PNR 105/PNR105 Final Exam V2 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient. Which of the following assessments
is a priority before administration?
A. Checking the patient’s blood pressure
B. Assessing the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Measuring the patient’s weight
D. Checking the patient’s respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute before
administering digoxin to ensure the heart rate is above 60 beats per minute. If the heart
rate is too low, the medication could cause dangerous bradycardia. This is a standard safety
protocol taught in PNR 105 to prevent digitalis toxicity.
2. Which medication is commonly used as an antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Flumazenil
C. Naloxone
D. Protamine sulfate
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific pharmacological antagonist used to
reverse the effects of heparin. Vitamin K is used for warfarin, while naloxone is for opioids.
Knowing specific antidotes is critical for safe nursing practice and is a frequent exam topic.
3. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
A. PT/INR
B. aPTT
C. Creatinine
D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) are the standard labs used to monitor warfarin therapy. The aPTT is used for heparin
monitoring instead. Maintaining the INR within a therapeutic range is essential to prevent
both clotting and excessive bleeding.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Increasing sodium excretion in the kidneys
C. Slowing the heart rate by blocking beta receptors
, D. Inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin
II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. This results in vasodilation and lower blood pressure
for the patient. A common side effect of this class that students should remember is a
persistent dry cough.
5. Which of the following is a common side effect of loop diuretics such as furosemide?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause the kidneys to excrete large
amounts of water and electrolytes, specifically potassium. This often leads to hypokalemia,
which can cause cardiac arrhythmias if not monitored. Nurses should encourage patients to
eat potassium-rich foods or take supplements as ordered.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which
instruction is correct?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient. Which of the following assessments
is a priority before administration?
A. Checking the patient’s blood pressure
B. Assessing the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Measuring the patient’s weight
D. Checking the patient’s respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute before
administering digoxin to ensure the heart rate is above 60 beats per minute. If the heart
rate is too low, the medication could cause dangerous bradycardia. This is a standard safety
protocol taught in PNR 105 to prevent digitalis toxicity.
2. Which medication is commonly used as an antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Flumazenil
C. Naloxone
D. Protamine sulfate
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific pharmacological antagonist used to
reverse the effects of heparin. Vitamin K is used for warfarin, while naloxone is for opioids.
Knowing specific antidotes is critical for safe nursing practice and is a frequent exam topic.
3. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
A. PT/INR
B. aPTT
C. Creatinine
D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) are the standard labs used to monitor warfarin therapy. The aPTT is used for heparin
monitoring instead. Maintaining the INR within a therapeutic range is essential to prevent
both clotting and excessive bleeding.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Increasing sodium excretion in the kidneys
C. Slowing the heart rate by blocking beta receptors
, D. Inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin
II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. This results in vasodilation and lower blood pressure
for the patient. A common side effect of this class that students should remember is a
persistent dry cough.
5. Which of the following is a common side effect of loop diuretics such as furosemide?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause the kidneys to excrete large
amounts of water and electrolytes, specifically potassium. This often leads to hypokalemia,
which can cause cardiac arrhythmias if not monitored. Nurses should encourage patients to
eat potassium-rich foods or take supplements as ordered.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which
instruction is correct?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
