NSG124/NSG 124 Exam 4 V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to expect the peak effect of this medication?
A. 30 to 90 minutes after injection
B. 3 to 5 hours after injection
C. 15 to 30 minutes after injection
D. 6 to 10 hours after injection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that has an onset of 15 minutes and a peak
duration of 30 to 90 minutes. It is critical for the nurse to ensure the patient’s meal tray is
present before administration to prevent hypoglycemia. This medication is typically used
to cover postprandial glucose elevations.
2. A patient taking Metformin is scheduled for an IV contrast study. Which action should the
nurse prioritize?
A. Instruct the patient to drink only milk before the test
B. Double the dose of Metformin the day before
C. Administer Metformin immediately after the scan
,D. Hold the Metformin for 48 hours after the procedure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours following a procedure involving iodinated
contrast media to prevent lactic acidosis. Contrast media can cause temporary renal
impairment, which increases the risk of Metformin accumulation in the blood. The nurse
should monitor serum creatinine levels before resuming the medication.
3. The nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed Levothyroxine. What is the
most appropriate time for the patient to take this medication?
A. Right before bedtime with a snack
B. Immediately after eating a high-fiber lunch
C. In the morning, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. At noon with a glass of orange juice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to
optimize absorption and prevent insomnia later in the day. Food, specifically calcium and
fiber, can significantly interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. Consistency in timing is
essential for maintaining therapeutic thyroid hormone levels.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed Albuterol and Beclomethasone inhalers. Which
instruction is correct regarding the sequence of administration?
A. Administer the Beclomethasone first, then the Albuterol
, B. Mix both medications in a single nebulizer cup
C. Use the Albuterol first, wait 5 minutes, then use the Beclomethasone
D. Wait 30 minutes between the two inhalations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The bronchodilator (Albuterol) should be used first to open the airways,
followed by the corticosteroid (Beclomethasone) to allow deeper penetration of the anti-
inflammatory drug. A 5-minute interval between different inhalers is standard practice to
maximize effectiveness. This sequence helps reduce systemic side effects and improves the
management of chronic asthma symptoms.
5. A patient has been taking Prednisone for several weeks for an autoimmune flare. Why
must the medication be tapered rather than stopped abruptly?
A. To prevent sudden rebound hypertension
B. To avoid the development of Cushing’s Syndrome
C. To allow the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production
D. To reduce the risk of immediate weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Exogenous glucocorticoids cause the pituitary to stop signaling the adrenal
glands to produce cortisol via negative feedback. Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to expect the peak effect of this medication?
A. 30 to 90 minutes after injection
B. 3 to 5 hours after injection
C. 15 to 30 minutes after injection
D. 6 to 10 hours after injection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that has an onset of 15 minutes and a peak
duration of 30 to 90 minutes. It is critical for the nurse to ensure the patient’s meal tray is
present before administration to prevent hypoglycemia. This medication is typically used
to cover postprandial glucose elevations.
2. A patient taking Metformin is scheduled for an IV contrast study. Which action should the
nurse prioritize?
A. Instruct the patient to drink only milk before the test
B. Double the dose of Metformin the day before
C. Administer Metformin immediately after the scan
,D. Hold the Metformin for 48 hours after the procedure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours following a procedure involving iodinated
contrast media to prevent lactic acidosis. Contrast media can cause temporary renal
impairment, which increases the risk of Metformin accumulation in the blood. The nurse
should monitor serum creatinine levels before resuming the medication.
3. The nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed Levothyroxine. What is the
most appropriate time for the patient to take this medication?
A. Right before bedtime with a snack
B. Immediately after eating a high-fiber lunch
C. In the morning, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. At noon with a glass of orange juice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to
optimize absorption and prevent insomnia later in the day. Food, specifically calcium and
fiber, can significantly interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. Consistency in timing is
essential for maintaining therapeutic thyroid hormone levels.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed Albuterol and Beclomethasone inhalers. Which
instruction is correct regarding the sequence of administration?
A. Administer the Beclomethasone first, then the Albuterol
, B. Mix both medications in a single nebulizer cup
C. Use the Albuterol first, wait 5 minutes, then use the Beclomethasone
D. Wait 30 minutes between the two inhalations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The bronchodilator (Albuterol) should be used first to open the airways,
followed by the corticosteroid (Beclomethasone) to allow deeper penetration of the anti-
inflammatory drug. A 5-minute interval between different inhalers is standard practice to
maximize effectiveness. This sequence helps reduce systemic side effects and improves the
management of chronic asthma symptoms.
5. A patient has been taking Prednisone for several weeks for an autoimmune flare. Why
must the medication be tapered rather than stopped abruptly?
A. To prevent sudden rebound hypertension
B. To avoid the development of Cushing’s Syndrome
C. To allow the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production
D. To reduce the risk of immediate weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Exogenous glucocorticoids cause the pituitary to stop signaling the adrenal
glands to produce cortisol via negative feedback. Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to
