PNR 105/PNR105 Exam 3 V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which instruction
should the nurse provide regarding the administration of this medication?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
B. Administer the dose at bedtime to ensure maximum absorption.
C. Consume the tablet with a glass of milk to increase calcium levels.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach,
ideally in the early morning. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly
interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones. Therefore, patients are
instructed to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast to maintain therapeutic
levels.
2. A client is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma.
Which side effect should the nurse instruct the client to monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Urinary retention
,C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 adrenergic agonist that can
stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart at higher doses. This stimulation frequently leads to
tachycardia and palpitations as the body reacts to the bronchodilator. Patients should be
educated that these effects are common but should be reported if they become severe or
persistent.
3. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client taking furosemide for heart failure. Which
electrolyte imbalance is a priority concern for this client?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium
and chloride, leading to increased excretion of water and potassium. Hypokalemia is a
significant risk and can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias if not managed. The nurse
must monitor potassium levels closely and encourage the intake of potassium-rich foods or
supplements.
, 4. Which of the following instructions is most important for a client starting prednisone
therapy for an acute inflammatory condition?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you experience a sore throat.
B. Take the medication only when you feel pain or swelling.
C. Avoid people who are sick or have active infections.
D. Switch to an aspirin-based regimen if you miss a dose.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system,
making the client more susceptible to infections. It is critical for the client to avoid crowds
and individuals with known illnesses during therapy. Additionally, the nurse must
emphasize that the drug should never be stopped abruptly due to the risk of adrenal crisis.
5. A client with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Glipizide
B. Insulin Glargine
C. Pioglitazone
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: D
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which instruction
should the nurse provide regarding the administration of this medication?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
B. Administer the dose at bedtime to ensure maximum absorption.
C. Consume the tablet with a glass of milk to increase calcium levels.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach,
ideally in the early morning. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly
interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones. Therefore, patients are
instructed to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast to maintain therapeutic
levels.
2. A client is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma.
Which side effect should the nurse instruct the client to monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Urinary retention
,C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 adrenergic agonist that can
stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart at higher doses. This stimulation frequently leads to
tachycardia and palpitations as the body reacts to the bronchodilator. Patients should be
educated that these effects are common but should be reported if they become severe or
persistent.
3. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client taking furosemide for heart failure. Which
electrolyte imbalance is a priority concern for this client?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium
and chloride, leading to increased excretion of water and potassium. Hypokalemia is a
significant risk and can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias if not managed. The nurse
must monitor potassium levels closely and encourage the intake of potassium-rich foods or
supplements.
, 4. Which of the following instructions is most important for a client starting prednisone
therapy for an acute inflammatory condition?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you experience a sore throat.
B. Take the medication only when you feel pain or swelling.
C. Avoid people who are sick or have active infections.
D. Switch to an aspirin-based regimen if you miss a dose.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system,
making the client more susceptible to infections. It is critical for the client to avoid crowds
and individuals with known illnesses during therapy. Additionally, the nurse must
emphasize that the drug should never be stopped abruptly due to the risk of adrenal crisis.
5. A client with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Glipizide
B. Insulin Glargine
C. Pioglitazone
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: D
