PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 4 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer lithium carbonate to a client with bipolar disorder.
Which of the following serum lithium levels indicates the client is within the therapeutic
range?
A. 0.2 to 0.4 mEq/L
B. 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic reference range for serum lithium is generally considered to be
0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require immediate
intervention by the healthcare provider. Monitoring blood levels frequently is essential
because lithium has a very narrow therapeutic index.
2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. When should the nurse instruct
the patient to take this medication?
A. Immediately after a large dinner
B. With a glass of milk at bedtime
,C. On an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. Only when symptoms of fatigue are present
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach,
preferably in the morning. Patients should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating or
drinking anything other than water. Taking it with food or calcium-rich products can
significantly decrease the bioavailability of the hormone.
3. Which of the following is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity that the nurse should monitor
for?
A. Increased appetite
B. Severe hypertension
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Rapid weight gain
Answer: C
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as visual disturbances, specifically seeing
yellow or green halos or blurred vision. Other common early signs include anorexia,
nausea, and vomiting. Because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window, the nurse must
also monitor for bradycardia before administration.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for an IV contrast-enhanced CT scan. Which
medication should be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Lisinopril
B. Atorvastatin
C. Metformin
D. Furosemide
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin must be withheld prior to and for 48 hours after procedures
involving iodinated contrast media. This precaution is taken to prevent the risk of lactic
acidosis in the event of contrast-induced renal failure. The nurse should verify normal renal
function via creatinine levels before the client resumes the medication.
5. A client receives a dose of Insulin Lispro at 0800. At what time is the nurse most likely to
observe signs of hypoglycemia?
A. 0815 to 0930
B. 1200 to 1400
C. 1600 to 1800
D. 2000 to 2200
Answer: A
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer lithium carbonate to a client with bipolar disorder.
Which of the following serum lithium levels indicates the client is within the therapeutic
range?
A. 0.2 to 0.4 mEq/L
B. 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic reference range for serum lithium is generally considered to be
0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require immediate
intervention by the healthcare provider. Monitoring blood levels frequently is essential
because lithium has a very narrow therapeutic index.
2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. When should the nurse instruct
the patient to take this medication?
A. Immediately after a large dinner
B. With a glass of milk at bedtime
,C. On an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. Only when symptoms of fatigue are present
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach,
preferably in the morning. Patients should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating or
drinking anything other than water. Taking it with food or calcium-rich products can
significantly decrease the bioavailability of the hormone.
3. Which of the following is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity that the nurse should monitor
for?
A. Increased appetite
B. Severe hypertension
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Rapid weight gain
Answer: C
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as visual disturbances, specifically seeing
yellow or green halos or blurred vision. Other common early signs include anorexia,
nausea, and vomiting. Because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window, the nurse must
also monitor for bradycardia before administration.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for an IV contrast-enhanced CT scan. Which
medication should be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Lisinopril
B. Atorvastatin
C. Metformin
D. Furosemide
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin must be withheld prior to and for 48 hours after procedures
involving iodinated contrast media. This precaution is taken to prevent the risk of lactic
acidosis in the event of contrast-induced renal failure. The nurse should verify normal renal
function via creatinine levels before the client resumes the medication.
5. A client receives a dose of Insulin Lispro at 0800. At what time is the nurse most likely to
observe signs of hypoglycemia?
A. 0815 to 0930
B. 1200 to 1400
C. 1600 to 1800
D. 2000 to 2200
Answer: A
