NUR 354 Exam 2: Pharmacology II V1 - Arizona College
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which of the following is the expected onset of action for insulin lispro?
A. 4 to 6 hours
B. 1 to 2 hours
C. 15 to 30 minutes
D. 12 to 24 hours
Ans: C
Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage. It has a very quick onset
of action, typically occurring within fifteen to thirty minutes. Patients must have their food ready before
receiving the injection to avoid hypoglycemia. The nurse should assess the patient’s blood glucose levels
before administration. Educating the patient on the timing of meals is a vital nursing intervention.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action for metformin in treating type 2 diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
B. Decreasing glucose production by the liver
C. Increasing glucose excretion through the kidneys
D. Blocking the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Ans: B
Explanation: Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production. It
also enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue to improve glucose uptake. Unlike other medications, it
does not stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. This mechanism helps lower blood sugar
,without a high risk of causing hypoglycemia. Patients should be monitored for gastrointestinal side
effects when starting this drug.
3. When is the most appropriate time for a patient to take levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a glass of milk
B. Immediately after eating breakfast
C. With the largest meal of the day
D. In the morning on an empty stomach
Ans: D
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism in various patients. It
is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Patients should wait thirty to sixty
minutes before consuming any food or other medications. Taking it with food or minerals can
significantly decrease its effectiveness in the body. Consistent daily administration is required to
maintain stable thyroid hormone levels.
4. How should albuterol be used in the management of asthma?
A. As a daily maintenance medication
B. As a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms
C. Only before going to sleep at night
D. To prevent long-term airway scarring
Ans: B
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that acts as a potent bronchodilator. It is the drug
of choice for relieving acute bronchospasm during asthma attacks. Patients should carry this rescue
, inhaler at all times for emergency use. Common side effects include tachycardia, tremors, and a sense of
jitteriness or anxiety. The nurse should evaluate the patient’s inhaler technique to ensure proper
medication delivery.
5. Why must prednisone be tapered slowly rather than stopped abruptly?
A. To allow the adrenal glands to resume normal function
B. To avoid causing a sudden rise in blood sugar
C. To prevent the development of a skin rash
D. To prevent the medication from becoming toxic
Ans: A
Explanation: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the body’s natural production of cortisol.
Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to a life-threatening condition called adrenal crisis. Tapering the
dose allows the adrenal glands to slowly restart their own hormone production. Patients on long-term
steroid therapy require careful monitoring during the tapering process. Nurses must educate patients
never to change their steroid dose without medical advice.
6. Which laboratory value is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Serum potassium level
D. Platelet count
Ans: B
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which of the following is the expected onset of action for insulin lispro?
A. 4 to 6 hours
B. 1 to 2 hours
C. 15 to 30 minutes
D. 12 to 24 hours
Ans: C
Explanation: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage. It has a very quick onset
of action, typically occurring within fifteen to thirty minutes. Patients must have their food ready before
receiving the injection to avoid hypoglycemia. The nurse should assess the patient’s blood glucose levels
before administration. Educating the patient on the timing of meals is a vital nursing intervention.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action for metformin in treating type 2 diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
B. Decreasing glucose production by the liver
C. Increasing glucose excretion through the kidneys
D. Blocking the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Ans: B
Explanation: Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production. It
also enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue to improve glucose uptake. Unlike other medications, it
does not stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. This mechanism helps lower blood sugar
,without a high risk of causing hypoglycemia. Patients should be monitored for gastrointestinal side
effects when starting this drug.
3. When is the most appropriate time for a patient to take levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a glass of milk
B. Immediately after eating breakfast
C. With the largest meal of the day
D. In the morning on an empty stomach
Ans: D
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism in various patients. It
is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Patients should wait thirty to sixty
minutes before consuming any food or other medications. Taking it with food or minerals can
significantly decrease its effectiveness in the body. Consistent daily administration is required to
maintain stable thyroid hormone levels.
4. How should albuterol be used in the management of asthma?
A. As a daily maintenance medication
B. As a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms
C. Only before going to sleep at night
D. To prevent long-term airway scarring
Ans: B
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that acts as a potent bronchodilator. It is the drug
of choice for relieving acute bronchospasm during asthma attacks. Patients should carry this rescue
, inhaler at all times for emergency use. Common side effects include tachycardia, tremors, and a sense of
jitteriness or anxiety. The nurse should evaluate the patient’s inhaler technique to ensure proper
medication delivery.
5. Why must prednisone be tapered slowly rather than stopped abruptly?
A. To allow the adrenal glands to resume normal function
B. To avoid causing a sudden rise in blood sugar
C. To prevent the development of a skin rash
D. To prevent the medication from becoming toxic
Ans: A
Explanation: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the body’s natural production of cortisol.
Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to a life-threatening condition called adrenal crisis. Tapering the
dose allows the adrenal glands to slowly restart their own hormone production. Patients on long-term
steroid therapy require careful monitoring during the tapering process. Nurses must educate patients
never to change their steroid dose without medical advice.
6. Which laboratory value is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Serum potassium level
D. Platelet count
Ans: B
