NUR 100/NUR100 Final Exam V2 | Pharmacology
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A patient with liver cirrhosis is prescribed a medication that is primarily metabolized by the
liver. Which pharmacokinetic phase is most affected by this condition?
A. Absorption
B. Distribution
C. Excretion
D. Metabolism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Metabolism, or biotransformation, is the process by which the body
chemically changes drugs into a form that can be excreted, primarily occurring in the liver.
Liver cirrhosis impairs the enzymatic pathways required for this process, leading to
potential drug toxicity. The nurse must monitor for decreased drug clearance and adjust
dosages accordingly in patients with hepatic impairment.
2. When administering a medication that acts as an agonist, the nurse understands that the
drug will have which effect on the cell’s receptors?
A. Bind to receptors and block a response
B. Prevent other drugs from binding to the receptor
C. Bind to receptors and mimic a natural response
,D. Slow down the metabolic rate of the receptor
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An agonist is a drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a
biological response, essentially mimicking the endogenous ligand. This differs from an
antagonist, which binds to a receptor to block or dampen a biological response.
Understanding this mechanism is critical for the nurse to anticipate the intended
therapeutic effects of the medication.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and notices the patient has no
identification band. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth
B. Check the room number against the medication record
C. Obtain a new identification band before administering the drug
D. Verify the patient’s identity with another staff member
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to the ‘Six Rights’ of medication administration, identifying the
patient using two unique identifiers is mandatory. An identification band is a standard
requirement in clinical settings to prevent medication errors. The nurse must ensure a new
band is placed on the patient before proceeding to guarantee safety and compliance with
hospital protocol.
,4. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the
nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
B. A persistent dry cough
C. Occasional headaches
D. Slightly yellowed urine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent, nonproductive dry cough due to
the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect often leads to non-compliance
and may necessitate a switch to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). The nurse
should educate the patient that this cough will not resolve with over-the-counter cough
suppressants.
5. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving
Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum potassium
D. PT/INR
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that requires frequent monitoring of the
Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic
levels. The INR is the standard unit for reporting the results of PT, providing a consistent
measure across different laboratories. Maintaining the INR within the target range is vital
to prevent both bleeding and thromboembolic events.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient with a Digoxin level of 2.5 ng/mL. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Encourage the patient to drink more water
C. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The therapeutic range for Digoxin is typically 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL, and a level of
2.5 ng/mL indicates toxicity. Digitalis toxicity can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and
other symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea. The nurse must withhold the
medication and inform the provider to initiate safety protocols or administer Digoxin
Immune Fab (Digibind).
7. A patient is scheduled to receive a dose of Humalog (Insulin Lispro) at 08:00. At what time
should the nurse ensure the patient’s breakfast tray is available?
A. 08:15
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A patient with liver cirrhosis is prescribed a medication that is primarily metabolized by the
liver. Which pharmacokinetic phase is most affected by this condition?
A. Absorption
B. Distribution
C. Excretion
D. Metabolism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Metabolism, or biotransformation, is the process by which the body
chemically changes drugs into a form that can be excreted, primarily occurring in the liver.
Liver cirrhosis impairs the enzymatic pathways required for this process, leading to
potential drug toxicity. The nurse must monitor for decreased drug clearance and adjust
dosages accordingly in patients with hepatic impairment.
2. When administering a medication that acts as an agonist, the nurse understands that the
drug will have which effect on the cell’s receptors?
A. Bind to receptors and block a response
B. Prevent other drugs from binding to the receptor
C. Bind to receptors and mimic a natural response
,D. Slow down the metabolic rate of the receptor
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An agonist is a drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a
biological response, essentially mimicking the endogenous ligand. This differs from an
antagonist, which binds to a receptor to block or dampen a biological response.
Understanding this mechanism is critical for the nurse to anticipate the intended
therapeutic effects of the medication.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and notices the patient has no
identification band. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth
B. Check the room number against the medication record
C. Obtain a new identification band before administering the drug
D. Verify the patient’s identity with another staff member
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to the ‘Six Rights’ of medication administration, identifying the
patient using two unique identifiers is mandatory. An identification band is a standard
requirement in clinical settings to prevent medication errors. The nurse must ensure a new
band is placed on the patient before proceeding to guarantee safety and compliance with
hospital protocol.
,4. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the
nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
B. A persistent dry cough
C. Occasional headaches
D. Slightly yellowed urine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent, nonproductive dry cough due to
the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect often leads to non-compliance
and may necessitate a switch to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). The nurse
should educate the patient that this cough will not resolve with over-the-counter cough
suppressants.
5. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving
Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum potassium
D. PT/INR
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that requires frequent monitoring of the
Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic
levels. The INR is the standard unit for reporting the results of PT, providing a consistent
measure across different laboratories. Maintaining the INR within the target range is vital
to prevent both bleeding and thromboembolic events.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient with a Digoxin level of 2.5 ng/mL. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Encourage the patient to drink more water
C. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The therapeutic range for Digoxin is typically 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL, and a level of
2.5 ng/mL indicates toxicity. Digitalis toxicity can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and
other symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea. The nurse must withhold the
medication and inform the provider to initiate safety protocols or administer Digoxin
Immune Fab (Digibind).
7. A patient is scheduled to receive a dose of Humalog (Insulin Lispro) at 08:00. At what time
should the nurse ensure the patient’s breakfast tray is available?
A. 08:15
