NURS 251 Module 8 Exam V3 | NURS 251
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. Which instruction
regarding the timing of administration should the nurse provide?
A. Administer immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating.
B. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
D. Administer 2 hours after the largest meal of the day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered in close proximity to a meal to match the postprandial glucose spike.
Administering it too early, such as 60 minutes before, could lead to severe hypoglycemia
before the food is absorbed.
2. A patient is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes management. The nurse should warn
the patient about which common initial side effect?
A. Weight gain and fluid retention.
B. Gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea and bloating.
,C. Severe hypoglycemia.
D. Dry mouth and urinary retention.
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes GI side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and
abdominal cramping during the initiation of therapy. These symptoms are often dose-
related and usually subside over time. Patients are advised to take the medication with
meals to minimize these effects.
3. Which laboratory value is the primary indicator used to adjust the dosage of Levothyroxine
(Synthroid) in a patient with hypothyroidism?
A. Serum T3 levels.
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
C. Serum Glucose levels.
D. Serum Calcium levels.
Answer: B
Rationale: TSH is the most sensitive indicator for thyroid function and replacement
therapy adequacy. If TSH is high, the dose of Levothyroxine is typically increased; if it is
low, the dose is decreased. Monitoring TSH ensures the patient remains in a euthyroid
state.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Grave’s Disease. Which serious adverse
effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperglycemia.
B. Agranulocytosis.
C. Peripheral neuropathy.
D. Hypertension.
Answer: B
Rationale: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU characterized by
a severe drop in white blood cell count. Patients should be instructed to report a sore
throat or fever immediately. Regular blood counts are necessary during the early months of
treatment.
5. Why must glucocorticoid therapy, such as Prednisone, be tapered slowly rather than
stopped abruptly?
A. To allow the adrenal glands to resume endogenous cortisol production.
B. To prevent immediate rebound hypertension.
C. To prevent the development of Type 1 Diabetes.
D. To avoid the risk of sudden weight gain.
Answer: A
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. Which instruction
regarding the timing of administration should the nurse provide?
A. Administer immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating.
B. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
D. Administer 2 hours after the largest meal of the day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered in close proximity to a meal to match the postprandial glucose spike.
Administering it too early, such as 60 minutes before, could lead to severe hypoglycemia
before the food is absorbed.
2. A patient is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes management. The nurse should warn
the patient about which common initial side effect?
A. Weight gain and fluid retention.
B. Gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea and bloating.
,C. Severe hypoglycemia.
D. Dry mouth and urinary retention.
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes GI side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and
abdominal cramping during the initiation of therapy. These symptoms are often dose-
related and usually subside over time. Patients are advised to take the medication with
meals to minimize these effects.
3. Which laboratory value is the primary indicator used to adjust the dosage of Levothyroxine
(Synthroid) in a patient with hypothyroidism?
A. Serum T3 levels.
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
C. Serum Glucose levels.
D. Serum Calcium levels.
Answer: B
Rationale: TSH is the most sensitive indicator for thyroid function and replacement
therapy adequacy. If TSH is high, the dose of Levothyroxine is typically increased; if it is
low, the dose is decreased. Monitoring TSH ensures the patient remains in a euthyroid
state.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Grave’s Disease. Which serious adverse
effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperglycemia.
B. Agranulocytosis.
C. Peripheral neuropathy.
D. Hypertension.
Answer: B
Rationale: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU characterized by
a severe drop in white blood cell count. Patients should be instructed to report a sore
throat or fever immediately. Regular blood counts are necessary during the early months of
treatment.
5. Why must glucocorticoid therapy, such as Prednisone, be tapered slowly rather than
stopped abruptly?
A. To allow the adrenal glands to resume endogenous cortisol production.
B. To prevent immediate rebound hypertension.
C. To prevent the development of Type 1 Diabetes.
D. To avoid the risk of sudden weight gain.
Answer: A
