NURS 251 Module 6 Exam V2 | NURS 251
Module 6 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 6 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to enhance absorption.
B. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
C. Administer the dose at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness.
D. Take the medication only when feeling symptoms of fatigue.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it with food or calcium-containing products can
significantly impair its bioavailability. This medication is a lifelong replacement therapy
that requires consistent timing to maintain steady-state hormone levels.
2. Which laboratory value is the most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient
receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
,C. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
D. Serum sodium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: PTU carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in
the white blood cell count. Monitoring the CBC with differential allows the provider to
detect early signs of bone marrow suppression. Patients should also be instructed to report
any symptoms of infection, such as a sore throat or fever, immediately.
3. A patient is administered Insulin Lispro at 0800. At what time is the patient at the highest
risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 0815 - 0830
B. 1600 - 1800
C. 1200 - 1400
D. 0900 - 1100
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with a peak effect occurring between 1
and 3 hours after subcutaneous injection. Since the dose was given at 0800, the peak
activity—and thus the highest risk for hypoglycemia—occurs during the mid-morning
window. Nurses must ensure the patient has access to a meal shortly after the injection to
manage this peak.
, 4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in managing Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity
B. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
C. Slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Increasing the excretion of glucose through the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and works primarily by inhibiting
glucose production in the liver. It also improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, helping cells
utilize glucose more effectively. Unlike sulfonylureas, it does not promote insulin secretion,
which reduces the risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia.
5. A patient taking long-term Prednisone for an autoimmune disorder is at risk for which
condition if the medication is stopped abruptly?
A. Adrenal crisis (Addisonian crisis)
B. Thyroid storm
C. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: A
Module 6 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 6 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to enhance absorption.
B. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
C. Administer the dose at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness.
D. Take the medication only when feeling symptoms of fatigue.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it with food or calcium-containing products can
significantly impair its bioavailability. This medication is a lifelong replacement therapy
that requires consistent timing to maintain steady-state hormone levels.
2. Which laboratory value is the most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient
receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
,C. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
D. Serum sodium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: PTU carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a dangerous drop in
the white blood cell count. Monitoring the CBC with differential allows the provider to
detect early signs of bone marrow suppression. Patients should also be instructed to report
any symptoms of infection, such as a sore throat or fever, immediately.
3. A patient is administered Insulin Lispro at 0800. At what time is the patient at the highest
risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 0815 - 0830
B. 1600 - 1800
C. 1200 - 1400
D. 0900 - 1100
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with a peak effect occurring between 1
and 3 hours after subcutaneous injection. Since the dose was given at 0800, the peak
activity—and thus the highest risk for hypoglycemia—occurs during the mid-morning
window. Nurses must ensure the patient has access to a meal shortly after the injection to
manage this peak.
, 4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in managing Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity
B. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
C. Slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Increasing the excretion of glucose through the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and works primarily by inhibiting
glucose production in the liver. It also improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, helping cells
utilize glucose more effectively. Unlike sulfonylureas, it does not promote insulin secretion,
which reduces the risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia.
5. A patient taking long-term Prednisone for an autoimmune disorder is at risk for which
condition if the medication is stopped abruptly?
A. Adrenal crisis (Addisonian crisis)
B. Thyroid storm
C. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: A
