NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 4 V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer Gentamicin to a patient. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its significant
nephrotoxic potential. Monitoring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is
essential to assess renal function during therapy. The nurse must also monitor for
ototoxicity as a secondary major adverse effect.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
B. Drowsiness
C. Yellowing of the skin
,D. Persistent dry cough
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that often causes a persistent, non-
productive dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. While not life-
threatening, it is a common reason for discontinuing the medication. Patients should be
switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) if the cough becomes intolerable.
3. When administering Digoxin, the nurse should withhold the medication and notify the
provider if the adult patient’s apical pulse is below which threshold?
A. 50 bpm
B. 70 bpm
C. 80 bpm
D. 60 bpm
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing the force of contraction. An apical pulse of less than 60 beats per minute in an
adult indicates potential bradycardia and digoxin toxicity. The nurse must always assess
the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration.
4. Which of the following is the priority assessment for a patient receiving Morphine sulfate
via IV push?
A. Temperature
, B. Bowel sounds
C. Respiratory rate
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that can cause severe
respiratory depression. The nurse must monitor the respiratory rate closely, as a rate
below 12 breaths per minute requires immediate intervention. Naloxone should be readily
available as an antidote for opioid-induced respiratory distress.
5. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix). Which dietary recommendation is most
appropriate?
A. Limit fluid intake to 500 mL per day
B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas
C. Avoid foods containing Vitamin K
D. Increase sodium intake to prevent hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. This can lead to hypokalemia, which increases the risk of cardiac
arrhythmias and digoxin toxicity. Patients are encouraged to consume potassium-rich
foods or take supplements as prescribed by their physician.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer Gentamicin to a patient. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its significant
nephrotoxic potential. Monitoring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is
essential to assess renal function during therapy. The nurse must also monitor for
ototoxicity as a secondary major adverse effect.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
B. Drowsiness
C. Yellowing of the skin
,D. Persistent dry cough
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that often causes a persistent, non-
productive dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. While not life-
threatening, it is a common reason for discontinuing the medication. Patients should be
switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) if the cough becomes intolerable.
3. When administering Digoxin, the nurse should withhold the medication and notify the
provider if the adult patient’s apical pulse is below which threshold?
A. 50 bpm
B. 70 bpm
C. 80 bpm
D. 60 bpm
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing the force of contraction. An apical pulse of less than 60 beats per minute in an
adult indicates potential bradycardia and digoxin toxicity. The nurse must always assess
the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration.
4. Which of the following is the priority assessment for a patient receiving Morphine sulfate
via IV push?
A. Temperature
, B. Bowel sounds
C. Respiratory rate
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that can cause severe
respiratory depression. The nurse must monitor the respiratory rate closely, as a rate
below 12 breaths per minute requires immediate intervention. Naloxone should be readily
available as an antidote for opioid-induced respiratory distress.
5. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix). Which dietary recommendation is most
appropriate?
A. Limit fluid intake to 500 mL per day
B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas
C. Avoid foods containing Vitamin K
D. Increase sodium intake to prevent hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. This can lead to hypokalemia, which increases the risk of cardiac
arrhythmias and digoxin toxicity. Patients are encouraged to consume potassium-rich
foods or take supplements as prescribed by their physician.
