PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 4 V2 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. Which medication
must be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Glyburide
C. Pioglitazone
D. Sitagliptin
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours after procedures involving iodine contrast
to prevent renal failure. If the contrast causes kidney injury, metformin can accumulate and
lead to life-threatening lactic acidosis. Nurses must verify renal function has returned to
baseline before resuming this medication.
2. When teaching a patient about the administration of Insulin Glargine, which instruction is
most important?
A. Draw it up before Regular insulin in the same syringe.
B. Do not mix this insulin with any other insulin.
C. Shake the vial vigorously before use.
,D. Administer only via the intravenous route.
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting basal insulin with a specific pH that prevents it
from being mixed with other insulins. Mixing it can alter its onset and duration of action,
leading to unpredictable blood glucose levels. It should always be administered as a
separate subcutaneous injection.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. At what time of day should the
nurse instruct the patient to take this medication?
A. At bedtime with a snack.
B. In the morning on an empty stomach.
C. Thirty minutes after lunch.
D. With the largest meal of the day.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best achieved when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food, minerals, and other medications can
significantly decrease the bioavailability of the thyroid hormone. Consistent timing is
necessary to maintain therapeutic serum levels.
4. Which assessment finding is a common side effect of Albuterol, a short-acting beta-2
agonist?
A. Bradypnea
, B. Drowsiness
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs but can also affect beta-1
receptors in the heart, leading to increased heart rate. Patients often report feeling jittery,
nervous, or experiencing tremors after administration. The nurse should monitor for
palpitations and chest pain during treatment.
5. A patient is taking Sucralfate to treat a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse administer
this medication?
A. One hour before meals and at bedtime.
B. Immediately following an antacid dose.
C. With meals to prevent GI upset.
D. Only when the patient experiences pain.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick, paste-like
substance that coats and protects the ulcer. To be effective, it must be present in the
stomach before food triggers further acid and enzyme release. Taking it on an empty
stomach ensures optimal coating of the ulcer site.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. Which medication
must be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Glyburide
C. Pioglitazone
D. Sitagliptin
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours after procedures involving iodine contrast
to prevent renal failure. If the contrast causes kidney injury, metformin can accumulate and
lead to life-threatening lactic acidosis. Nurses must verify renal function has returned to
baseline before resuming this medication.
2. When teaching a patient about the administration of Insulin Glargine, which instruction is
most important?
A. Draw it up before Regular insulin in the same syringe.
B. Do not mix this insulin with any other insulin.
C. Shake the vial vigorously before use.
,D. Administer only via the intravenous route.
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting basal insulin with a specific pH that prevents it
from being mixed with other insulins. Mixing it can alter its onset and duration of action,
leading to unpredictable blood glucose levels. It should always be administered as a
separate subcutaneous injection.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. At what time of day should the
nurse instruct the patient to take this medication?
A. At bedtime with a snack.
B. In the morning on an empty stomach.
C. Thirty minutes after lunch.
D. With the largest meal of the day.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best achieved when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food, minerals, and other medications can
significantly decrease the bioavailability of the thyroid hormone. Consistent timing is
necessary to maintain therapeutic serum levels.
4. Which assessment finding is a common side effect of Albuterol, a short-acting beta-2
agonist?
A. Bradypnea
, B. Drowsiness
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs but can also affect beta-1
receptors in the heart, leading to increased heart rate. Patients often report feeling jittery,
nervous, or experiencing tremors after administration. The nurse should monitor for
palpitations and chest pain during treatment.
5. A patient is taking Sucralfate to treat a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse administer
this medication?
A. One hour before meals and at bedtime.
B. Immediately following an antacid dose.
C. With meals to prevent GI upset.
D. Only when the patient experiences pain.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick, paste-like
substance that coats and protects the ulcer. To be effective, it must be present in the
stomach before food triggers further acid and enzyme release. Taking it on an empty
stomach ensures optimal coating of the ulcer site.
