PNR 105/PNR105 Final Exam V1 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the treatment of heart failure. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize monitoring before administration?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Potassium
D. Serum Glucose
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the body to excrete
significant amounts of potassium. Monitoring serum potassium is critical because
hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must ensure
levels are within normal range to maintain cardiac stability during therapy.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro (Humalog) insulin to a patient. When should the
nurse provide the patient’s meal relative to the injection?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after the injection
B. Immediately (within 15 minutes) after the injection
C. 2 hours after the injection
,D. 30 minutes before the injection
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15
and 30 minutes. If the meal is not provided immediately, the patient is at high risk for a
hypoglycemic event. Ensuring food is present before or right after administration is a
primary safety intervention for rapid-acting insulins.
3. Which clinical manifestation is considered a classic early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Severe hypertension
B. Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos
C. Increased appetite
D. Profuse sweating
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual changes like yellow-green halos or blurred vision are hallmark
indicators of digitalis toxicity. Other early symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as
nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. The nurse should immediately report these findings and
check the patient’s serum digoxin level.
4. A patient on Warfarin therapy has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 7.5. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the scheduled dose of Warfarin
, B. Increase the IV Heparin infusion rate
C. Encourage the patient to eat more leafy greens
D. Prepare to administer Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: An INR of 7.5 is significantly above the therapeutic range, putting the
patient at high risk for spontaneous bleeding. Vitamin K is the pharmacological antagonist
for Warfarin and is used to reverse its effects. The nurse must notify the provider and
expect an order for this antidote to ensure patient safety.
5. A nurse is administering Morphine Sulfate to a patient for post-operative pain. What is the
most critical assessment for the nurse to perform?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Bowel sounds
C. Temperature
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that can cause significant respiratory
depression. Monitoring the respiratory rate is the priority assessment to prevent
respiratory arrest. If the rate falls below 12 breaths per minute, the dose should be
withheld and the provider notified.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the treatment of heart failure. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize monitoring before administration?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Potassium
D. Serum Glucose
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the body to excrete
significant amounts of potassium. Monitoring serum potassium is critical because
hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must ensure
levels are within normal range to maintain cardiac stability during therapy.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro (Humalog) insulin to a patient. When should the
nurse provide the patient’s meal relative to the injection?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after the injection
B. Immediately (within 15 minutes) after the injection
C. 2 hours after the injection
,D. 30 minutes before the injection
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15
and 30 minutes. If the meal is not provided immediately, the patient is at high risk for a
hypoglycemic event. Ensuring food is present before or right after administration is a
primary safety intervention for rapid-acting insulins.
3. Which clinical manifestation is considered a classic early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Severe hypertension
B. Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos
C. Increased appetite
D. Profuse sweating
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual changes like yellow-green halos or blurred vision are hallmark
indicators of digitalis toxicity. Other early symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as
nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. The nurse should immediately report these findings and
check the patient’s serum digoxin level.
4. A patient on Warfarin therapy has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 7.5. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the scheduled dose of Warfarin
, B. Increase the IV Heparin infusion rate
C. Encourage the patient to eat more leafy greens
D. Prepare to administer Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: An INR of 7.5 is significantly above the therapeutic range, putting the
patient at high risk for spontaneous bleeding. Vitamin K is the pharmacological antagonist
for Warfarin and is used to reverse its effects. The nurse must notify the provider and
expect an order for this antidote to ensure patient safety.
5. A nurse is administering Morphine Sulfate to a patient for post-operative pain. What is the
most critical assessment for the nurse to perform?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Bowel sounds
C. Temperature
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that can cause significant respiratory
depression. Monitoring the respiratory rate is the priority assessment to prevent
respiratory arrest. If the rate falls below 12 breaths per minute, the dose should be
withheld and the provider notified.
