NURS 305 Exam 3 V1 | NURS 305
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which assessment finding would
be a contraindication for this medication?
A. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28
B. History of hypertension
C. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL
D. Serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis in
patients with renal impairment. A serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dL in men or 1.4
mg/dL in women is typically a contraindication. Nurses must monitor renal function tests
regularly to ensure the patient’s safety while on this therapy.
2. When teaching a patient about the administration of Levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse
should include which instruction?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Double the dose if a day of medication is missed.
C. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued or sluggish.
,D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Answer: D
Rationale: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased when taken on an empty stomach.
Taking it with food or calcium-rich items like milk can significantly decrease its
bioavailability. Consistency in administration is crucial for maintaining stable thyroid
hormone levels throughout the day.
3. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute exercise-induced bronchospasm. How should
the nurse explain the action of this drug?
A. It reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes over several days.
B. It blocks the action of acetylcholine at receptor sites.
C. It thins the mucus to make it easier for the patient to cough.
D. It causes rapid bronchodilation by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors.
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a Short-Acting Beta2 Agonist (SABA) that works by relaxing smooth
muscle in the airways. It is considered a ‘rescue’ medication because it provides immediate
relief during an asthma attack or before exercise. Patients should be monitored for
tachycardia and tremors as common side effects of this sympathomimetic agent.
4. Which lab value is most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient receiving long-term
Prednisone therapy?
A. Serum sodium
, B. Platelet count
C. Blood glucose levels
D. Serum albumin
Answer: C
Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that significantly increases blood glucose through
gluconeogenesis. Patients on long-term steroid therapy are at high risk for developing
steroid-induced diabetes or worsening pre-existing hyperglycemia. Nurses must also
monitor for signs of infection and osteoporosis during prolonged glucocorticoid use.
5. A patient is prescribed Omeprazole (Prilosec) for GERD. What is the mechanism of action
for this medication?
A. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system (proton pump).
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells.
C. It neutralizes existing stomach acid directly.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: A
Rationale: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole are the most effective drugs for
suppressing gastric acid secretion. By inhibiting the final step of acid production, they allow
the esophageal or gastric lining to heal effectively. Long-term use should be monitored for
risks such as C. diff infections and bone fractures.
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which assessment finding would
be a contraindication for this medication?
A. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28
B. History of hypertension
C. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL
D. Serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis in
patients with renal impairment. A serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dL in men or 1.4
mg/dL in women is typically a contraindication. Nurses must monitor renal function tests
regularly to ensure the patient’s safety while on this therapy.
2. When teaching a patient about the administration of Levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse
should include which instruction?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Double the dose if a day of medication is missed.
C. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued or sluggish.
,D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Answer: D
Rationale: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased when taken on an empty stomach.
Taking it with food or calcium-rich items like milk can significantly decrease its
bioavailability. Consistency in administration is crucial for maintaining stable thyroid
hormone levels throughout the day.
3. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute exercise-induced bronchospasm. How should
the nurse explain the action of this drug?
A. It reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes over several days.
B. It blocks the action of acetylcholine at receptor sites.
C. It thins the mucus to make it easier for the patient to cough.
D. It causes rapid bronchodilation by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors.
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a Short-Acting Beta2 Agonist (SABA) that works by relaxing smooth
muscle in the airways. It is considered a ‘rescue’ medication because it provides immediate
relief during an asthma attack or before exercise. Patients should be monitored for
tachycardia and tremors as common side effects of this sympathomimetic agent.
4. Which lab value is most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient receiving long-term
Prednisone therapy?
A. Serum sodium
, B. Platelet count
C. Blood glucose levels
D. Serum albumin
Answer: C
Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that significantly increases blood glucose through
gluconeogenesis. Patients on long-term steroid therapy are at high risk for developing
steroid-induced diabetes or worsening pre-existing hyperglycemia. Nurses must also
monitor for signs of infection and osteoporosis during prolonged glucocorticoid use.
5. A patient is prescribed Omeprazole (Prilosec) for GERD. What is the mechanism of action
for this medication?
A. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system (proton pump).
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells.
C. It neutralizes existing stomach acid directly.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: A
Rationale: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole are the most effective drugs for
suppressing gastric acid secretion. By inhibiting the final step of acid production, they allow
the esophageal or gastric lining to heal effectively. Long-term use should be monitored for
risks such as C. diff infections and bone fractures.
