NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology
Exam 2 Review 2026/2027 – Questions
& Answers | Galen College Guaranteed
Pass (GRADED A+)
Question 1
A nurse is administering digoxin to a patient with heart failure.
Which assessment finding should be reported before
administering the medication?
A. Blood pressure of 128/78 mmHg
B. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Answer: B. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. An apical pulse
below 60 beats/minute should be reported before administration
because it may indicate increased risk of toxicity.
Question 2
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely in a
patient receiving furosemide?
A. Calcium
B. Magnesium
C. Potassium
D. Sodium
Answer: C. Potassium
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes
potassium loss, increasing the risk of hypokalemia and cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 3
A patient taking warfarin should be instructed to report which
finding immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Occasional fatigue
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. Black, tarry stools
Rationale: Black, tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal
bleeding, a serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy.
Question 4
Which statement by a patient taking lisinopril indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. “I will rise slowly from a sitting position.”
B. “I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.”
C. “I should stop taking the medication if I develop a cough.”
D. “I will take the medication as prescribed.”
Answer: C. “I should stop taking the medication if I develop a
cough.”
Rationale: A dry cough is a common adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors. The patient should notify the provider but should not
discontinue the medication without instructions.
,Question 5
What is the primary action of insulin?
A. Increase glucose production
B. Lower blood glucose levels
C. Prevent protein synthesis
D. Increase fat breakdown
Answer: B. Lower blood glucose levels
Rationale: Insulin facilitates cellular uptake of glucose,
reducing blood glucose concentrations.
Question 6
A patient receives morphine for postoperative pain. Which
adverse effect requires the highest priority assessment?
A. Constipation
B. Dry mouth
C. Respiratory depression
D. Nausea
Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse
effect of opioid medications and can be life-threatening.
Question 7
Which medication is classified as a beta-blocker?
A. Losartan
B. Metoprolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
, Answer: B. Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker commonly
used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
Question 8
A patient taking nitroglycerin for angina should be instructed to:
A. Swallow the tablet whole
B. Store tablets in a plastic container
C. Place the tablet under the tongue
D. Take with milk
Answer: C. Place the tablet under the tongue
Rationale: Sublingual administration allows rapid absorption
and quick relief of angina symptoms.
Question 9
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with opioid
analgesics?
A. Diarrhea
B. Hypertension
C. Constipation
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Constipation
Rationale: Opioids decrease gastrointestinal motility, frequently
causing constipation.
Exam 2 Review 2026/2027 – Questions
& Answers | Galen College Guaranteed
Pass (GRADED A+)
Question 1
A nurse is administering digoxin to a patient with heart failure.
Which assessment finding should be reported before
administering the medication?
A. Blood pressure of 128/78 mmHg
B. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Answer: B. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. An apical pulse
below 60 beats/minute should be reported before administration
because it may indicate increased risk of toxicity.
Question 2
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely in a
patient receiving furosemide?
A. Calcium
B. Magnesium
C. Potassium
D. Sodium
Answer: C. Potassium
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes
potassium loss, increasing the risk of hypokalemia and cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 3
A patient taking warfarin should be instructed to report which
finding immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Occasional fatigue
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. Black, tarry stools
Rationale: Black, tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal
bleeding, a serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy.
Question 4
Which statement by a patient taking lisinopril indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. “I will rise slowly from a sitting position.”
B. “I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.”
C. “I should stop taking the medication if I develop a cough.”
D. “I will take the medication as prescribed.”
Answer: C. “I should stop taking the medication if I develop a
cough.”
Rationale: A dry cough is a common adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors. The patient should notify the provider but should not
discontinue the medication without instructions.
,Question 5
What is the primary action of insulin?
A. Increase glucose production
B. Lower blood glucose levels
C. Prevent protein synthesis
D. Increase fat breakdown
Answer: B. Lower blood glucose levels
Rationale: Insulin facilitates cellular uptake of glucose,
reducing blood glucose concentrations.
Question 6
A patient receives morphine for postoperative pain. Which
adverse effect requires the highest priority assessment?
A. Constipation
B. Dry mouth
C. Respiratory depression
D. Nausea
Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse
effect of opioid medications and can be life-threatening.
Question 7
Which medication is classified as a beta-blocker?
A. Losartan
B. Metoprolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
, Answer: B. Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker commonly
used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
Question 8
A patient taking nitroglycerin for angina should be instructed to:
A. Swallow the tablet whole
B. Store tablets in a plastic container
C. Place the tablet under the tongue
D. Take with milk
Answer: C. Place the tablet under the tongue
Rationale: Sublingual administration allows rapid absorption
and quick relief of angina symptoms.
Question 9
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with opioid
analgesics?
A. Diarrhea
B. Hypertension
C. Constipation
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Constipation
Rationale: Opioids decrease gastrointestinal motility, frequently
causing constipation.
