ICHS PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM TESTBANK 3 VERSIONS CONTAINING 400+
QUESTIONS/ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS/GRADE A+
ASSURED
VERSION 1
Question 1
What are the possible adverse effects of octreotide?
A) Hypercalciuria, constipation, and bradycardia
B) Malaise, dyspnea, and arthralgia
C) Weight gain, hypertension, and blurred vision
D) Increased appetite, insomnia, and tachycardia
E) Tinnitus, urinary retention, and dry mouth
Correct Answer: B) Malaise, dyspnea, and arthralgia
Rationale: Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin used to treat symptoms of carcinoid
tumors and acromegaly. Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, malaise (a
general feeling of discomfort), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and arthralgia (joint pain).
Hypercalciuria is not a typical adverse effect of octreotide, though it can affect gallbladder
function and glucose levels.
Question 2
Which baseline measurements does the nurse obtain before administering pituitary hormones?
A) Weight, BP, and blood glucose levels
B) Height, heart rate, and liver enzyme levels
C) Renal function, bowel sounds, and temperature
D) Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and AST/ALT
E) Muscle strength, pupillary response, and sodium levels
Correct Answer: A) Weight, BP, and blood glucose levels
Rationale: Pituitary hormones can significantly impact fluid balance and metabolism.
Somatropin can affect blood glucose (leading to hyperglycemia), and medications like
vasopressin or desmopressin affect fluid retention, which is monitored via blood pressure
and daily weights. These baselines are essential to evaluate the therapeutic or adverse
effects of treatment.
Question 3
Which function of somatropin is therapeutic for a patient who has human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV)?
A) Decreases growth of opportunistic infections
B) Reduces fat levels in the blood
C) Reduces weight loss and treats cachexia
D) Decreases fluid retention in the extremities
E) Increases the CD4+ T-cell count
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Reduces weight loss
Rationale: Somatropin (growth hormone) has anabolic effects that promote protein
synthesis and tissue building. In patients with HIV-associated wasting or cachexia, it is used
therapeutically to increase lean body mass and reduce the severe weight loss associated
with the progression of the disease.
Question 4
Which history of symptoms and conditions will the nurse evaluate before administering
desmopressin to prevent complications?
A) Seizure, asthma, and cardiovascular disease
B) Diabetes Mellitus, gout, and arthritis
C) Glaucoma, hypertension, and osteoporosis
D) Liver failure, depression, and GERD
E) Hypothyroidism, peptic ulcer, and obesity
Correct Answer: A) Seizure, asthma, and cardiovascular disease
Rationale: Desmopressin can cause water intoxication and hyponatremia, which can trigger
seizures. Its vasoconstrictive properties (though milder than vasopressin) mean it must be
used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, some preparations
can trigger bronchoconstriction, requiring caution in asthmatic patients.
Question 5
A child diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency is receiving somatropin but does not show
improvement in linear growth. Which medication may be the reason for this lack of
improvement?
A) Cyclosporine
B) Ciprofloxacin
C) Fludrocortisone
D) Glucocorticoids
Correct Answer: D) Glucocorticoids
Rationale: Glucocorticoid therapy (like prednisone) can antagonize the growth-promoting
effects of somatropin. High-dose or long-term steroid use in children can lead to premature
closure of the epiphyses or simply inhibit the action of growth hormone, resulting in
therapeutic failure for height increase.
Question 6
A patient who has cancer is prescribed octreotide. Which condition is this medication intended to
treat in this specific context?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperglycemia
, 3
D) Orthostatic hypotension
E) Chronic constipation
Correct Answer: D) Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: While octreotide is famous for treating secretory diarrhea, it is also used off-label
or in specific oncology settings to manage orthostatic hypotension. It works by inhibiting
the release of vasodilatory peptides, thereby helping to maintain blood pressure in patients
with autonomic failure or certain paraneoplastic syndromes.
Question 7
A patient with vasodilatory shock has persisting orthostatic hypotension even after medication.
Which drug combination does the nurse expect is causing this persistence?
A) Vasopressin and carbamazepine
B) Somatropin and glucocorticoids
C) Vasopressin and demeclocycline
D) Desmopressin and carbamazepine
E) Octreotide and lisinopril
Correct Answer: C) Vasopressin and demeclocycline
Rationale: Demeclocycline is an antibiotic that also acts as an ADH antagonist (often used to
treat SIADH). When a patient is receiving vasopressin (an ADH analogue) for shock, the
administration of demeclocycline will block the effects of the vasopressin on the renal
tubules, leading to persistent hypotension and a lack of therapeutic response.
Question 8
A patient with mild diabetes insipidus is prescribed vasopressin intranasal aqueous preparation.
Which patient instruction does the nurse provide?
A) Dilute the drug with normal saline before administering
B) Shake the drug preparation vigorously for 30 seconds
C) Inhale the drug preparation deeply by spraying into nostrils
D) Apply the drug preparation topically to the nasal membranes
E) Administer only when the patient is in a supine position
Correct Answer: D) "Apply the drug preparation topically to the nasal membranes."
Rationale: For the intranasal aqueous form of vasopressin, the goal is absorption through
the vascular nasal mucosa. Patients are instructed to apply the medication topically rather
than inhaling it deeply into the lungs (which would be the technique for an asthma inhaler).
Question 9
Which action of a patient using an intranasal desmopressin nasal pump requires correction?
A) Priming the nasal pump once a week
B) Pressing the pump once to spray a 10mcg dose
, 4
C) Pressing down on the pump twice to prime it
D) Replacing the cap on the pump after the procedure
E) Storing the bottle in an upright position
Correct Answer: C) Pressing down on the pump twice to prime it
Rationale: Standard desmopressin nasal pumps require priming by pressing down four
times (not two) to ensure the internal mechanism is filled and the subsequent spray delivers
the precise 10mcg dose. Priming once a week thereafter is usually sufficient to maintain the
pump's accuracy.
Question 10
A patient with diabetes insipidus is receiving intravenous (IV) vasopressin. Which is the best
nursing action to promote safe drug administration?
A) Make a note of the total fluid intake
B) Assess for signs of dehydration
C) Watch the IV site closely for infiltration
D) Measure the patient's urine output hourly
E) Check the patient's temperature every 4 hours
Correct Answer: C) Watch the IV site closely for infiltration
Rationale: Vasopressin is a powerful vasoconstrictor. If the IV line infiltrates and the
medication enters the surrounding tissue (extravasation), it can cause localized
vasoconstriction so severe that it leads to tissue necrosis and gangrene. While monitoring
intake and output is important for efficacy, site monitoring is the priority for safety.
Question 11
A pediatric patient is prescribed somatropin. Which parameters will the nurse monitor during the
follow-up visit?
A) Height, weight, and motor skills
B) Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
C) Vision, hearing, and speech patterns
D) Liver enzymes, BUN, and Creatinine
E) Sleep patterns, appetite, and mood
Correct Answer: A) Height, weight, and motor skills
Rationale: Somatropin is used to treat growth hormone deficiency. The nurse must monitor
linear growth (height) and weight gain to assess efficacy. Additionally, since growth
hormone affects muscle and bone development, monitoring motor skills ensures the child is
progressing through developmental milestones appropriately.
Question 12
A patient with diabetes insipidus is taking desmopressin. Which questions should the nurse ask
QUESTIONS/ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS/GRADE A+
ASSURED
VERSION 1
Question 1
What are the possible adverse effects of octreotide?
A) Hypercalciuria, constipation, and bradycardia
B) Malaise, dyspnea, and arthralgia
C) Weight gain, hypertension, and blurred vision
D) Increased appetite, insomnia, and tachycardia
E) Tinnitus, urinary retention, and dry mouth
Correct Answer: B) Malaise, dyspnea, and arthralgia
Rationale: Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin used to treat symptoms of carcinoid
tumors and acromegaly. Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, malaise (a
general feeling of discomfort), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and arthralgia (joint pain).
Hypercalciuria is not a typical adverse effect of octreotide, though it can affect gallbladder
function and glucose levels.
Question 2
Which baseline measurements does the nurse obtain before administering pituitary hormones?
A) Weight, BP, and blood glucose levels
B) Height, heart rate, and liver enzyme levels
C) Renal function, bowel sounds, and temperature
D) Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and AST/ALT
E) Muscle strength, pupillary response, and sodium levels
Correct Answer: A) Weight, BP, and blood glucose levels
Rationale: Pituitary hormones can significantly impact fluid balance and metabolism.
Somatropin can affect blood glucose (leading to hyperglycemia), and medications like
vasopressin or desmopressin affect fluid retention, which is monitored via blood pressure
and daily weights. These baselines are essential to evaluate the therapeutic or adverse
effects of treatment.
Question 3
Which function of somatropin is therapeutic for a patient who has human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV)?
A) Decreases growth of opportunistic infections
B) Reduces fat levels in the blood
C) Reduces weight loss and treats cachexia
D) Decreases fluid retention in the extremities
E) Increases the CD4+ T-cell count
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Reduces weight loss
Rationale: Somatropin (growth hormone) has anabolic effects that promote protein
synthesis and tissue building. In patients with HIV-associated wasting or cachexia, it is used
therapeutically to increase lean body mass and reduce the severe weight loss associated
with the progression of the disease.
Question 4
Which history of symptoms and conditions will the nurse evaluate before administering
desmopressin to prevent complications?
A) Seizure, asthma, and cardiovascular disease
B) Diabetes Mellitus, gout, and arthritis
C) Glaucoma, hypertension, and osteoporosis
D) Liver failure, depression, and GERD
E) Hypothyroidism, peptic ulcer, and obesity
Correct Answer: A) Seizure, asthma, and cardiovascular disease
Rationale: Desmopressin can cause water intoxication and hyponatremia, which can trigger
seizures. Its vasoconstrictive properties (though milder than vasopressin) mean it must be
used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, some preparations
can trigger bronchoconstriction, requiring caution in asthmatic patients.
Question 5
A child diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency is receiving somatropin but does not show
improvement in linear growth. Which medication may be the reason for this lack of
improvement?
A) Cyclosporine
B) Ciprofloxacin
C) Fludrocortisone
D) Glucocorticoids
Correct Answer: D) Glucocorticoids
Rationale: Glucocorticoid therapy (like prednisone) can antagonize the growth-promoting
effects of somatropin. High-dose or long-term steroid use in children can lead to premature
closure of the epiphyses or simply inhibit the action of growth hormone, resulting in
therapeutic failure for height increase.
Question 6
A patient who has cancer is prescribed octreotide. Which condition is this medication intended to
treat in this specific context?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperglycemia
, 3
D) Orthostatic hypotension
E) Chronic constipation
Correct Answer: D) Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: While octreotide is famous for treating secretory diarrhea, it is also used off-label
or in specific oncology settings to manage orthostatic hypotension. It works by inhibiting
the release of vasodilatory peptides, thereby helping to maintain blood pressure in patients
with autonomic failure or certain paraneoplastic syndromes.
Question 7
A patient with vasodilatory shock has persisting orthostatic hypotension even after medication.
Which drug combination does the nurse expect is causing this persistence?
A) Vasopressin and carbamazepine
B) Somatropin and glucocorticoids
C) Vasopressin and demeclocycline
D) Desmopressin and carbamazepine
E) Octreotide and lisinopril
Correct Answer: C) Vasopressin and demeclocycline
Rationale: Demeclocycline is an antibiotic that also acts as an ADH antagonist (often used to
treat SIADH). When a patient is receiving vasopressin (an ADH analogue) for shock, the
administration of demeclocycline will block the effects of the vasopressin on the renal
tubules, leading to persistent hypotension and a lack of therapeutic response.
Question 8
A patient with mild diabetes insipidus is prescribed vasopressin intranasal aqueous preparation.
Which patient instruction does the nurse provide?
A) Dilute the drug with normal saline before administering
B) Shake the drug preparation vigorously for 30 seconds
C) Inhale the drug preparation deeply by spraying into nostrils
D) Apply the drug preparation topically to the nasal membranes
E) Administer only when the patient is in a supine position
Correct Answer: D) "Apply the drug preparation topically to the nasal membranes."
Rationale: For the intranasal aqueous form of vasopressin, the goal is absorption through
the vascular nasal mucosa. Patients are instructed to apply the medication topically rather
than inhaling it deeply into the lungs (which would be the technique for an asthma inhaler).
Question 9
Which action of a patient using an intranasal desmopressin nasal pump requires correction?
A) Priming the nasal pump once a week
B) Pressing the pump once to spray a 10mcg dose
, 4
C) Pressing down on the pump twice to prime it
D) Replacing the cap on the pump after the procedure
E) Storing the bottle in an upright position
Correct Answer: C) Pressing down on the pump twice to prime it
Rationale: Standard desmopressin nasal pumps require priming by pressing down four
times (not two) to ensure the internal mechanism is filled and the subsequent spray delivers
the precise 10mcg dose. Priming once a week thereafter is usually sufficient to maintain the
pump's accuracy.
Question 10
A patient with diabetes insipidus is receiving intravenous (IV) vasopressin. Which is the best
nursing action to promote safe drug administration?
A) Make a note of the total fluid intake
B) Assess for signs of dehydration
C) Watch the IV site closely for infiltration
D) Measure the patient's urine output hourly
E) Check the patient's temperature every 4 hours
Correct Answer: C) Watch the IV site closely for infiltration
Rationale: Vasopressin is a powerful vasoconstrictor. If the IV line infiltrates and the
medication enters the surrounding tissue (extravasation), it can cause localized
vasoconstriction so severe that it leads to tissue necrosis and gangrene. While monitoring
intake and output is important for efficacy, site monitoring is the priority for safety.
Question 11
A pediatric patient is prescribed somatropin. Which parameters will the nurse monitor during the
follow-up visit?
A) Height, weight, and motor skills
B) Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
C) Vision, hearing, and speech patterns
D) Liver enzymes, BUN, and Creatinine
E) Sleep patterns, appetite, and mood
Correct Answer: A) Height, weight, and motor skills
Rationale: Somatropin is used to treat growth hormone deficiency. The nurse must monitor
linear growth (height) and weight gain to assess efficacy. Additionally, since growth
hormone affects muscle and bone development, monitoring motor skills ensures the child is
progressing through developmental milestones appropriately.
Question 12
A patient with diabetes insipidus is taking desmopressin. Which questions should the nurse ask
