PNR 105/PNR105 Final Exam V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following actions
is the priority to ensure safe administration?
A. Asking the client to state their name and date of birth.
B. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times.
C. Documenting the medication immediately after administration.
D. Reviewing the client’s allergy history in the medical record.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Identifying the client using two unique identifiers is the most critical
step in preventing medication errors. This action directly confirms that the medication is
being given to the correct individual as intended by the provider. The nurse must verify
this information before any other steps of administration are completed.
2. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of heart failure. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with this loop diuretic?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
,D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete
significant amounts of potassium along with water and sodium. If potassium levels are not
monitored or replaced, the patient is at high risk for developing hypokalemia. This
condition can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
3. When administering Heparin subcutaneously, which of the following nursing actions is
correct?
A. Injecting the medication into the abdominal fat pad.
B. Using a 20-gauge, 1.5-inch needle.
C. Aspirating for blood return before injecting.
D. Massaging the injection site to increase absorption.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The abdomen is the preferred site for subcutaneous heparin because
it provides consistent absorption. Massaging the site or aspirating can cause tissue damage
and hematoma formation due to the anticoagulant effect. A small gauge needle is required
for subcutaneous injections to minimize trauma.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Digoxin. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as an early indicator of digoxin toxicity?
A. High blood pressure
, B. Increased heart rate
C. Visual disturbances with yellow halos
D. Anorexia and nausea
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are
typically the first signs of digoxin toxicity. While visual changes are classic indicators, they
usually occur later in the toxic process. The nurse must assess these symptoms and check
the digoxin level if toxicity is suspected.
5. Which laboratory value is primarily used to monitor the therapeutic effect of Warfarin
(Coumadin)?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to determine the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. A therapeutic range
is generally between 2.0 and 3.0 for most clinical conditions. In contrast, aPTT is used
specifically for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following actions
is the priority to ensure safe administration?
A. Asking the client to state their name and date of birth.
B. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times.
C. Documenting the medication immediately after administration.
D. Reviewing the client’s allergy history in the medical record.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Identifying the client using two unique identifiers is the most critical
step in preventing medication errors. This action directly confirms that the medication is
being given to the correct individual as intended by the provider. The nurse must verify
this information before any other steps of administration are completed.
2. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of heart failure. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with this loop diuretic?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
,D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete
significant amounts of potassium along with water and sodium. If potassium levels are not
monitored or replaced, the patient is at high risk for developing hypokalemia. This
condition can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
3. When administering Heparin subcutaneously, which of the following nursing actions is
correct?
A. Injecting the medication into the abdominal fat pad.
B. Using a 20-gauge, 1.5-inch needle.
C. Aspirating for blood return before injecting.
D. Massaging the injection site to increase absorption.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The abdomen is the preferred site for subcutaneous heparin because
it provides consistent absorption. Massaging the site or aspirating can cause tissue damage
and hematoma formation due to the anticoagulant effect. A small gauge needle is required
for subcutaneous injections to minimize trauma.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Digoxin. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as an early indicator of digoxin toxicity?
A. High blood pressure
, B. Increased heart rate
C. Visual disturbances with yellow halos
D. Anorexia and nausea
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are
typically the first signs of digoxin toxicity. While visual changes are classic indicators, they
usually occur later in the toxic process. The nurse must assess these symptoms and check
the digoxin level if toxicity is suspected.
5. Which laboratory value is primarily used to monitor the therapeutic effect of Warfarin
(Coumadin)?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to determine the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. A therapeutic range
is generally between 2.0 and 3.0 for most clinical conditions. In contrast, aPTT is used
specifically for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy.
