PHARMACOLOGY NURS 251 MODULES
1-10 FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug with a high first-pass effect. Which route of administration
would be most significantly affected by this process?
A. Intravenous
B. Oral
C. Sublingual
D. Intramuscular
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug by the
liver before it reaches systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally pass through the portal vein
to the liver, where they are often extensively metabolized.
2. A patient is experiencing a cholinergic crisis. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering as an antidote?
A. Neostigmine
,B. Epinephrine
C. Atropine
D. Physostigmine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic (muscarinic antagonist) used to
reverse the overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system seen in a cholinergic
crisis.
3. When administering Phenytoin (Dilantin), which assessment finding is considered a
common long-term side effect requiring meticulous oral hygiene?
A. Oral candidiasis
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Glossitis
D. Dental caries
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a well-known
side effect of chronic phenytoin therapy. Patients should be taught frequent dental
checkups and proper hygiene.
, 4. A patient is taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). The nurse instructs the patient
to avoid aged cheeses and cured meats because they contain which substance?
A. Tryptophan
B. Phenylalanine
C. Tyramine
D. Lactose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis in patients taking
MAOIs because the enzyme responsible for breaking down tyramine is inhibited.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for most closely in a patient receiving
Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
potassium, potentially leading to hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
1-10 FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug with a high first-pass effect. Which route of administration
would be most significantly affected by this process?
A. Intravenous
B. Oral
C. Sublingual
D. Intramuscular
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug by the
liver before it reaches systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally pass through the portal vein
to the liver, where they are often extensively metabolized.
2. A patient is experiencing a cholinergic crisis. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering as an antidote?
A. Neostigmine
,B. Epinephrine
C. Atropine
D. Physostigmine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic (muscarinic antagonist) used to
reverse the overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system seen in a cholinergic
crisis.
3. When administering Phenytoin (Dilantin), which assessment finding is considered a
common long-term side effect requiring meticulous oral hygiene?
A. Oral candidiasis
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Glossitis
D. Dental caries
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a well-known
side effect of chronic phenytoin therapy. Patients should be taught frequent dental
checkups and proper hygiene.
, 4. A patient is taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). The nurse instructs the patient
to avoid aged cheeses and cured meats because they contain which substance?
A. Tryptophan
B. Phenylalanine
C. Tyramine
D. Lactose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis in patients taking
MAOIs because the enzyme responsible for breaking down tyramine is inhibited.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for most closely in a patient receiving
Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
potassium, potentially leading to hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
