe serum levels during therapy.
3. The nurse is educating a patient about a new prescription for levothyroxine. What is the
most important instruction regarding the timing of this medication?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Administer the dose right before going to sleep.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
D. Mix the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach to ensure
consistent therapeutic levels. Food and certain minerals like calcium or iron can
significantly interfere with its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Consistent daily
administration in the morning helps maintain steady-state thyroid hormone levels in the
blood.
4. Which of the following medications is considered the antidote for an overdose of heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
,B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent used to neutralize the
anticoagulant effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with heparin, rendering it
inactive and stopping further hemorrhage risk. Nurses must monitor the patient’s
coagulation studies closely after administration to ensure effective reversal.
5. A patient is receiving vancomycin IV for a MRSA infection. The patient suddenly develops
flushing of the face and neck. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and call a code blue.
B. Apply cool compresses to the patient’s neck and chest.
C. Administer an immediate dose of intramuscular epinephrine.
D. Slow the rate of the infusion and monitor for hypotension.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a common infusion-related reaction associated
with rapid administration of vancomycin. It is not a true allergic reaction but is caused by
histamine release, and slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms. The nurse
, should also notify the provider and monitor the patient’s blood pressure, as hypotension
can occur.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat after receiving the injection?
A. Immediately before going to bed.
B. Wait at least 45 minutes before eating.
C. Two hours after the injection is administered.
D. Within 15 minutes of the injection.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. It is critical for the patient to consume carbohydrates shortly after administration
to prevent sudden hypoglycemia. If a meal is delayed after a Lispro injection, the patient’s
blood sugar can drop dangerously low very quickly.
7. When administering Albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), what is the primary
therapeutic effect the nurse should expect?
A. Decreased airway inflammation.
B. Bronchodilation and improved airflow.
C. Thinning of thick respiratory secretions.
D. Suppression of the cough reflex.
