NUR 210 PHARMACOLOGY ADVANCED
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(GALEN) 100% GUARANTEE PASS
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse notes the
patient’s Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is 110 seconds. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Increase the infusion rate as the value is below therapeutic range.
B. Document the finding and continue to monitor for bleeding.
C. Stop the infusion and prepare to administer Protamine Sulfate.
D. Maintain the current rate as this is a normal therapeutic value.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The normal aPTT range is 30-40 seconds, and the therapeutic
range for anticoagulation is 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal (approx. 60-80 seconds). A value of
110 seconds indicates excessive anticoagulation, requiring the infusion to be stopped and
potentially the administration of Protamine Sulfate, the heparin antidote.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient taking Digoxin for heart
failure?
A. Mild constipation
,B. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Yellow-green halos around lights
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are a classic
sign of Digoxin toxicity. Other signs include bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting. A heart rate
of 72 is normal, and increased urine output is an expected therapeutic effect.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Why should
the nurse question this order?
A. Propranolol causes severe hypotension in asthmatics.
B. Propranolol leads to significant fluid retention.
C. Propranolol increases the metabolic rate of asthma medications.
D. Non-selective beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction by blocking Beta-2 receptors.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can lead to
bronchospasm, which is life-threatening for patients with asthma.
, 4. A patient is taking Spironolactone. Which food should the nurse instruct the patient to
avoid in large quantities?
A. White bread
B. Apples
C. Bananas
D. Chicken breast
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-
potassium foods like bananas, oranges, or spinach can lead to hyperkalemia.
5. Which laboratory value is most critical for the nurse to monitor for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin. aPTT is used for Heparin.
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(GALEN) 100% GUARANTEE PASS
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse notes the
patient’s Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is 110 seconds. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Increase the infusion rate as the value is below therapeutic range.
B. Document the finding and continue to monitor for bleeding.
C. Stop the infusion and prepare to administer Protamine Sulfate.
D. Maintain the current rate as this is a normal therapeutic value.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The normal aPTT range is 30-40 seconds, and the therapeutic
range for anticoagulation is 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal (approx. 60-80 seconds). A value of
110 seconds indicates excessive anticoagulation, requiring the infusion to be stopped and
potentially the administration of Protamine Sulfate, the heparin antidote.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient taking Digoxin for heart
failure?
A. Mild constipation
,B. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Yellow-green halos around lights
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are a classic
sign of Digoxin toxicity. Other signs include bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting. A heart rate
of 72 is normal, and increased urine output is an expected therapeutic effect.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Why should
the nurse question this order?
A. Propranolol causes severe hypotension in asthmatics.
B. Propranolol leads to significant fluid retention.
C. Propranolol increases the metabolic rate of asthma medications.
D. Non-selective beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction by blocking Beta-2 receptors.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can lead to
bronchospasm, which is life-threatening for patients with asthma.
, 4. A patient is taking Spironolactone. Which food should the nurse instruct the patient to
avoid in large quantities?
A. White bread
B. Apples
C. Bananas
D. Chicken breast
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-
potassium foods like bananas, oranges, or spinach can lead to hyperkalemia.
5. Which laboratory value is most critical for the nurse to monitor for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin. aPTT is used for Heparin.
