NUR 100/NUR100 Final Exam V1 | Pharmacology
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most medications?
A. Kidneys
B. Liver
C. Small Intestine
D. Lungs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism in the human body through
enzyme systems like Cytochrome P450. Metabolism involves the chemical alteration of a
drug into a metabolite that is easier for the body to excrete. If a patient has liver
dysfunction, the nurse must monitor for drug toxicity due to decreased metabolic capacity.
2. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess the
therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. PT/INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: The Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) are
standard tests used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy. A typical therapeutic
INR range for a patient on Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0 for most conditions. The nurse
must educate the patient on maintaining consistent vitamin K intake to avoid fluctuations
in these lab values.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Preventing the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys
D. Directly relaxing smooth muscle in the arteries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, which
stops the production of Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By reducing Angiotensin II
levels, the medication promotes vasodilation and decreases aldosterone secretion. This
process helps lower blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart in patients with
heart failure.
4. Which adverse effect is a hallmark sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow-green visual halos
B. Hypertension
C. Increased appetite
, D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Digoxin toxicity often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and
neurological changes such as visual disturbances. Patients frequently report seeing yellow,
green, or white halos around objects when levels are too high. Because Digoxin has a
narrow therapeutic index, nurses must assess the apical pulse for 60 seconds before
administration.
5. When administering an inhaled corticosteroid and a bronchodilator, in what order should
they be given?
A. Bronchodilator first, then corticosteroid
B. Corticosteroid first, then bronchodilator
C. The order does not matter
D. Give them simultaneously
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The bronchodilator should be administered first to open the airways and
improve the penetration of the subsequent medication. By waiting 5 minutes after the
bronchodilator, the corticosteroid can reach deeper into the lung tissue. This sequence
maximizes the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid and improves overall treatment
outcomes.
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most medications?
A. Kidneys
B. Liver
C. Small Intestine
D. Lungs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism in the human body through
enzyme systems like Cytochrome P450. Metabolism involves the chemical alteration of a
drug into a metabolite that is easier for the body to excrete. If a patient has liver
dysfunction, the nurse must monitor for drug toxicity due to decreased metabolic capacity.
2. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess the
therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. PT/INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: The Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) are
standard tests used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy. A typical therapeutic
INR range for a patient on Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0 for most conditions. The nurse
must educate the patient on maintaining consistent vitamin K intake to avoid fluctuations
in these lab values.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Preventing the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys
D. Directly relaxing smooth muscle in the arteries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, which
stops the production of Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By reducing Angiotensin II
levels, the medication promotes vasodilation and decreases aldosterone secretion. This
process helps lower blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart in patients with
heart failure.
4. Which adverse effect is a hallmark sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow-green visual halos
B. Hypertension
C. Increased appetite
, D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Digoxin toxicity often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and
neurological changes such as visual disturbances. Patients frequently report seeing yellow,
green, or white halos around objects when levels are too high. Because Digoxin has a
narrow therapeutic index, nurses must assess the apical pulse for 60 seconds before
administration.
5. When administering an inhaled corticosteroid and a bronchodilator, in what order should
they be given?
A. Bronchodilator first, then corticosteroid
B. Corticosteroid first, then bronchodilator
C. The order does not matter
D. Give them simultaneously
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The bronchodilator should be administered first to open the airways and
improve the penetration of the subsequent medication. By waiting 5 minutes after the
bronchodilator, the corticosteroid can reach deeper into the lung tissue. This sequence
maximizes the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid and improves overall treatment
outcomes.
