NUR 378 Exam 4 V3 | NUR 378
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 4) |
Concordia
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. At what
time should the nurse ensure the patient’s meal is available to prevent hypoglycemia?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before administration
B. Immediately after the meal is finished
C. Two hours after administration
D. Within 15 minutes of administration
E. Only if the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacological principles essential
for advanced nursing practice. It focuses on the integration of drug mechanisms,
therapeutic effects, and adverse reaction management within clinical scenarios. The
content is structured to challenge critical thinking skills required for safe medication
administration and patient education in high-stakes environments. Insulin lispro is a rapid-
acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes; therefore, the patient must eat shortly after
administration to avoid a rapid drop in blood glucose.
,2. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes management. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: C
Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is impaired, as indicated by an
elevated serum creatinine, the drug can accumulate and lead to the life-threatening
complication of lactic acidosis.
3. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to enhance absorption
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. Expect the full therapeutic effect to occur within 24 hours
D. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal
Correct Answer: B
Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach. Taking it consistently before
breakfast helps maintain stable thyroid hormone levels.
, 4. A patient with Addison’s disease is taking Prednisone. During times of high physical or
emotional stress, the nurse should instruct the patient to:
A. Hold the dose until the stressor has passed
B. Switch to an oral hypoglycemic agent
C. Increase the dose as directed by the provider
D. Decrease the dose to prevent hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Patients with adrenal insufficiency cannot produce extra cortisol in response to stress.
They require ‘stress dosing’ (increased glucocorticoids) to prevent an adrenal crisis.
5. Which clinical manifestation would indicate to the nurse that a patient is experiencing an
adverse effect of radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment?
A. Tachycardia and heat intolerance
B. Cold intolerance and weight gain
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Hyperreflexia and tremors
Correct Answer: B
Radioactive iodine is used to destroy thyroid tissue. Over-treatment can lead to
hypothyroidism, characterized by cold intolerance, weight gain, and bradycardia.
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 4) |
Concordia
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. At what
time should the nurse ensure the patient’s meal is available to prevent hypoglycemia?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before administration
B. Immediately after the meal is finished
C. Two hours after administration
D. Within 15 minutes of administration
E. Only if the blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacological principles essential
for advanced nursing practice. It focuses on the integration of drug mechanisms,
therapeutic effects, and adverse reaction management within clinical scenarios. The
content is structured to challenge critical thinking skills required for safe medication
administration and patient education in high-stakes environments. Insulin lispro is a rapid-
acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes; therefore, the patient must eat shortly after
administration to avoid a rapid drop in blood glucose.
,2. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes management. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: C
Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is impaired, as indicated by an
elevated serum creatinine, the drug can accumulate and lead to the life-threatening
complication of lactic acidosis.
3. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to enhance absorption
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. Expect the full therapeutic effect to occur within 24 hours
D. Stop the medication once your energy levels return to normal
Correct Answer: B
Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach. Taking it consistently before
breakfast helps maintain stable thyroid hormone levels.
, 4. A patient with Addison’s disease is taking Prednisone. During times of high physical or
emotional stress, the nurse should instruct the patient to:
A. Hold the dose until the stressor has passed
B. Switch to an oral hypoglycemic agent
C. Increase the dose as directed by the provider
D. Decrease the dose to prevent hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Patients with adrenal insufficiency cannot produce extra cortisol in response to stress.
They require ‘stress dosing’ (increased glucocorticoids) to prevent an adrenal crisis.
5. Which clinical manifestation would indicate to the nurse that a patient is experiencing an
adverse effect of radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment?
A. Tachycardia and heat intolerance
B. Cold intolerance and weight gain
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Hyperreflexia and tremors
Correct Answer: B
Radioactive iodine is used to destroy thyroid tissue. Over-treatment can lead to
hypothyroidism, characterized by cold intolerance, weight gain, and bradycardia.
