BSN Advanced Pharmacology | Final Exam Version 3 Practice
Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: A. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium
competes with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
Question 2.
When administering intravenous vancomycin, the nurse notes the patient’s face and neck
have become bright red and flushed. What is the priority action?
A. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously
B. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider
C. Slow the infusion rate and monitor the patient
D. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas
Correct Answer: C. Slow the infusion rate and monitor the patient
Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction, not a true allergy.
Slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the flushing.
Question 3.
A patient is receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which lab value is most important to
monitor for this medication?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C. INR
Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard monitoring
parameter for warfarin therapy to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation.
, Question 4.
What is the mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension?
A. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart
B. Directly dilating peripheral arterioles
C. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys
Correct Answer: C. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, preventing the
formation of Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
Question 5.
A patient is prescribed spironolactone for heart failure. Which food choice indicates the
patient needs further education?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Apples
D. Green beans
Correct Answer: A. Bananas
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-potassium
foods like bananas can lead to hyperkalemia.
Question 6.
Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Salmeterol
D. Tiotropium
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
Question 7.
A patient taking metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. What
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Take an extra dose of metformin before the scan
B. Metformin has no interaction with contrast dye
C. Drink orange juice immediately after the scan
D. Hold metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
Correct Answer: D. Hold metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: A. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium
competes with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
Question 2.
When administering intravenous vancomycin, the nurse notes the patient’s face and neck
have become bright red and flushed. What is the priority action?
A. Administer epinephrine subcutaneously
B. Stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider
C. Slow the infusion rate and monitor the patient
D. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas
Correct Answer: C. Slow the infusion rate and monitor the patient
Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction, not a true allergy.
Slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the flushing.
Question 3.
A patient is receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which lab value is most important to
monitor for this medication?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C. INR
Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard monitoring
parameter for warfarin therapy to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation.
, Question 4.
What is the mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension?
A. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart
B. Directly dilating peripheral arterioles
C. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys
Correct Answer: C. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, preventing the
formation of Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
Question 5.
A patient is prescribed spironolactone for heart failure. Which food choice indicates the
patient needs further education?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Apples
D. Green beans
Correct Answer: A. Bananas
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-potassium
foods like bananas can lead to hyperkalemia.
Question 6.
Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Salmeterol
D. Tiotropium
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
Question 7.
A patient taking metformin is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. What
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Take an extra dose of metformin before the scan
B. Metformin has no interaction with contrast dye
C. Drink orange juice immediately after the scan
D. Hold metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
Correct Answer: D. Hold metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
