Rasmussen University – NUR2407 Pharmacology Final Exam | 150 Questions & Rationales | Academic Year

Rasmussen University Pharmacology Final Exam

150 Multiple Choice Questions | Answers in Bold | Italicized
Rationales 2026

v.m.u.g.o.6.6.1.1.@.g.m.a.l.c.o.m.


Question 1
A nurse is administering digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which finding requires
withholding the medication and notifying the provider?

 A) Heart rate of 68 beats per minute
 B) Serum potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L
 C)
 D) Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg



*Digoxin decreases heart rate; the medication should be withheld and the provider
notified if the apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute (or below the prescribed
parameter). A heart rate of 52 bpm is bradycardic and increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity. Normal heart rate, normal potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), and normal blood
pressure do not require withholding digoxin.*




Question 2
A client is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?

 A) Platelet count
 B)

, C) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
 D) Bleeding time



*INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor warfarin therapy. The therapeutic
INR goal for atrial fibrillation is typically 2.0-3.0. Platelet count monitors for
thrombocytopenia. aPTT monitors heparin therapy. Bleeding time is not used for
warfarin monitoring.*




Question 3
A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which instruction should the nurse
include in discharge teaching?

 A) "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
 B)
 C) "Skip this medication if your blood glucose is normal."
 D) "Take this medication only when you eat sweets."



Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal
discomfort). Taking it with meals significantly reduces these effects. Metformin should be
taken daily as prescribed, not on an empty stomach or only when blood glucose is
elevated.




Question 4
A client is prescribed furosemide. Which finding indicates the client is experiencing an
adverse effect of this medication?

 A) Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
 B) Blood glucose of 110 mg/dL

, C)
 D) Blood pressure of 128/80 mmHg



*Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. Hypokalemia (serum
potassium <3.5 mEq/L) is a common adverse effect that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Weight loss (not gain) is expected. Blood glucose may increase slightly, but 110 mg/dL
is within normal limits.*




Question 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for albuterol. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?

 A) "I will use this inhaler daily to prevent asthma attacks."
 B)
 C) "I will rinse my mouth immediately after using this inhaler."
 D) "I will store my inhaler in the refrigerator."



Waiting 60 seconds between puffs allows the bronchodilator to take effect and improves
penetration of the second dose. Albuterol is a rescue medication, not for daily prevention.
Rinsing the mouth is important for inhaled corticosteroids, not albuterol. Albuterol inhalers
should be stored at room temperature.




Question 6
A client is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse
monitor for?

 A) Hyperkalemia
 B)

,  C) Bradycardia
 D) Weight gain



ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) commonly cause a dry, persistent, non-productive cough due to
accumulation of bradykinin. Hyperkalemia can occur but is less common than cough.
Bradycardia and weight gain are not typical adverse effects of ACE inhibitors.




Question 7
A client receiving morphine sulfate reports respiratory depression. Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering?

 A) Flumazenil
 B)
 C) Acetylcysteine
 D) Protamine sulfate



Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses respiratory depression caused by morphine
and other opioids. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines. Acetylcysteine is for
acetaminophen overdose. Protamine sulfate reverses heparin.




Question 8
A client is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse include?

 A) "Take this medication at bedtime with a snack."
 B)
 C) "Skip this medication if you feel tired."
 D) "Take this medication with a glass of milk."