NU 170 | NUR 170 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving spironolactone for the treatment of hypertension. Which laboratory
result would be of most concern to the nurse?
A. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L
C. Glucose level of 110 mg/dL
D. Potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. A potassium
level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a significant risk and requires
immediate intervention.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of compensated metabolic
acidosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 28
,B. pH 7.36, PaCO2 30, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.42, PaCO2 38, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.28, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Compensated metabolic acidosis shows a pH in the normal
range but on the acidic side (7.35-7.39), a low HCO3, and a low PaCO2 (respiratory
compensation).
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse should withhold the
medication and notify the provider if the patient exhibits which symptom?
A. Increased urine output
B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
D. Weight gain of 1 lb in two days
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. It is standard practice to hold
digoxin if the heart rate is below 60 bpm in an adult to avoid toxicity.
4. A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
, B. Positive Trousseau’s sign
C. Constipation
D. Shortened QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability. A positive
Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a BP cuff) is a classic indicator.
5. When administering intravenous Heparin, which laboratory value is used to monitor the
effectiveness of the therapy?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet Count
D. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: aPTT is the standard test for monitoring unfractionated heparin
therapy. PT/INR is used for Warfarin.
6. A patient is prescribed Albuterol via nebulizer for an acute asthma attack. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
PHARMACOLOGY AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving spironolactone for the treatment of hypertension. Which laboratory
result would be of most concern to the nurse?
A. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L
C. Glucose level of 110 mg/dL
D. Potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. A potassium
level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a significant risk and requires
immediate intervention.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of compensated metabolic
acidosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 28
,B. pH 7.36, PaCO2 30, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.42, PaCO2 38, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.28, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Compensated metabolic acidosis shows a pH in the normal
range but on the acidic side (7.35-7.39), a low HCO3, and a low PaCO2 (respiratory
compensation).
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse should withhold the
medication and notify the provider if the patient exhibits which symptom?
A. Increased urine output
B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
D. Weight gain of 1 lb in two days
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. It is standard practice to hold
digoxin if the heart rate is below 60 bpm in an adult to avoid toxicity.
4. A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
, B. Positive Trousseau’s sign
C. Constipation
D. Shortened QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability. A positive
Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a BP cuff) is a classic indicator.
5. When administering intravenous Heparin, which laboratory value is used to monitor the
effectiveness of the therapy?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet Count
D. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: aPTT is the standard test for monitoring unfractionated heparin
therapy. PT/INR is used for Warfarin.
6. A patient is prescribed Albuterol via nebulizer for an acute asthma attack. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
