BIO301 Pharmacology Exam 3 Version 3 Questions
with Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for
Each Question
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin and Furosemide. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent Digoxin toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Hemoglobin levels
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Serum Potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia is a major risk factor for Digoxin toxicity because
low potassium levels enhance the drug’s effects on the heart. Furosemide is a loop
diuretic that frequently causes potassium depletion through urinary excretion. The
nurse must ensure potassium remains within the therapeutic range of 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L to maintain patient safety. If the level is too low, the cardiac glycoside can
lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Continuous monitoring of electrolyte panels is
essential for clinical decision-making in patients taking these concurrent
medications.
,2. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress. It is the drug of choice for
emergency relief because its onset of action is within minutes. Unlike long-acting
agents, it directly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to open the airways quickly.
Patients must be taught that this medication is for symptom relief and not for long-
term maintenance. Failure to recognize the difference between rescue and
controller medications can lead to poor clinical outcomes in asthma management.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which
antihypertensive medication should the nurse question?
A. Propranolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
,D. Hydrochlorothiazide
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that acts on both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can trigger
bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This drug interaction is a
critical safety concern when managing comorbid cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases. The nurse should advocate for a cardioselective beta-blocker or a different
class of antihypertensives altogether. Prioritizing airway patency is fundamental
when evaluating pharmacological therapy for hypertensive patients with reactive
airway disease.
4. When administering Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain, what is the priority
assessment for the nurse?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Temperature
C. Blood pressure
D. Blood glucose
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can cause a rapid
and significant drop in systemic blood pressure. The nurse must assess the patient’s
, blood pressure before and after each dose to monitor for hypotension. If the systolic
blood pressure falls below 90 mmHg, subsequent doses should be withheld to
prevent circulatory collapse. This assessment is a vital component of therapeutic
monitoring for patients with angina. Ensuring hemodynamic stability is the top
priority during the administration of nitrate therapy.
5. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which food choice indicates
the need for further education?
A. Orange juice
B. Grilled chicken
C. Spinach salad
D. Whole grain bread
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting Vitamin K-dependent clotting
factors to prevent thrombus formation. Spinach and other leafy greens are rich in
Vitamin K, which can decrease the effectiveness of the anticoagulant. Patients do not
need to avoid these foods entirely but must maintain a consistent daily intake to
stabilize their INR. Fluctuations in Vitamin K consumption can lead to unpredictable
changes in clotting time and increase the risk of stroke or bleeding. Dietary
with Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for
Each Question
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin and Furosemide. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent Digoxin toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Hemoglobin levels
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Serum Potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia is a major risk factor for Digoxin toxicity because
low potassium levels enhance the drug’s effects on the heart. Furosemide is a loop
diuretic that frequently causes potassium depletion through urinary excretion. The
nurse must ensure potassium remains within the therapeutic range of 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L to maintain patient safety. If the level is too low, the cardiac glycoside can
lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Continuous monitoring of electrolyte panels is
essential for clinical decision-making in patients taking these concurrent
medications.
,2. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress. It is the drug of choice for
emergency relief because its onset of action is within minutes. Unlike long-acting
agents, it directly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to open the airways quickly.
Patients must be taught that this medication is for symptom relief and not for long-
term maintenance. Failure to recognize the difference between rescue and
controller medications can lead to poor clinical outcomes in asthma management.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which
antihypertensive medication should the nurse question?
A. Propranolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
,D. Hydrochlorothiazide
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that acts on both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can trigger
bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This drug interaction is a
critical safety concern when managing comorbid cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases. The nurse should advocate for a cardioselective beta-blocker or a different
class of antihypertensives altogether. Prioritizing airway patency is fundamental
when evaluating pharmacological therapy for hypertensive patients with reactive
airway disease.
4. When administering Nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain, what is the priority
assessment for the nurse?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Temperature
C. Blood pressure
D. Blood glucose
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can cause a rapid
and significant drop in systemic blood pressure. The nurse must assess the patient’s
, blood pressure before and after each dose to monitor for hypotension. If the systolic
blood pressure falls below 90 mmHg, subsequent doses should be withheld to
prevent circulatory collapse. This assessment is a vital component of therapeutic
monitoring for patients with angina. Ensuring hemodynamic stability is the top
priority during the administration of nitrate therapy.
5. A patient is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which food choice indicates
the need for further education?
A. Orange juice
B. Grilled chicken
C. Spinach salad
D. Whole grain bread
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting Vitamin K-dependent clotting
factors to prevent thrombus formation. Spinach and other leafy greens are rich in
Vitamin K, which can decrease the effectiveness of the anticoagulant. Patients do not
need to avoid these foods entirely but must maintain a consistent daily intake to
stabilize their INR. Fluctuations in Vitamin K consumption can lead to unpredictable
changes in clotting time and increase the risk of stroke or bleeding. Dietary
