NURS 180 PHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM 2026 | WCU
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value is most critical for the
nurse to monitor to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Serum potassium levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory value used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin therapy, with a typical target range of 2.0 to 3.0 for most
indications.
2. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. Promoting the excretion of sodium and water in the distal tubule
B. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
C. Antagonizing beta-1 adrenergic receptors
,D. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to
Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby decreasing peripheral resistance and
blood pressure.
3. A patient receiving intravenous Gentamicin is at high risk for which of the following
adverse effects?
A. Hepatotoxicity and jaundice
B. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Hypoglycemia and seizures
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known for their narrow
therapeutic index and significant risks of hearing loss (ototoxicity) and kidney damage
(nephrotoxicity).
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of the loop diuretic Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Inhibiting sodium-chloride symporters in the distal convoluted tubule
B. Inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of
the loop of Henle
, C. Blocking aldosterone receptors in the collecting duct
D. Increasing osmotic pressure within the renal tubules
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to significant diuresis.
5. When administering Digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse must assess which clinical parameter
before giving the dose?
A. Respiratory rate for one full minute
B. Temperature and oxygen saturation
C. Blood pressure in both arms
D. Apical pulse for one full minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a positive inotrope and negative chronotrope; the
apical pulse must be checked for 60 seconds and the dose held if the heart rate is typically
below 60 bpm.
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be used with extreme caution or avoided?
A. Calcium channel blockers
B. Non-selective beta-blockers
EXAM 2026 | WCU
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value is most critical for the
nurse to monitor to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this therapy?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Serum potassium levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory value used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin therapy, with a typical target range of 2.0 to 3.0 for most
indications.
2. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. Promoting the excretion of sodium and water in the distal tubule
B. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
C. Antagonizing beta-1 adrenergic receptors
,D. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to
Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby decreasing peripheral resistance and
blood pressure.
3. A patient receiving intravenous Gentamicin is at high risk for which of the following
adverse effects?
A. Hepatotoxicity and jaundice
B. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Hypoglycemia and seizures
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known for their narrow
therapeutic index and significant risks of hearing loss (ototoxicity) and kidney damage
(nephrotoxicity).
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of the loop diuretic Furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Inhibiting sodium-chloride symporters in the distal convoluted tubule
B. Inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of
the loop of Henle
, C. Blocking aldosterone receptors in the collecting duct
D. Increasing osmotic pressure within the renal tubules
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to significant diuresis.
5. When administering Digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse must assess which clinical parameter
before giving the dose?
A. Respiratory rate for one full minute
B. Temperature and oxygen saturation
C. Blood pressure in both arms
D. Apical pulse for one full minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a positive inotrope and negative chronotrope; the
apical pulse must be checked for 60 seconds and the dose held if the heart rate is typically
below 60 bpm.
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be used with extreme caution or avoided?
A. Calcium channel blockers
B. Non-selective beta-blockers
