NUR 210 Exam 4 V1 | NUR 210 Principles
of Pharmacology | Q&A with Rationale
(NUR210 Exam 4) | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A client is prescribed Fluoxetine for a major depressive disorder. Which of the following
symptoms should the nurse instruct the client to report immediately as a potential sign of
Serotonin Syndrome?
A. Dry mouth and urinary retention
B. Increased appetite and weight gain
C. Agitation, fever, and muscle rigidity
D. Constipation and blurred vision
Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by mental
status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities. Patients may
experience diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, and tremors alongside agitation and fever. The
nurse must educate the client to seek emergency care if these symptoms occur shortly after
starting medication or increasing the dose.
2. When monitoring a client who is taking Lithium Carbonate for bipolar disorder, which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize?
A. Serum Potassium level
,B. Serum Sodium level
C. Blood Glucose level
D. Liver Enzymes
Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels in the body. If
sodium levels drop, the kidneys retain lithium, leading to potentially fatal toxicity. The
nurse must emphasize maintaining a consistent intake of salt and water to prevent this
imbalance.
3. A client is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is prescribed Levodopa-Carbidopa. What
dietary education is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K
B. Avoid high-protein meals at the same time as medication
C. Limit intake of grapefruit juice
D. Increase intake of tyramine-rich foods
Answer: B
Rationale: Amino acids from dietary protein compete with Levodopa for transport across
the blood-brain barrier. Consuming high-protein meals can result in a significant decrease
in the medication’s effectiveness, often causing ‘off’ periods. The nurse should advise the
client to spread protein intake throughout the day rather than in one large meal.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking Haloperidol for several years. The nurse
notes that the client is experiencing involuntary tongue protrusion and smacking of the lips.
How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Tardive Dyskinesia
B. Pseudoparkinsonism
C. Akathisia
D. Acute Dystonia
Answer: A
Rationale: Tardive Dyskinesia is a late-occurring extrapyramidal side effect characterized
by repetitive, involuntary movements of the face and tongue. It is often irreversible even if
the antipsychotic medication is discontinued. The nurse should use the Abnormal
Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to assess and document these symptoms regularly.
5. A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is prescribed Disulfiram. Which statement by
the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. ‘I will check the labels of my mouthwash and cough syrups.’
B. ‘I should wait at least 12 hours after my last drink before starting this med.’
C. ‘I can have a glass of red wine with dinner once I finish the first bottle of pills.’
D. ‘I might feel flushing and nausea if I accidentally consume alcohol.’
Answer: C
of Pharmacology | Q&A with Rationale
(NUR210 Exam 4) | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A client is prescribed Fluoxetine for a major depressive disorder. Which of the following
symptoms should the nurse instruct the client to report immediately as a potential sign of
Serotonin Syndrome?
A. Dry mouth and urinary retention
B. Increased appetite and weight gain
C. Agitation, fever, and muscle rigidity
D. Constipation and blurred vision
Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by mental
status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities. Patients may
experience diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, and tremors alongside agitation and fever. The
nurse must educate the client to seek emergency care if these symptoms occur shortly after
starting medication or increasing the dose.
2. When monitoring a client who is taking Lithium Carbonate for bipolar disorder, which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize?
A. Serum Potassium level
,B. Serum Sodium level
C. Blood Glucose level
D. Liver Enzymes
Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels in the body. If
sodium levels drop, the kidneys retain lithium, leading to potentially fatal toxicity. The
nurse must emphasize maintaining a consistent intake of salt and water to prevent this
imbalance.
3. A client is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is prescribed Levodopa-Carbidopa. What
dietary education is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K
B. Avoid high-protein meals at the same time as medication
C. Limit intake of grapefruit juice
D. Increase intake of tyramine-rich foods
Answer: B
Rationale: Amino acids from dietary protein compete with Levodopa for transport across
the blood-brain barrier. Consuming high-protein meals can result in a significant decrease
in the medication’s effectiveness, often causing ‘off’ periods. The nurse should advise the
client to spread protein intake throughout the day rather than in one large meal.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking Haloperidol for several years. The nurse
notes that the client is experiencing involuntary tongue protrusion and smacking of the lips.
How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Tardive Dyskinesia
B. Pseudoparkinsonism
C. Akathisia
D. Acute Dystonia
Answer: A
Rationale: Tardive Dyskinesia is a late-occurring extrapyramidal side effect characterized
by repetitive, involuntary movements of the face and tongue. It is often irreversible even if
the antipsychotic medication is discontinued. The nurse should use the Abnormal
Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to assess and document these symptoms regularly.
5. A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is prescribed Disulfiram. Which statement by
the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. ‘I will check the labels of my mouthwash and cough syrups.’
B. ‘I should wait at least 12 hours after my last drink before starting this med.’
C. ‘I can have a glass of red wine with dinner once I finish the first bottle of pills.’
D. ‘I might feel flushing and nausea if I accidentally consume alcohol.’
Answer: C
