NUR 378 Exam 3 V1 | NUR 378
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 3) |
Concordia
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol (Proventil) via a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) for the
treatment of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize
during patient education?
A. Take the medication 30 minutes after completing exercise.
B. Wait 1 minute between puffs if two puffs are prescribed.
C. Rinse the mouth with water only if a cough develops.
D. Use a spacer only when experiencing severe shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: B
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used for quick relief of bronchospasm. Waiting 1
minute between puffs allows the bronchioles to dilate after the first puff, facilitating deeper
penetration of the second dose. This practice ensures maximum therapeutic efficacy and
minimizes immediate side effects like tachycardia.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Ipratropium (Atrovent) for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which condition in the patient’s medical history would require
cautious administration of this drug?
A. Glaucoma
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Peptic ulcer disease
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
Correct Answer: A
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that can cause increased intraocular
pressure. Patients with a history of narrow-angle glaucoma should be monitored closely for
exacerbation of their condition. The nurse must assess for signs of ocular pain or blurred
vision after administration.
3. When educating a patient on the use of Beclomethasone (QVAR) for long-term asthma
management, which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use this inhaler as my first choice when I feel an asthma attack starting.
B. I will rinse my mouth out with water after every use.
C. I will use my albuterol inhaler first if both are prescribed at the same time.
D. I understand that this medication helps reduce the swelling in my airways.
Correct Answer: A
, Beclomethasone is a glucocorticoid intended for long-term prophylaxis and does not have
rapid onset for acute bronchospasm. Using it during an acute attack is ineffective and
potentially dangerous if the rescue inhaler is bypassed. The nurse must emphasize that this
drug is a ‘preventer’ rather than a ‘rescuer’.
4. A patient is prescribed Theophylline (Theo-24) for the management of chronic asthma.
Which dietary instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
B. Limit the consumption of caffeine-containing beverages.
C. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
D. Ensure a high-protein diet to prevent muscle wasting.
Correct Answer: B
Caffeine is a methylxanthine, which is the same drug class as theophylline. Concurrent
intake can lead to additive CNS stimulation and cardiac toxicity, significantly increasing the
risk of arrhythmias and seizures. The nurse should advise the patient to monitor for
jitteriness or palpitations.
5. A patient is starting therapy with Montelukast (Singulair). The nurse should instruct the
patient to report which of the following adverse effects immediately?
A. Dry mouth
B. Increased appetite
C. Weight gain
, D. Constipation
E. Blurred vision
F. Mood changes or suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: F
Montelukast is associated with neuropsychiatric events, including agitation, aggression,
and suicidal thoughts. Patients and caregivers must be warned to monitor for changes in
behavior and report them to the provider immediately. This is a critical safety intervention
for this specific leukotriene modifier.
6. Which of the following medications is a Mast Cell Stabilizer used in the prophylaxis of
asthma?
A. Fluticasone
B. Salmeterol
C. Cromolyn
D. Zafirlukast
Correct Answer: C
Cromolyn works by preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory
mediators from mast cells. It is used exclusively for prophylaxis and has one of the safest
profiles among asthma medications. It is often used for pediatric patients or for specific
triggers like exercise or allergens.
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 3) |
Concordia
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol (Proventil) via a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) for the
treatment of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize
during patient education?
A. Take the medication 30 minutes after completing exercise.
B. Wait 1 minute between puffs if two puffs are prescribed.
C. Rinse the mouth with water only if a cough develops.
D. Use a spacer only when experiencing severe shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: B
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used for quick relief of bronchospasm. Waiting 1
minute between puffs allows the bronchioles to dilate after the first puff, facilitating deeper
penetration of the second dose. This practice ensures maximum therapeutic efficacy and
minimizes immediate side effects like tachycardia.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Ipratropium (Atrovent) for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which condition in the patient’s medical history would require
cautious administration of this drug?
A. Glaucoma
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Peptic ulcer disease
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
Correct Answer: A
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that can cause increased intraocular
pressure. Patients with a history of narrow-angle glaucoma should be monitored closely for
exacerbation of their condition. The nurse must assess for signs of ocular pain or blurred
vision after administration.
3. When educating a patient on the use of Beclomethasone (QVAR) for long-term asthma
management, which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use this inhaler as my first choice when I feel an asthma attack starting.
B. I will rinse my mouth out with water after every use.
C. I will use my albuterol inhaler first if both are prescribed at the same time.
D. I understand that this medication helps reduce the swelling in my airways.
Correct Answer: A
, Beclomethasone is a glucocorticoid intended for long-term prophylaxis and does not have
rapid onset for acute bronchospasm. Using it during an acute attack is ineffective and
potentially dangerous if the rescue inhaler is bypassed. The nurse must emphasize that this
drug is a ‘preventer’ rather than a ‘rescuer’.
4. A patient is prescribed Theophylline (Theo-24) for the management of chronic asthma.
Which dietary instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
B. Limit the consumption of caffeine-containing beverages.
C. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
D. Ensure a high-protein diet to prevent muscle wasting.
Correct Answer: B
Caffeine is a methylxanthine, which is the same drug class as theophylline. Concurrent
intake can lead to additive CNS stimulation and cardiac toxicity, significantly increasing the
risk of arrhythmias and seizures. The nurse should advise the patient to monitor for
jitteriness or palpitations.
5. A patient is starting therapy with Montelukast (Singulair). The nurse should instruct the
patient to report which of the following adverse effects immediately?
A. Dry mouth
B. Increased appetite
C. Weight gain
, D. Constipation
E. Blurred vision
F. Mood changes or suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: F
Montelukast is associated with neuropsychiatric events, including agitation, aggression,
and suicidal thoughts. Patients and caregivers must be warned to monitor for changes in
behavior and report them to the provider immediately. This is a critical safety intervention
for this specific leukotriene modifier.
6. Which of the following medications is a Mast Cell Stabilizer used in the prophylaxis of
asthma?
A. Fluticasone
B. Salmeterol
C. Cromolyn
D. Zafirlukast
Correct Answer: C
Cromolyn works by preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory
mediators from mast cells. It is used exclusively for prophylaxis and has one of the safest
profiles among asthma medications. It is often used for pediatric patients or for specific
triggers like exercise or allergens.
