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NUR 185 Exam 1 2026/2027 Hondros Concepts of Adult Health
Nursing for Practical Nurse II Actual Exam Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Study Guide Grade A
1. A patient is prescribed propranolol for hypertension and angina. Before
administering this medication, what is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate and blood pressure
C. Temperature
D. Blood glucose level
Correct Answer: B. Heart rate and blood pressure
Rationale: Propranolol is a beta blocker that decreases heart rate and blood pressure.
The nurse must assess HR and BP before administration to prevent hypotension and
bradycardia.
2. A patient with Addison's disease is prescribed hydrocortisone. The nurse knows the
medication is effective when which findings are present? Select all that apply.
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A. Blood pressure is stable
B. Potassium levels are normal
C. Blood glucose is elevated
D. Sodium levels are decreased
Correct Answer: A, B
Rationale: Hydrocortisone replaces deficient cortisol in Addison's disease. Effectiveness
is indicated by stable blood pressure and normal potassium levels.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. Which instructions
should the nurse include in patient education? Select all that apply.
A. Take on an empty stomach
B. This medication must be taken for the rest of your life
C. Stop taking if you feel better
D. This medication can cause hyperthyroidism if dosage is too high
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone taken lifelong on an empty
stomach. Excessive dosage can cause hyperthyroidism (metabolic acidosis, tachycardia).
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4. A patient with Cushing's syndrome is prescribed metyrapone. Which findings
indicate the medication is working? Select all that apply.
A. Decrease in cortisol levels
B. Stable blood pressure
C. Decrease in fatigue
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Metyrapone inhibits adrenal corticoid production. Effectiveness is indicated
by decreased cortisol, stable BP, and decreased fatigue.
5. A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed PTU (propylthiouracil). Which
instructions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
A. Avoid anticoagulants
B. Report signs of infection
C. Monitor hepatic levels
D. Effects are seen immediately
Correct Answer: A, B, C
NUR 185 Exam 1 2026/2027 Hondros Concepts of Adult Health
Nursing for Practical Nurse II Actual Exam Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Study Guide Grade A
1. A patient is prescribed propranolol for hypertension and angina. Before
administering this medication, what is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate and blood pressure
C. Temperature
D. Blood glucose level
Correct Answer: B. Heart rate and blood pressure
Rationale: Propranolol is a beta blocker that decreases heart rate and blood pressure.
The nurse must assess HR and BP before administration to prevent hypotension and
bradycardia.
2. A patient with Addison's disease is prescribed hydrocortisone. The nurse knows the
medication is effective when which findings are present? Select all that apply.
,2|Page
A. Blood pressure is stable
B. Potassium levels are normal
C. Blood glucose is elevated
D. Sodium levels are decreased
Correct Answer: A, B
Rationale: Hydrocortisone replaces deficient cortisol in Addison's disease. Effectiveness
is indicated by stable blood pressure and normal potassium levels.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. Which instructions
should the nurse include in patient education? Select all that apply.
A. Take on an empty stomach
B. This medication must be taken for the rest of your life
C. Stop taking if you feel better
D. This medication can cause hyperthyroidism if dosage is too high
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone taken lifelong on an empty
stomach. Excessive dosage can cause hyperthyroidism (metabolic acidosis, tachycardia).
, 3|Page
4. A patient with Cushing's syndrome is prescribed metyrapone. Which findings
indicate the medication is working? Select all that apply.
A. Decrease in cortisol levels
B. Stable blood pressure
C. Decrease in fatigue
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Metyrapone inhibits adrenal corticoid production. Effectiveness is indicated
by decreased cortisol, stable BP, and decreased fatigue.
5. A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed PTU (propylthiouracil). Which
instructions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
A. Avoid anticoagulants
B. Report signs of infection
C. Monitor hepatic levels
D. Effects are seen immediately
Correct Answer: A, B, C
