NUR 354 Exam 1: Pharmacology II V1 - Arizona College
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which medication is classified as a loop diuretic?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Mannitol
C. Spironolactone
D. Furosemide
Ans: D
Explanation: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. It
is commonly used to treat fluid overload in conditions like heart failure. The medication inhibits the
reabsorption of sodium and chloride to promote diuresis. Nurses must monitor patients for hypokalemia
as a common side effect. Daily weights are an essential part of the assessment for effectiveness.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. What common side effect should the nurse monitor
for?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Ans: B
Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to manage high blood pressure. A dry, hacking cough is a
common side effect caused by the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect often leads to the
,discontinuation of the medication. The nurse should notify the provider if the patient develops this
symptom. Alternative medications like ARBs may be prescribed if the cough is intolerable.
3. Which assessment is most important before administering Digoxin?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Apical pulse for one minute
Ans: D
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contraction. Before
administration, the nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full sixty seconds. The medication should be
held if the heart rate is below sixty beats per minute in an adult. This prevents further slowing of an
already bradycardic heart. Proper assessment ensures patient safety and prevents digoxin toxicity.
4. Where should sublingual Nitroglycerin be stored to maintain its potency?
A. In the refrigerator
B. In a clear plastic container
C. In a bathroom medicine cabinet
D. In its original dark glass bottle
Ans: D
Explanation: Nitroglycerin is highly sensitive to light and moisture. It should always be kept in its
original amber glass bottle to ensure effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the patient to keep the
, container tightly closed. Medication that has expired or been exposed to light may not provide relief
during angina. Patients should replace their supply regularly according to the expiration date.
5. What is the primary antidote for Heparin toxicity?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Glucagon
D. Acetylcysteine
Ans: A
Explanation: Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent the formation of blood clots. If an overdose
occurs, protamine sulfate is administered as the reversing agent. It works by binding to heparin to form a
stable salt that is inactive. The nurse should monitor clotting times closely during the administration of
the antidote. This intervention is critical in managing life-threatening bleeding episodes.
6. Which laboratory value is used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. BUN
D. Platelet count
Ans: A
Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring to ensure the patient is within the
therapeutic range. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standardized lab value used for this
purpose. A typical therapeutic range for most patients is between two and three. The nurse must assess
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which medication is classified as a loop diuretic?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Mannitol
C. Spironolactone
D. Furosemide
Ans: D
Explanation: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. It
is commonly used to treat fluid overload in conditions like heart failure. The medication inhibits the
reabsorption of sodium and chloride to promote diuresis. Nurses must monitor patients for hypokalemia
as a common side effect. Daily weights are an essential part of the assessment for effectiveness.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. What common side effect should the nurse monitor
for?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Ans: B
Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to manage high blood pressure. A dry, hacking cough is a
common side effect caused by the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect often leads to the
,discontinuation of the medication. The nurse should notify the provider if the patient develops this
symptom. Alternative medications like ARBs may be prescribed if the cough is intolerable.
3. Which assessment is most important before administering Digoxin?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Apical pulse for one minute
Ans: D
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contraction. Before
administration, the nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full sixty seconds. The medication should be
held if the heart rate is below sixty beats per minute in an adult. This prevents further slowing of an
already bradycardic heart. Proper assessment ensures patient safety and prevents digoxin toxicity.
4. Where should sublingual Nitroglycerin be stored to maintain its potency?
A. In the refrigerator
B. In a clear plastic container
C. In a bathroom medicine cabinet
D. In its original dark glass bottle
Ans: D
Explanation: Nitroglycerin is highly sensitive to light and moisture. It should always be kept in its
original amber glass bottle to ensure effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the patient to keep the
, container tightly closed. Medication that has expired or been exposed to light may not provide relief
during angina. Patients should replace their supply regularly according to the expiration date.
5. What is the primary antidote for Heparin toxicity?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Glucagon
D. Acetylcysteine
Ans: A
Explanation: Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent the formation of blood clots. If an overdose
occurs, protamine sulfate is administered as the reversing agent. It works by binding to heparin to form a
stable salt that is inactive. The nurse should monitor clotting times closely during the administration of
the antidote. This intervention is critical in managing life-threatening bleeding episodes.
6. Which laboratory value is used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. BUN
D. Platelet count
Ans: A
Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring to ensure the patient is within the
therapeutic range. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standardized lab value used for this
purpose. A typical therapeutic range for most patients is between two and three. The nurse must assess
