NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 3 V2 | Pharmacology Q&A
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which action is
the priority before administration?
A. Review the most recent serum sodium level.
B. Measure the blood pressure in both arms.
C. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
D. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate and increases the
force of contraction. It is essential to assess the apical pulse for 60 seconds to ensure it is
above the safe threshold, typically 60 beats per minute. Withholding the dose if the pulse is
too low prevents dangerous bradycardia and toxicity.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for in a patient receiving furosemide?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of water, sodium,
and potassium through the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a frequent and potentially life-
threatening side effect of this medication. Nurses must monitor lab values and encourage
the intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach.
3. When educating a patient on sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain, which instruction is
correct?
A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve.
B. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
C. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
D. Apply the tablet to the buccal mucosa for 10 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The sublingual route allows for rapid absorption directly into the systemic
circulation by bypassing the digestive system. Patients should be taught to let the tablet
dissolve completely without chewing or swallowing it. This method provides quick relief of
anginal symptoms by dilating coronary arteries.
4. A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which lab value is used to monitor
the effectiveness of this therapy?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
, D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring of the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR). The goal is usually to maintain an INR
between 2.0 and 3.0 to prevent clot formation without excessive bleeding. Results outside
of the target range require immediate dosage adjustments by the provider.
5. Which of the following is the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the anticoagulant
effects of heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable salt, neutralizing its
activity. This intervention is critical in cases of severe hemorrhage or heparin toxicity.
6. A patient taking lisinopril complains of a persistent, dry cough. What should the nurse
suspect?
A. The patient is developing pneumonia.
B. A common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which action is
the priority before administration?
A. Review the most recent serum sodium level.
B. Measure the blood pressure in both arms.
C. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
D. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate and increases the
force of contraction. It is essential to assess the apical pulse for 60 seconds to ensure it is
above the safe threshold, typically 60 beats per minute. Withholding the dose if the pulse is
too low prevents dangerous bradycardia and toxicity.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for in a patient receiving furosemide?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of water, sodium,
and potassium through the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a frequent and potentially life-
threatening side effect of this medication. Nurses must monitor lab values and encourage
the intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach.
3. When educating a patient on sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain, which instruction is
correct?
A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve.
B. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
C. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
D. Apply the tablet to the buccal mucosa for 10 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The sublingual route allows for rapid absorption directly into the systemic
circulation by bypassing the digestive system. Patients should be taught to let the tablet
dissolve completely without chewing or swallowing it. This method provides quick relief of
anginal symptoms by dilating coronary arteries.
4. A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which lab value is used to monitor
the effectiveness of this therapy?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
, D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring of the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR). The goal is usually to maintain an INR
between 2.0 and 3.0 to prevent clot formation without excessive bleeding. Results outside
of the target range require immediate dosage adjustments by the provider.
5. Which of the following is the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the anticoagulant
effects of heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable salt, neutralizing its
activity. This intervention is critical in cases of severe hemorrhage or heparin toxicity.
6. A patient taking lisinopril complains of a persistent, dry cough. What should the nurse
suspect?
A. The patient is developing pneumonia.
B. A common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
