NSG124/NSG 124 Exam 4 V1 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. When is the most appropriate
time to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Only at bedtime
C. 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal
D. Once daily at the same time every morning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that has an onset of 15 minutes. It must
be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia. This medication
helps manage postprandial glucose levels by mimicking the body’s natural insulin response
to food intake.
2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse prioritize during patient teaching?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset
B. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
,D. Double the dose if you miss a day to maintain therapeutic levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is significantly increased when taken on an empty
stomach. Patients should be taught to take it early in the morning to prevent insomnia and
ensure consistent absorption. It is essential to emphasize that this is typically a lifelong
therapy and should never be discontinued without medical supervision.
3. Which lab value is the most important to monitor in a patient receiving propylthiouracil
(PTU) for Graves’ disease?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Serum potassium
C. White blood cell (WBC) count
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Propylthiouracil can cause agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in the
white blood cell count. Patients must be monitored for signs of infection such as fever or
sore throat. Early detection of a low WBC count is critical to prevent life-threatening sepsis
in these patients.
4. A patient is prescribed prednisone for an acute asthma exacerbation. The nurse should
instruct the patient to avoid which of the following?
A. Taking the medication with food
, B. Abruptly stopping the medication
C. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods
D. Drinking 2 liters of water daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptly stopping prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency because the
body has stopped its own production of cortisol. Tapering the dose allows the adrenal
glands to resume normal function gradually. Patients should be educated on the signs of
adrenal crisis and the importance of following the prescribed weaning schedule.
5. A patient is starting metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. The nurse should warn the patient
about which common side effect?
A. Gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea
B. Weight gain
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, nausea,
and diarrhea, especially when first starting therapy. These effects are often minimized by
taking the medication with meals or using extended-release formulations. Patients should
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. When is the most appropriate
time to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Only at bedtime
C. 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal
D. Once daily at the same time every morning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that has an onset of 15 minutes. It must
be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia. This medication
helps manage postprandial glucose levels by mimicking the body’s natural insulin response
to food intake.
2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse prioritize during patient teaching?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset
B. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
,D. Double the dose if you miss a day to maintain therapeutic levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is significantly increased when taken on an empty
stomach. Patients should be taught to take it early in the morning to prevent insomnia and
ensure consistent absorption. It is essential to emphasize that this is typically a lifelong
therapy and should never be discontinued without medical supervision.
3. Which lab value is the most important to monitor in a patient receiving propylthiouracil
(PTU) for Graves’ disease?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Serum potassium
C. White blood cell (WBC) count
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Propylthiouracil can cause agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in the
white blood cell count. Patients must be monitored for signs of infection such as fever or
sore throat. Early detection of a low WBC count is critical to prevent life-threatening sepsis
in these patients.
4. A patient is prescribed prednisone for an acute asthma exacerbation. The nurse should
instruct the patient to avoid which of the following?
A. Taking the medication with food
, B. Abruptly stopping the medication
C. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods
D. Drinking 2 liters of water daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptly stopping prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency because the
body has stopped its own production of cortisol. Tapering the dose allows the adrenal
glands to resume normal function gradually. Patients should be educated on the signs of
adrenal crisis and the importance of following the prescribed weaning schedule.
5. A patient is starting metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. The nurse should warn the patient
about which common side effect?
A. Gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea
B. Weight gain
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, nausea,
and diarrhea, especially when first starting therapy. These effects are often minimized by
taking the medication with meals or using extended-release formulations. Patients should
