NURS 180 COMPREHENSIVE
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026 |
WCU
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving Digoxin. Which laboratory result would most
significantly increase the risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
B. Serum Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
C. Serum Calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL
D. Serum Magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to
digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity even if digoxin levels are within the
therapeutic range.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for that is specific to ACE inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
,C. Tachycardia
D. Constipation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin in the
lungs, which can lead to a persistent, dry, irritating cough in some patients.
3. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of Heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
4. When administering Warfarin, the nurse should monitor which laboratory value to ensure
therapeutic dosing?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum Creatinine
, D. PT/INR
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) are used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which type of Beta-
blocker should be avoided to prevent bronchospasm?
A. Metoprolol (Beta-1 selective)
B. Atenolol (Beta-1 selective)
C. Propranolol (Non-selective)
D. Esmolol (Beta-1 selective)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers like Propranolol block both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients.
6. A patient is receiving Gentamicin IV. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which two
major adverse effects?
A. Hepatotoxicity and Cardiac arrhythmias
B. Hyperglycemia and Hypertension
C. Ototoxicity and Nephrotoxicity
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026 |
WCU
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving Digoxin. Which laboratory result would most
significantly increase the risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
B. Serum Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
C. Serum Calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL
D. Serum Magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to
digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity even if digoxin levels are within the
therapeutic range.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for that is specific to ACE inhibitors due to the accumulation of bradykinin?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
,C. Tachycardia
D. Constipation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin in the
lungs, which can lead to a persistent, dry, irritating cough in some patients.
3. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of Heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
4. When administering Warfarin, the nurse should monitor which laboratory value to ensure
therapeutic dosing?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum Creatinine
, D. PT/INR
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) are used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which type of Beta-
blocker should be avoided to prevent bronchospasm?
A. Metoprolol (Beta-1 selective)
B. Atenolol (Beta-1 selective)
C. Propranolol (Non-selective)
D. Esmolol (Beta-1 selective)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers like Propranolol block both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients.
6. A patient is receiving Gentamicin IV. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which two
major adverse effects?
A. Hepatotoxicity and Cardiac arrhythmias
B. Hyperglycemia and Hypertension
C. Ototoxicity and Nephrotoxicity
