Nurs 615 Pharm Exam 3 Latest Questions and
Answers (2026) | Updated Comprehensive
Review with Detailed Rationales | A+ Verified
• What lab values should be monitored with gout and why? -✓✓Uric acid, kidney
function (creatinine/BUN), liver enzymes, and CBC to guide therapy and monitor for
adverse effects.
• What patient education should you provide when prescribing colchicine? -✓✓Take
exactly as prescribed, avoid high doses, report GI symptoms or unusual bleeding,
monitor for muscle weakness, avoid grapefruit juice, notify provider of other
medications.
• What are the adverse effects of corticosteroids if administered for six months or more?
-✓✓Long-term use can cause osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, weight gain, hypertension,
cataracts, adrenal suppression, and increased infection risk; patients need to maintain
bone health, monitor blood sugar, and avoid sudden discontinuation.
• Why is it important to taper the corticosteroid? -✓✓Tapering prevents adrenal
insufficiency because the body's adrenal glands may not produce enough cortisol after
long-term steroid use.
• What are the black box warnings on NSAIDs? -✓✓Risk of serious cardiovascular
thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, stroke, and serious GI bleeding, ulceration,
and perforation.
• What are the recommendations in the treatment of pain? -✓✓Use lowest effective
dose for shortest duration, start with non-opioids (acetaminophen, NSAIDs), assess
functional improvement, consider non-pharmacologic therapies.
• What is the mechanism of action of ibuprofen? -✓✓Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2
enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to decrease inflammation, pain, and fever.
• What are the serious side effects associated with acetaminophen? -✓✓Liver toxicity in
high doses; patients should not exceed 3-4 g/day and avoid alcohol; early signs include
nausea, vomiting, sweating, malaise.
• Identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis. Why is it
important to educate patients about these? -✓✓Hypoglycemia: shakiness, sweating,
confusion, palpitations. Hyperglycemia: thirst, frequent urination, fatigue. Ketoacidosis:
nausea, vomiting, fruity breath, rapid breathing. Education prevents acute complications
and promotes early recognition.
Answers (2026) | Updated Comprehensive
Review with Detailed Rationales | A+ Verified
• What lab values should be monitored with gout and why? -✓✓Uric acid, kidney
function (creatinine/BUN), liver enzymes, and CBC to guide therapy and monitor for
adverse effects.
• What patient education should you provide when prescribing colchicine? -✓✓Take
exactly as prescribed, avoid high doses, report GI symptoms or unusual bleeding,
monitor for muscle weakness, avoid grapefruit juice, notify provider of other
medications.
• What are the adverse effects of corticosteroids if administered for six months or more?
-✓✓Long-term use can cause osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, weight gain, hypertension,
cataracts, adrenal suppression, and increased infection risk; patients need to maintain
bone health, monitor blood sugar, and avoid sudden discontinuation.
• Why is it important to taper the corticosteroid? -✓✓Tapering prevents adrenal
insufficiency because the body's adrenal glands may not produce enough cortisol after
long-term steroid use.
• What are the black box warnings on NSAIDs? -✓✓Risk of serious cardiovascular
thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, stroke, and serious GI bleeding, ulceration,
and perforation.
• What are the recommendations in the treatment of pain? -✓✓Use lowest effective
dose for shortest duration, start with non-opioids (acetaminophen, NSAIDs), assess
functional improvement, consider non-pharmacologic therapies.
• What is the mechanism of action of ibuprofen? -✓✓Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2
enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to decrease inflammation, pain, and fever.
• What are the serious side effects associated with acetaminophen? -✓✓Liver toxicity in
high doses; patients should not exceed 3-4 g/day and avoid alcohol; early signs include
nausea, vomiting, sweating, malaise.
• Identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis. Why is it
important to educate patients about these? -✓✓Hypoglycemia: shakiness, sweating,
confusion, palpitations. Hyperglycemia: thirst, frequent urination, fatigue. Ketoacidosis:
nausea, vomiting, fruity breath, rapid breathing. Education prevents acute complications
and promotes early recognition.
