PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TEST BANK | GALEN COLLEGE 2026/2… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Pharmacology Exam 3
Questions & Answers Test Bank
| Galen College 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
34 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 34 pharmacology questions with provided correct answers and detailed
explanations for each. It focuses on key concepts related to medication management and patient care in
clinical settings. Students can utilize this resource for effective studying, review, and preparation for
certification exams in nursing and healthcare.
CONTENTS
01 Diuretics and Electrolytes Q1–Q4
02 Antihypertensives Q5–Q9
03 Antibiotics and Antituberculars Q10–Q11
04 Antihistamines and Allergies Q12–Q16
05 Respiratory Pharmacology Q17–Q22
06 Endocrine Pharmacology Q23–Q26
07 Diabetes Management Q27–Q31
08 Additional Questions Q32–Q34
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 34
A patient receiving furosemide (Lasix) for edema reports dizziness upon standing. Their recent laboratory results show a
potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, which is below the normal range. Considering these findings, what should the charge nurse
prioritize in the management plan?
A) Administer a potassium-rich diet and monitor serum electrolytes.
B) Reduce the furosemide dosage to prevent further electrolyte loss.
C) Initiate a potassium supplement to address the deficiency.
D) Encourage fluid restriction to minimize edema.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Initiate a potassium supplement to address the deficiency.
RATIONALE
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic; thus, when potassium levels drop significantly, immediate potassium
supplementation is necessary to prevent severe complications such as arrhythmias, while monitoring electrolytes ensures safety in
ongoing treatment.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 34
During a hospital shift, a charge nurse notes that a patient receiving spironolactone has a serum potassium level of 6.5
mEq/L, indicating hyperkalemia. Considering the medication’s mechanism of promoting potassium retention, what action
should the charge nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer a dose of hydrochlorothiazide to counteract the potassium retention.
B) Monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram for cardiac arrhythmias.
C) Increase the spironolactone dosage to enhance diuretic effects.
D) Schedule a follow-up renal function test within 48 hours.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram for cardiac arrhythmias.
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia poses significant risks for cardiac complications; thus, immediate monitoring of the electrocardiogram is critical to
detect any cardiac arrhythmias resulting from elevated potassium levels.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 34
Page 2
, A patient receiving Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) for hypertension presents with a blood pressure of 102/70 mmHg and
reports dizziness upon standing. Which laboratory finding should the charge nurse prioritize assessing to evaluate the risk
of potential adverse effects?
A) Serum sodium level
B) Serum creatinine level
C) Serum potassium level
D) Serum calcium level
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Serum potassium level
RATIONALE
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia due to potassium wasting, which may exacerbate orthostatic hypotension. Monitoring
serum potassium is critical to prevent severe complications associated with low potassium levels, especially in patients
experiencing dizziness.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 34
A patient receiving lisinopril for hypertension presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L and reports difficulty breathing.
Recognizing these signs, the charge nurse prioritizes which of the following interventions?
A) Administer a potassium-sparing diuretic to enhance potassium excretion
B) Prepare to administer intravenous calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
C) Encourage increased intake of high-potassium foods to address potential deficiency
D) Schedule a follow-up appointment for routine monitoring of blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Prepare to administer intravenous calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications, necessitating immediate intervention with calcium gluconate to
stabilize cardiac membranes while addressing the underlying cause of elevated potassium levels.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 34
Prazosin (Minipress) is classified as an alpha adrenergic blocker with a primary use in managing hypertension by causing
dilation of peripheral blood vessels. Which adverse effect is most likely associated with this medication?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Orthostatic hypotension
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Pharmacology Exam 3
Questions & Answers Test Bank
| Galen College 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
34 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 34 pharmacology questions with provided correct answers and detailed
explanations for each. It focuses on key concepts related to medication management and patient care in
clinical settings. Students can utilize this resource for effective studying, review, and preparation for
certification exams in nursing and healthcare.
CONTENTS
01 Diuretics and Electrolytes Q1–Q4
02 Antihypertensives Q5–Q9
03 Antibiotics and Antituberculars Q10–Q11
04 Antihistamines and Allergies Q12–Q16
05 Respiratory Pharmacology Q17–Q22
06 Endocrine Pharmacology Q23–Q26
07 Diabetes Management Q27–Q31
08 Additional Questions Q32–Q34
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 34
A patient receiving furosemide (Lasix) for edema reports dizziness upon standing. Their recent laboratory results show a
potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, which is below the normal range. Considering these findings, what should the charge nurse
prioritize in the management plan?
A) Administer a potassium-rich diet and monitor serum electrolytes.
B) Reduce the furosemide dosage to prevent further electrolyte loss.
C) Initiate a potassium supplement to address the deficiency.
D) Encourage fluid restriction to minimize edema.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Initiate a potassium supplement to address the deficiency.
RATIONALE
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic; thus, when potassium levels drop significantly, immediate potassium
supplementation is necessary to prevent severe complications such as arrhythmias, while monitoring electrolytes ensures safety in
ongoing treatment.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 34
During a hospital shift, a charge nurse notes that a patient receiving spironolactone has a serum potassium level of 6.5
mEq/L, indicating hyperkalemia. Considering the medication’s mechanism of promoting potassium retention, what action
should the charge nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer a dose of hydrochlorothiazide to counteract the potassium retention.
B) Monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram for cardiac arrhythmias.
C) Increase the spironolactone dosage to enhance diuretic effects.
D) Schedule a follow-up renal function test within 48 hours.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram for cardiac arrhythmias.
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia poses significant risks for cardiac complications; thus, immediate monitoring of the electrocardiogram is critical to
detect any cardiac arrhythmias resulting from elevated potassium levels.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 34
Page 2
, A patient receiving Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) for hypertension presents with a blood pressure of 102/70 mmHg and
reports dizziness upon standing. Which laboratory finding should the charge nurse prioritize assessing to evaluate the risk
of potential adverse effects?
A) Serum sodium level
B) Serum creatinine level
C) Serum potassium level
D) Serum calcium level
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Serum potassium level
RATIONALE
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia due to potassium wasting, which may exacerbate orthostatic hypotension. Monitoring
serum potassium is critical to prevent severe complications associated with low potassium levels, especially in patients
experiencing dizziness.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 34
A patient receiving lisinopril for hypertension presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L and reports difficulty breathing.
Recognizing these signs, the charge nurse prioritizes which of the following interventions?
A) Administer a potassium-sparing diuretic to enhance potassium excretion
B) Prepare to administer intravenous calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
C) Encourage increased intake of high-potassium foods to address potential deficiency
D) Schedule a follow-up appointment for routine monitoring of blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Prepare to administer intravenous calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications, necessitating immediate intervention with calcium gluconate to
stabilize cardiac membranes while addressing the underlying cause of elevated potassium levels.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 34
Prazosin (Minipress) is classified as an alpha adrenergic blocker with a primary use in managing hypertension by causing
dilation of peripheral blood vessels. Which adverse effect is most likely associated with this medication?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Orthostatic hypotension
Page 3
