NSG124/NSG 124 Exam 2 V2 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which nursing action is most critical before
administering this medication?
A. Check the patient’s blood pressure
B. Monitor daily weights
C. Verify the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking the apical pulse for a full minute is mandatory to ensure the heart rate
is above 60 beats per minute. If the heart rate is below this threshold, the medication
should be withheld to prevent further bradycardia. This assessment is vital because
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and can significantly depress the sinoatrial node.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, enhance the effects of Digoxin on the
heart and increase the risk of toxicity. Digoxin binds to the same site on the Na+/K+ ATPase
pump as potassium, so fewer potassium ions mean more binding sites for the drug. Nurses
must monitor serum potassium levels closely, especially if the patient is also taking loop
diuretics.
3. A patient taking Furosemide (Lasix) should be educated to include which foods in their
diet?
A. Cheese and yogurt
B. White bread and rice
C. Red meat and poultry
D. Bananas and oranges
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. To prevent hypokalemia, patients are encouraged to consume
potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and spinach. Maintaining stable potassium
levels is essential for proper cardiac and muscular function during diuretic therapy.
4. Which side effect is most characteristic of ACE Inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased heart rate
, C. Constipation
D. Dry, persistent cough
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A dry, non-productive, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE
inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is often the
primary reason patients switch from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB. Patients should be
informed that this cough will not resolve with cough suppressants and requires a change in
medication.
5. Which life-threatening adverse effect should the nurse monitor for in a patient newly
prescribed Enalapril?
A. Rhabdomyolysis
B. Angioedema
C. Tinnitus
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a medical emergency characterized by rapid swelling of the lips,
tongue, and throat that can obstruct the airway. It is a rare but severe reaction associated
with ACE inhibitors like Enalapril. Immediate discontinuation of the drug and emergency
treatment with epinephrine are required if this occurs.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which nursing action is most critical before
administering this medication?
A. Check the patient’s blood pressure
B. Monitor daily weights
C. Verify the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking the apical pulse for a full minute is mandatory to ensure the heart rate
is above 60 beats per minute. If the heart rate is below this threshold, the medication
should be withheld to prevent further bradycardia. This assessment is vital because
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and can significantly depress the sinoatrial node.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, enhance the effects of Digoxin on the
heart and increase the risk of toxicity. Digoxin binds to the same site on the Na+/K+ ATPase
pump as potassium, so fewer potassium ions mean more binding sites for the drug. Nurses
must monitor serum potassium levels closely, especially if the patient is also taking loop
diuretics.
3. A patient taking Furosemide (Lasix) should be educated to include which foods in their
diet?
A. Cheese and yogurt
B. White bread and rice
C. Red meat and poultry
D. Bananas and oranges
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. To prevent hypokalemia, patients are encouraged to consume
potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and spinach. Maintaining stable potassium
levels is essential for proper cardiac and muscular function during diuretic therapy.
4. Which side effect is most characteristic of ACE Inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased heart rate
, C. Constipation
D. Dry, persistent cough
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A dry, non-productive, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE
inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is often the
primary reason patients switch from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB. Patients should be
informed that this cough will not resolve with cough suppressants and requires a change in
medication.
5. Which life-threatening adverse effect should the nurse monitor for in a patient newly
prescribed Enalapril?
A. Rhabdomyolysis
B. Angioedema
C. Tinnitus
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a medical emergency characterized by rapid swelling of the lips,
tongue, and throat that can obstruct the airway. It is a rare but severe reaction associated
with ACE inhibitors like Enalapril. Immediate discontinuation of the drug and emergency
treatment with epinephrine are required if this occurs.
