NUR 354 Final Exam: Pharmacology II V1 - Arizona College
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A patient is receiving Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Ans: C
Explanation: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that requires frequent monitoring of the INR. The
therapeutic range for most conditions is between 2.0 and 3.0. A value below this range increases the risk
of blood clots. A value above this range increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding. The nurse must
ensure the patient maintains a consistent intake of vitamin K while on this drug.
2. Before administering Digoxin, which action is the most essential for the nurse to perform?
A. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
B. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate
C. Check the patient’s blood pressure
D. Check the patient’s temperature
Ans: A
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while increasing contractility. The
nurse must assess the apical pulse for one full minute before administration. If the heart rate is less than
,60 beats per minute, the dose is typically held. This prevents the patient from experiencing dangerous
levels of bradycardia. Documentation of the pulse rate is required after the medication is given.
3. A patient is prescribed Furosemide for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at
greatest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Ans: B
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water and electrolytes. Potassium
is frequently lost through the urine when using this medication. Low potassium levels can lead to cardiac
arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Patients are often encouraged to eat potassium-rich foods or take
supplements. Monitoring serum electrolyte levels is a critical nursing responsibility during therapy.
4. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Ans: A
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used for rapid bronchodilation. It is the
medication of choice for relieving acute symptoms of bronchospasm. Patients should carry this inhaler
, with them at all times for emergencies. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway within
minutes. Long-acting bronchodilators or steroids are not appropriate for acute rescue situations.
5. A patient taking Metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. What instruction should
the nurse provide?
A. Take an extra dose of Metformin before the procedure
B. Take Metformin as usual with a sip of water
C. Discontinue Metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
D. Double the fluid intake but continue the medication
Ans: C
Explanation: Metformin can interact with iodinated contrast media used in imaging studies. This
combination significantly increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Most protocols require holding
the drug for 48 hours before and after the procedure. Renal function should be verified as normal before
resuming the medication. This precaution protects the kidneys from potential injury caused by the
contrast.
6. A patient is receiving Morphine sulfate for post-operative pain. What is the priority assessment for the
nurse?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Bowel sounds
D. Temperature
Ans: A
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A patient is receiving Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Ans: C
Explanation: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that requires frequent monitoring of the INR. The
therapeutic range for most conditions is between 2.0 and 3.0. A value below this range increases the risk
of blood clots. A value above this range increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding. The nurse must
ensure the patient maintains a consistent intake of vitamin K while on this drug.
2. Before administering Digoxin, which action is the most essential for the nurse to perform?
A. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
B. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate
C. Check the patient’s blood pressure
D. Check the patient’s temperature
Ans: A
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while increasing contractility. The
nurse must assess the apical pulse for one full minute before administration. If the heart rate is less than
,60 beats per minute, the dose is typically held. This prevents the patient from experiencing dangerous
levels of bradycardia. Documentation of the pulse rate is required after the medication is given.
3. A patient is prescribed Furosemide for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at
greatest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Ans: B
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water and electrolytes. Potassium
is frequently lost through the urine when using this medication. Low potassium levels can lead to cardiac
arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Patients are often encouraged to eat potassium-rich foods or take
supplements. Monitoring serum electrolyte levels is a critical nursing responsibility during therapy.
4. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Ans: A
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used for rapid bronchodilation. It is the
medication of choice for relieving acute symptoms of bronchospasm. Patients should carry this inhaler
, with them at all times for emergencies. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway within
minutes. Long-acting bronchodilators or steroids are not appropriate for acute rescue situations.
5. A patient taking Metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. What instruction should
the nurse provide?
A. Take an extra dose of Metformin before the procedure
B. Take Metformin as usual with a sip of water
C. Discontinue Metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
D. Double the fluid intake but continue the medication
Ans: C
Explanation: Metformin can interact with iodinated contrast media used in imaging studies. This
combination significantly increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Most protocols require holding
the drug for 48 hours before and after the procedure. Renal function should be verified as normal before
resuming the medication. This precaution protects the kidneys from potential injury caused by the
contrast.
6. A patient is receiving Morphine sulfate for post-operative pain. What is the priority assessment for the
nurse?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Bowel sounds
D. Temperature
Ans: A
