NUR2407 Pharmacology
Exam 2 2024/2025 – Verified
Questions and Rationales |
Rasmussen Nursing
1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. What electrolyte should the
nurse monitor?
a) Sodium
b) Potassium
c) Calcium
d) Magnesium
Correct Answer: b) Potassium
Rationale: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause hyperkalemia by reducing aldosterone
secretion, which decreases potassium excretion. Monitoring potassium levels is essential,
per Rasmussen’s NUR2407 cardiovascular pharmacology competencies (Chapter 10).
2. What is the primary therapeutic effect of furosemide in a patient with heart failure?
a) Increase blood pressure
b) Reduce fluid overload
c) Enhance platelet aggregation
d) Decrease heart rate
Correct Answer: b) Reduce fluid overload
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, promotes diuresis to reduce fluid overload in
heart failure, improving symptoms like edema and dyspnea, per NUR2407 cardiovascular
competencies.
3. A patient receiving furosemide reports muscle cramps. What should the nurse
assess?
a) Serum potassium levels
b) Blood glucose levels
c) Serum calcium levels
d) Platelet count
Correct Answer: a) Serum potassium levels
Rationale: Furosemide causes potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which can
manifest as muscle cramps. Monitoring potassium is critical, per NUR2407
pharmacology competencies.
4. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient prescribed warfarin?
a) Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
, 2
b) Monitor for signs of bleeding
c) Take with grapefruit juice
d) Expect immediate anticoagulation
Correct Answer: b) Monitor for signs of bleeding
Rationale: Warfarin, an anticoagulant, increases bleeding risk. Patients should monitor
for signs like bruising or epistaxis, per NUR2407 cardiovascular pharmacology
competencies (Chapter 10).
5. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed amiodarone. What should the nurse
monitor?
a) Thyroid function
b) Blood glucose
c) Serum sodium
d) Platelet count
Correct Answer: a) Thyroid function
Rationale: Amiodarone can cause thyroid dysfunction due to its iodine content, requiring
regular thyroid function monitoring, per NUR2407 pharmacology competencies.
6. What is the mechanism of action of metoprolol in treating hypertension?
a) Dilates blood vessels
b) Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors
c) Increases sodium retention
d) Enhances cardiac output
Correct Answer: b) Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors
Rationale: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and cardiac output by blocking
beta-adrenergic receptors, lowering blood pressure, per NUR2407 cardiovascular
competencies.
7. A patient with angina is prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. What should
the nurse teach?
a) Store in a warm, humid place
b) Take up to three doses 5 minutes apart
c) Swallow the tablet with water
d) Expect no side effects
Correct Answer: b) Take up to three doses 5 minutes apart
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is taken sublingually every 5 minutes for up to three doses to
relieve angina, per NUR2407 cardiovascular pharmacology competencies.
8. What is a common side effect of atorvastatin?
a) Hyperglycemia
b) Muscle pain
c) Hypotension
d) Weight loss
Correct Answer: b) Muscle pain
Rationale: Atorvastatin, a statin, can cause myopathy, presenting as muscle pain, which
requires monitoring, per NUR2407 pharmacology competencies (Chapter 10).
9. A patient with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. What should the nurse
monitor?
a) Hypokalemia
b) Hyperkalemia