PNR 105/PNR105 Exam 2 V2 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetics of a newly prescribed drug. Which organ is
primarily responsible for the metabolism of most medications?
A. Kidneys
B. Lungs
C. Small Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism in the human body.
Enzymes within the liver, particularly the cytochrome P450 system, chemically alter the
drug to make it more water-soluble for excretion. If a patient has liver dysfunction, they are
at a significantly higher risk for drug toxicity due to impaired metabolic processes.
2. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
,D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia, or low serum potassium, increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium
ATPase pump. The nurse must ensure that potassium levels remain within the normal
range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Signs of toxicity often include visual disturbances and cardiac
arrhythmias that can be life-threatening.
3. Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of action for a medication?
A. Oral
B. Intravenous
C. Intramuscular
D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The intravenous route delivers medication directly into the
bloodstream, bypassing the need for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract or
muscle tissue. This results in an immediate onset of action, which is critical in emergency
situations. Because the drug enters the circulation directly, there is no first-pass effect
involved with this route.
, 4. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a patient with edema. What is the most
important assessment to perform before administration?
A. Check for peripheral pulses
B. Measure abdominal girth
C. Assess for bowel sounds
D. Check blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that causes significant fluid loss,
which can lead to a drop in blood pressure. The nurse must assess the patient’s baseline
blood pressure to ensure they are not already hypotensive before giving the dose.
Dehydration and orthostatic hypotension are common adverse effects that the nurse must
monitor for throughout therapy.
5. A patient is receiving warfarin therapy. Which lab test is used to monitor the effectiveness
of this medication?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. PT/INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetics of a newly prescribed drug. Which organ is
primarily responsible for the metabolism of most medications?
A. Kidneys
B. Lungs
C. Small Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism in the human body.
Enzymes within the liver, particularly the cytochrome P450 system, chemically alter the
drug to make it more water-soluble for excretion. If a patient has liver dysfunction, they are
at a significantly higher risk for drug toxicity due to impaired metabolic processes.
2. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
,D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia, or low serum potassium, increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium
ATPase pump. The nurse must ensure that potassium levels remain within the normal
range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Signs of toxicity often include visual disturbances and cardiac
arrhythmias that can be life-threatening.
3. Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of action for a medication?
A. Oral
B. Intravenous
C. Intramuscular
D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The intravenous route delivers medication directly into the
bloodstream, bypassing the need for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract or
muscle tissue. This results in an immediate onset of action, which is critical in emergency
situations. Because the drug enters the circulation directly, there is no first-pass effect
involved with this route.
, 4. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a patient with edema. What is the most
important assessment to perform before administration?
A. Check for peripheral pulses
B. Measure abdominal girth
C. Assess for bowel sounds
D. Check blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that causes significant fluid loss,
which can lead to a drop in blood pressure. The nurse must assess the patient’s baseline
blood pressure to ensure they are not already hypotensive before giving the dose.
Dehydration and orthostatic hypotension are common adverse effects that the nurse must
monitor for throughout therapy.
5. A patient is receiving warfarin therapy. Which lab test is used to monitor the effectiveness
of this medication?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. PT/INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
