NU150 Exam 4 Galen: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) CNS Medications, Psychiatric
Drugs, Antiepileptics, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, & Rheumatoid Arthritis Agents
| Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Galen College of Nursing
Comprehensive Review: Levodopa/Carbidopa, Phenytoin, Lithium, Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs,
Antipsychotics, DMARDs, Bisphosphonates, Anticonvulsants
Subject: Pharmacology / Medical-Surgical Nursing / Psychiatric Nursing
Source: NU150 Exam 4 Galen Blueprint
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale & Evidence-Based Practice
Question 1
A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. Which statement by the
patient indicates the need for further teaching?
Answer: "I should take this medication with a high-protein meal."
CORRECT ANSWER
"I should take this medication with a high-protein meal."
RATIONALE
• High-protein meals compete with levodopa for absorption across the blood-brain barrier, reducing
effectiveness.
• Take on an empty stomach, or spread protein intake throughout the day.
,Question 2
A patient on phenytoin for epilepsy reports gingival hyperplasia. What is the nurse's priority
teaching?
Answer: "Practice good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and dental checkups."
CORRECT ANSWER
"Practice good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and dental checkups."
RATIONALE
• Phenytoin causes overgrowth of gum tissue; meticulous oral hygiene can minimize severity.
• Regular dental visits are essential; may require surgical removal if severe.
Question 3
What instruction should the nurse provide to a patient taking alendronate for osteoporosis?
Answer: "Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication."
CORRECT ANSWER
"Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication."
RATIONALE
• Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and ulceration if it refluxes.
• Take with full glass of water, remain upright for 30 minutes, do not lie down.
, Question 4
A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What finding indicates the patient may
be experiencing lithium toxicity?
Answer: Tremors, confusion, and nausea
CORRECT ANSWER
Tremors, confusion, and nausea
RATIONALE
• Early signs of lithium toxicity: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fine tremors, lethargy.
• Severe toxicity: confusion, seizures, coma, death. Therapeutic level: 0.5-1.2 mEq/L.
Question 5
Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about sildenafil?
Answer: "This medication will protect me from sexually transmitted infections."
CORRECT ANSWER
"This medication will protect me from sexually transmitted infections."
RATIONALE
• Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction; it does not prevent STIs or pregnancy.
• Contraindicated with nitrates (can cause severe hypotension).
Drugs, Antiepileptics, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, & Rheumatoid Arthritis Agents
| Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Galen College of Nursing
Comprehensive Review: Levodopa/Carbidopa, Phenytoin, Lithium, Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs,
Antipsychotics, DMARDs, Bisphosphonates, Anticonvulsants
Subject: Pharmacology / Medical-Surgical Nursing / Psychiatric Nursing
Source: NU150 Exam 4 Galen Blueprint
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale & Evidence-Based Practice
Question 1
A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. Which statement by the
patient indicates the need for further teaching?
Answer: "I should take this medication with a high-protein meal."
CORRECT ANSWER
"I should take this medication with a high-protein meal."
RATIONALE
• High-protein meals compete with levodopa for absorption across the blood-brain barrier, reducing
effectiveness.
• Take on an empty stomach, or spread protein intake throughout the day.
,Question 2
A patient on phenytoin for epilepsy reports gingival hyperplasia. What is the nurse's priority
teaching?
Answer: "Practice good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and dental checkups."
CORRECT ANSWER
"Practice good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and dental checkups."
RATIONALE
• Phenytoin causes overgrowth of gum tissue; meticulous oral hygiene can minimize severity.
• Regular dental visits are essential; may require surgical removal if severe.
Question 3
What instruction should the nurse provide to a patient taking alendronate for osteoporosis?
Answer: "Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication."
CORRECT ANSWER
"Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication."
RATIONALE
• Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and ulceration if it refluxes.
• Take with full glass of water, remain upright for 30 minutes, do not lie down.
, Question 4
A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What finding indicates the patient may
be experiencing lithium toxicity?
Answer: Tremors, confusion, and nausea
CORRECT ANSWER
Tremors, confusion, and nausea
RATIONALE
• Early signs of lithium toxicity: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fine tremors, lethargy.
• Severe toxicity: confusion, seizures, coma, death. Therapeutic level: 0.5-1.2 mEq/L.
Question 5
Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about sildenafil?
Answer: "This medication will protect me from sexually transmitted infections."
CORRECT ANSWER
"This medication will protect me from sexually transmitted infections."
RATIONALE
• Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction; it does not prevent STIs or pregnancy.
• Contraindicated with nitrates (can cause severe hypotension).
