PHARMACOLOGY FOR PROFESSIONAL
NURSING FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which assessment finding should the
nurse prioritize as a potentially life-threatening adverse effect?
A. Dry, nonproductive cough
B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L
D. Swelling of the tongue and lips
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Angioedema (swelling of the tongue, lips, or glottis) is a life-
threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril because it can obstruct the
airway.
,2. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the
following findings would require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Apical pulse of 52 beats per minute
C. Digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL
D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm in
adults, as it can cause significant bradycardia.
3. A patient receiving Warfarin has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 7.0. The nurse
should anticipate the administration of which medication?
A. Phytonadione (Vitamin K)
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Protamine Sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the antidote for Warfarin toxicity. Protamine sulfate
is used for Heparin, and Calcium Gluconate for Magnesium toxicity.
, 4. A client with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which antihypertensive
medication should the nurse question?
A. Amlodipine
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Losartan
D. Propranolol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause
bronchoconstriction and is contraindicated in patients with asthma or COPD.
5. A patient is taking Spironolactone for heart failure. Which dietary instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Limit intake of foods high in Vitamin K
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt
substitutes (which often contain potassium chloride) can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.
NURSING FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which assessment finding should the
nurse prioritize as a potentially life-threatening adverse effect?
A. Dry, nonproductive cough
B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L
D. Swelling of the tongue and lips
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Angioedema (swelling of the tongue, lips, or glottis) is a life-
threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril because it can obstruct the
airway.
,2. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the
following findings would require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Apical pulse of 52 beats per minute
C. Digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL
D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm in
adults, as it can cause significant bradycardia.
3. A patient receiving Warfarin has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 7.0. The nurse
should anticipate the administration of which medication?
A. Phytonadione (Vitamin K)
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Protamine Sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the antidote for Warfarin toxicity. Protamine sulfate
is used for Heparin, and Calcium Gluconate for Magnesium toxicity.
, 4. A client with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which antihypertensive
medication should the nurse question?
A. Amlodipine
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Losartan
D. Propranolol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause
bronchoconstriction and is contraindicated in patients with asthma or COPD.
5. A patient is taking Spironolactone for heart failure. Which dietary instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Limit intake of foods high in Vitamin K
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt
substitutes (which often contain potassium chloride) can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.
