NR293 Exam 3 Actual Exam Style V3 | NR
293 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice |
Chamberlain
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of pulmonary edema.
Which laboratory value is the most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Calcium
D. Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant loss of potassium through
the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias
and muscle weakness. The nurse must monitor potassium levels closely and may need to
provide supplements as ordered by the provider.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Warfarin (Coumadin). Which lab test result should the
nurse evaluate before giving the medication?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet Count
C. aPTT
,D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using Prothrombin Time (PT) and the
International Normalized Ratio (INR). A typical therapeutic INR range for someone on
Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0. This ensures that the blood is sufficiently anticoagulated
without posing an extreme risk of spontaneous bleeding.
3. A patient taking Lisinopril (Zestril) complains of a dry, persistent cough. What is the nurse’s
best response?
A. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation.
B. This is a sign of an allergic reaction and the medication must be stopped immediately.
C. You should use a humidifier at night to help relieve the cough.
D. This suggests you are developing heart failure and need a higher dose.
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which
causes irritation in the lungs leading to a dry cough. This side effect occurs in about 10-
20% of patients and is not harmful but can be very annoying. Usually, the provider will
switch the patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) if the cough becomes
intolerable.
, 4. Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Albuterol (Proventil)
B. Fluticasone (Flovent)
C. Salmeterol (Serevent)
D. Montelukast (Singulair)
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during an acute episode of bronchospasm. It acts within minutes to open
the airways and improve breathing. Other medications like Fluticasone or Salmeterol are
used for long-term maintenance and will not work fast enough in an emergency.
5. A patient is being treated for Digoxin toxicity. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypertension and Tachycardia
B. Visual disturbances such as yellow halos
C. Increased appetite and weight gain
D. Sudden onset of a skin rash
Answer: B
293 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice |
Chamberlain
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of pulmonary edema.
Which laboratory value is the most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Calcium
D. Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant loss of potassium through
the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias
and muscle weakness. The nurse must monitor potassium levels closely and may need to
provide supplements as ordered by the provider.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Warfarin (Coumadin). Which lab test result should the
nurse evaluate before giving the medication?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet Count
C. aPTT
,D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using Prothrombin Time (PT) and the
International Normalized Ratio (INR). A typical therapeutic INR range for someone on
Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0. This ensures that the blood is sufficiently anticoagulated
without posing an extreme risk of spontaneous bleeding.
3. A patient taking Lisinopril (Zestril) complains of a dry, persistent cough. What is the nurse’s
best response?
A. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation.
B. This is a sign of an allergic reaction and the medication must be stopped immediately.
C. You should use a humidifier at night to help relieve the cough.
D. This suggests you are developing heart failure and need a higher dose.
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which
causes irritation in the lungs leading to a dry cough. This side effect occurs in about 10-
20% of patients and is not harmful but can be very annoying. Usually, the provider will
switch the patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) if the cough becomes
intolerable.
, 4. Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Albuterol (Proventil)
B. Fluticasone (Flovent)
C. Salmeterol (Serevent)
D. Montelukast (Singulair)
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during an acute episode of bronchospasm. It acts within minutes to open
the airways and improve breathing. Other medications like Fluticasone or Salmeterol are
used for long-term maintenance and will not work fast enough in an emergency.
5. A patient is being treated for Digoxin toxicity. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypertension and Tachycardia
B. Visual disturbances such as yellow halos
C. Increased appetite and weight gain
D. Sudden onset of a skin rash
Answer: B
