University Of South Alabama, Questions &
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NU 578 Unit 3 – Original Practice Exam
Questions 1–25
1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which adverse effect should
the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Dry mouth
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Muscle weakness after exercise
D. Increased appetite
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough. Although not
always dangerous, it should be reported because an alternative medication may be
needed.
2. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a patient taking
spironolactone?
A. Calcium
B. Potassium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing and can cause hyperkalemia.
3. A patient taking warfarin has an INR of 5.2 without bleeding. What is the priority
nursing action?
,A. Administer heparin
B. Continue the current dose
C. Notify the provider for possible dose adjustment
D. Encourage foods rich in vitamin K
Answer: C
Rationale: An elevated INR significantly increases bleeding risk and requires provider
notification.
4. Which medication is the antidote for opioid overdose?
A. Flumazenil
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Vitamin K
Answer: B
Rationale: Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression.
5. A patient taking digoxin develops nausea, blurred vision, and confusion. What
should the nurse do first?
A. Administer another dose
B. Check the apical pulse and notify the provider
C. Encourage fluids
D. Reassure the patient
Answer: B
Rationale: These are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
6. Which patient should NOT receive a beta blocker?
A. Stable angina
B. Hypertension
C. Severe symptomatic bradycardia
D. Prior myocardial infarction
, Answer: C
Rationale: Beta blockers further decrease heart rate.
7. Before administering furosemide, which assessment is the priority?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood pressure
C. Hearing
D. Oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide can lower blood pressure and contribute to hypotension.
8. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with loop diuretics?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: C
Rationale: Loop diuretics increase potassium excretion.
9. A patient prescribed nitroglycerin reports chest pain after taking one tablet. What
is the next action?
A. Wait 30 minutes
B. Take another tablet immediately
C. Call EMS if pain persists after three doses taken 5 minutes apart
D. Stop taking nitroglycerin
Answer: C
Rationale: Emergency care is needed if chest pain persists after the recommended
dosing.