PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 3 V1 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. Which action should the nurse
take to ensure patient safety?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before the meal arrives.
B. Give the injection only if the patient’s blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL.
C. Monitor the patient for hyperglycemia four hours after the dose.
D. Ensure the patient’s meal tray is available and ready to eat.
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to work within 15 minutes of
administration. If the patient does not eat immediately after receiving the dose, they are at
high risk for severe hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify that the meal is physically present
before the injection is given.
2. A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. The nurse should instruct the patient
to temporarily discontinue this medication before which of the following?
A. An elective knee replacement surgery.
B. A routine physical examination.
C. A pulmonary function test.
,D. A CT scan with intravenous contrast dye.
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours before and after procedures involving
intravenous contrast media. The interaction between contrast dye and metformin can lead
to acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Monitoring serum creatinine levels is essential
before resuming the medication.
3. The nurse is teaching a patient about their new prescription for levothyroxine. What is the
most important instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
D. Mix the medication with a glass of orange juice to increase absorption.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach in the
morning. Taking it with food or other medications can significantly decrease its
bioavailability. Consistency in timing is vital to maintain therapeutic thyroid hormone
levels.
4. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient receiving propylthiouracil
(PTU)?
A. Weight gain of 1 pound in a week.
, B. Increased appetite.
C. A sore throat and fever.
D. Occasional palpitations.
Answer: C
Rationale: Propylthiouracil can cause agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in white
blood cell counts. A sore throat and fever are early signs of infection that must be reported
to the provider immediately. Patients on this medication require regular monitoring of
their CBC levels.
5. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus. Which medication does the
nurse anticipate administering?
A. Glucagon
B. Furosemide
C. Vasopressin
D. Methimazole
Answer: C
Rationale: Vasopressin is a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone used to treat Diabetes
Insipidus. It works by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys to reduce excessive
urination. Nurses must monitor for water intoxication and changes in urine specific gravity.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. Which action should the nurse
take to ensure patient safety?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before the meal arrives.
B. Give the injection only if the patient’s blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL.
C. Monitor the patient for hyperglycemia four hours after the dose.
D. Ensure the patient’s meal tray is available and ready to eat.
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to work within 15 minutes of
administration. If the patient does not eat immediately after receiving the dose, they are at
high risk for severe hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify that the meal is physically present
before the injection is given.
2. A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. The nurse should instruct the patient
to temporarily discontinue this medication before which of the following?
A. An elective knee replacement surgery.
B. A routine physical examination.
C. A pulmonary function test.
,D. A CT scan with intravenous contrast dye.
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin must be held for 48 hours before and after procedures involving
intravenous contrast media. The interaction between contrast dye and metformin can lead
to acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Monitoring serum creatinine levels is essential
before resuming the medication.
3. The nurse is teaching a patient about their new prescription for levothyroxine. What is the
most important instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
D. Mix the medication with a glass of orange juice to increase absorption.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach in the
morning. Taking it with food or other medications can significantly decrease its
bioavailability. Consistency in timing is vital to maintain therapeutic thyroid hormone
levels.
4. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient receiving propylthiouracil
(PTU)?
A. Weight gain of 1 pound in a week.
, B. Increased appetite.
C. A sore throat and fever.
D. Occasional palpitations.
Answer: C
Rationale: Propylthiouracil can cause agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in white
blood cell counts. A sore throat and fever are early signs of infection that must be reported
to the provider immediately. Patients on this medication require regular monitoring of
their CBC levels.
5. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus. Which medication does the
nurse anticipate administering?
A. Glucagon
B. Furosemide
C. Vasopressin
D. Methimazole
Answer: C
Rationale: Vasopressin is a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone used to treat Diabetes
Insipidus. It works by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys to reduce excessive
urination. Nurses must monitor for water intoxication and changes in urine specific gravity.
