NSG124/NSG 124 Exam 3 V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?
A. I will wait 1 minute between puffs if I need a second dose.
B. I will use this medication only when I feel short of breath.
C. I will rinse my mouth with water after each use.
D. I will take this medication every day regardless of how I feel.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) intended for rescue use during
acute bronchospasm, not as a long-term controller. Taking it daily regardless of symptoms
describes a maintenance medication like an inhaled corticosteroid. Rinsing the mouth helps
prevent systemic absorption, and waiting between puffs allows for better bronchodilation.
2. Which lab value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving high doses of
furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
C. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
,D. Serum glucose level of 100 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant excretion of potassium,
leading to hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to
5.0 mEq/L and requires immediate intervention. Low potassium can predispose patients to
cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
D. Take the medication only when symptoms of fatigue occur.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is maximized when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium or iron
can significantly decrease its bioavailability. Consistency in administration is crucial for
maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer glargine (Lantus) insulin. Which action by the nurse is
correct?
A. Mix the glargine with regular insulin in the same syringe.
, B. Administer the glargine once daily at the same time.
C. Administer the dose 15 minutes before the patient eats.
D. Check the patient’s blood sugar exactly 2 hours after injection for the peak.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glargine is a long-acting insulin that provides a steady basal rate of insulin and
lacks a distinct peak. It must never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe
because the acidic pH can cause precipitation. Because it is long-acting, it is typically
administered once daily to provide 24-hour coverage.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of an acute asthma
attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Albuterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator used to relieve acute symptoms of
bronchospasm. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used for maintenance, while
fluticasone is a steroid used for inflammation control. Montelukast is a leukotriene
modifier used for long-term prophylaxis, not acute relief.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?
A. I will wait 1 minute between puffs if I need a second dose.
B. I will use this medication only when I feel short of breath.
C. I will rinse my mouth with water after each use.
D. I will take this medication every day regardless of how I feel.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) intended for rescue use during
acute bronchospasm, not as a long-term controller. Taking it daily regardless of symptoms
describes a maintenance medication like an inhaled corticosteroid. Rinsing the mouth helps
prevent systemic absorption, and waiting between puffs allows for better bronchodilation.
2. Which lab value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving high doses of
furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
C. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
,D. Serum glucose level of 100 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant excretion of potassium,
leading to hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to
5.0 mEq/L and requires immediate intervention. Low potassium can predispose patients to
cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
D. Take the medication only when symptoms of fatigue occur.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is maximized when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium or iron
can significantly decrease its bioavailability. Consistency in administration is crucial for
maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer glargine (Lantus) insulin. Which action by the nurse is
correct?
A. Mix the glargine with regular insulin in the same syringe.
, B. Administer the glargine once daily at the same time.
C. Administer the dose 15 minutes before the patient eats.
D. Check the patient’s blood sugar exactly 2 hours after injection for the peak.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glargine is a long-acting insulin that provides a steady basal rate of insulin and
lacks a distinct peak. It must never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe
because the acidic pH can cause precipitation. Because it is long-acting, it is typically
administered once daily to provide 24-hour coverage.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of an acute asthma
attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Albuterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator used to relieve acute symptoms of
bronchospasm. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used for maintenance, while
fluticasone is a steroid used for inflammation control. Montelukast is a leukotriene
modifier used for long-term prophylaxis, not acute relief.
