,PNR 105 Pharmacology Exam 2 Study Guide &
150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for heart failure. Which laboratory value should the
nurse prioritize monitoring before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium excretion. Monitoring
serum potassium is critical because hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias. The nurse must ensure levels are within normal range to maintain cardiac
stability during therapy.
2. A nurse is teaching a patient about hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. "I should take this medication at bedtime."
B. "I need to increase my intake of potassium-rich foods."
C. "This medication will lower my heart rate."
,D. "I should avoid sunlight while taking this drug."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are potassium-wasting. Patients should be taught to increase
potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. Taking the medication at bedtime
would cause nocturia. Thiazides do not lower heart rate. Photosensitivity is more common with
other drug classes.
3. Which diuretic is classified as potassium-sparing?
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
D. Bumetanide (Bumex)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that increases excretion of water and
sodium without loss of potassium. Furosemide and bumetanide are loop diuretics (potassium-
wasting). Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (potassium-wasting).
4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving spironolactone. Which finding should the nurse report
to the provider?
, A. Serum sodium 144 mEq/L
B. Urine output 120 mL in 4 hours
C. Serum potassium 5.2 mEq/L
D. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing. A serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L is above the
normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L), indicating hyperkalemia. This finding should be reported to the
provider because hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A patient taking furosemide reports muscle cramping, weakness, and numbness. The nurse
suspects:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide cause potassium loss. Signs of hypokalemia include
muscle cramping, weakness, numbness, tingling, and irregular heartbeat. Patients should be
taught to report these symptoms promptly.
150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for heart failure. Which laboratory value should the
nurse prioritize monitoring before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium excretion. Monitoring
serum potassium is critical because hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias. The nurse must ensure levels are within normal range to maintain cardiac
stability during therapy.
2. A nurse is teaching a patient about hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. "I should take this medication at bedtime."
B. "I need to increase my intake of potassium-rich foods."
C. "This medication will lower my heart rate."
,D. "I should avoid sunlight while taking this drug."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are potassium-wasting. Patients should be taught to increase
potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. Taking the medication at bedtime
would cause nocturia. Thiazides do not lower heart rate. Photosensitivity is more common with
other drug classes.
3. Which diuretic is classified as potassium-sparing?
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
D. Bumetanide (Bumex)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that increases excretion of water and
sodium without loss of potassium. Furosemide and bumetanide are loop diuretics (potassium-
wasting). Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (potassium-wasting).
4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving spironolactone. Which finding should the nurse report
to the provider?
, A. Serum sodium 144 mEq/L
B. Urine output 120 mL in 4 hours
C. Serum potassium 5.2 mEq/L
D. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing. A serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L is above the
normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L), indicating hyperkalemia. This finding should be reported to the
provider because hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A patient taking furosemide reports muscle cramping, weakness, and numbness. The nurse
suspects:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide cause potassium loss. Signs of hypokalemia include
muscle cramping, weakness, numbness, tingling, and irregular heartbeat. Patients should be
taught to report these symptoms promptly.
