NUR 210 | PRINCIPLES OF
PHARMACOLOGY | EXAM 3 2026
1. A patient is prescribed NPH insulin at 0800. At which time is the patient at the highest risk
for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 1400-2000
B. 1000-1200
C. 0900-1000
D. 2200-2400
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration. If given at 0800, the peak risk is between
1200 and 2000.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely for a patient taking both Furosemide
and Digoxin?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Potassium
,D. Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that wastes potassium. Low
potassium levels (hypokalemia) significantly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity.
3. A client with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast. Which medication
should be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Pioglitazone
C. Glipizide
D. Sitagliptin
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin must be held before and for 48 hours after IV
contrast dye to prevent the risk of acute renal failure and subsequent lactic acidosis.
4. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Stop the medication if you experience tremors or palpitations.
C. Expect immediate relief of symptoms within 24 hours.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach. Taking it
with food or other medications can significantly decrease its efficacy.
5. A patient is receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should monitor for which serious
adverse effect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU
characterized by a severe drop in white blood cell count; patients should report fever or
sore throat immediately.
6. A patient taking Spironolactone should be instructed to avoid which of the following?
A. Salt substitutes
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Dairy products
D. Whole grains
Answer: A
PHARMACOLOGY | EXAM 3 2026
1. A patient is prescribed NPH insulin at 0800. At which time is the patient at the highest risk
for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 1400-2000
B. 1000-1200
C. 0900-1000
D. 2200-2400
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration. If given at 0800, the peak risk is between
1200 and 2000.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely for a patient taking both Furosemide
and Digoxin?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Potassium
,D. Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that wastes potassium. Low
potassium levels (hypokalemia) significantly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity.
3. A client with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast. Which medication
should be held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Pioglitazone
C. Glipizide
D. Sitagliptin
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin must be held before and for 48 hours after IV
contrast dye to prevent the risk of acute renal failure and subsequent lactic acidosis.
4. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Stop the medication if you experience tremors or palpitations.
C. Expect immediate relief of symptoms within 24 hours.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach. Taking it
with food or other medications can significantly decrease its efficacy.
5. A patient is receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should monitor for which serious
adverse effect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU
characterized by a severe drop in white blood cell count; patients should report fever or
sore throat immediately.
6. A patient taking Spironolactone should be instructed to avoid which of the following?
A. Salt substitutes
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Dairy products
D. Whole grains
Answer: A
