NURS 180 PHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM 3 2026 | WCU QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving Digoxin for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance most
significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) increases the sensitivity of the
cardiac muscle to Digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity even if serum Digoxin
levels are within the therapeutic range.
2. Which of the following findings in a patient taking an ACE Inhibitor like Lisinopril requires
immediate medical intervention?
A. A persistent dry cough
B. Mild orthostatic hypotension
,C. Occasional dizziness when standing
D. Swelling of the tongue and lips
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Swelling of the tongue and lips indicates angioedema, a
potentially life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that can compromise the
airway.
3. A patient is admitted with Warfarin toxicity. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering as an antidote?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. N-acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antidote for Warfarin (Coumadin)
overdose to restore clotting factor synthesis.
4. When monitoring a patient on a continuous Heparin infusion, which laboratory value is the
priority?
A. INR
B. Platelet count
, C. aPTT
D. Prothrombin Time (PT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to
monitor the therapeutic effect of Heparin and adjust the dosage accordingly.
5. A nurse is administering Vancomycin IV. The patient begins to develop flushing of the neck
and face. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately
B. Administer diphenhydramine
C. Notify the provider of an allergic reaction
D. Slow the infusion rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-dependent infusion reaction, not a
true allergy. The priority is to slow the infusion rate to see if the symptoms resolve.
6. Gentamicin is known for two primary toxicities. Which two systems must the nurse
monitor closely?
A. Hepatic and Renal
B. Auditory and Renal
C. Cardiac and Pulmonary
EXAM 3 2026 | WCU QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving Digoxin for heart failure. Which electrolyte imbalance most
significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) increases the sensitivity of the
cardiac muscle to Digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity even if serum Digoxin
levels are within the therapeutic range.
2. Which of the following findings in a patient taking an ACE Inhibitor like Lisinopril requires
immediate medical intervention?
A. A persistent dry cough
B. Mild orthostatic hypotension
,C. Occasional dizziness when standing
D. Swelling of the tongue and lips
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Swelling of the tongue and lips indicates angioedema, a
potentially life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that can compromise the
airway.
3. A patient is admitted with Warfarin toxicity. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering as an antidote?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. N-acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antidote for Warfarin (Coumadin)
overdose to restore clotting factor synthesis.
4. When monitoring a patient on a continuous Heparin infusion, which laboratory value is the
priority?
A. INR
B. Platelet count
, C. aPTT
D. Prothrombin Time (PT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to
monitor the therapeutic effect of Heparin and adjust the dosage accordingly.
5. A nurse is administering Vancomycin IV. The patient begins to develop flushing of the neck
and face. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately
B. Administer diphenhydramine
C. Notify the provider of an allergic reaction
D. Slow the infusion rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-dependent infusion reaction, not a
true allergy. The priority is to slow the infusion rate to see if the symptoms resolve.
6. Gentamicin is known for two primary toxicities. Which two systems must the nurse
monitor closely?
A. Hepatic and Renal
B. Auditory and Renal
C. Cardiac and Pulmonary
