NURS 251 Pharmacology Modules 4–6 Exam Study Guide
(2026–2027) | Portage Learning | ABC Nursing | Geneva
College | Endocrinology, Pulmonology & Infectious Disease
Practice Questions
Overview / Coverage
This comprehensive NURS 251 Pharmacology Modules 4–6 Exam Study Guide is
designed to help students prepare for Portage Learning/Geneva College pharmacology
assessments covering Modules 4, 5, and 6. Based on the published NURS 251 course
outline, these modules focus on Endocrinology, Pulmonology, and Pharmacology of
Infectious Disease.
Module 4 – Endocrinology
Pituitary gland function
Thyroid disorders and medications
Diabetes mellitus pharmacology
Insulin types and administration
Oral antidiabetic medications
Adrenal gland disorders
Hormone replacement therapy
Module 5 – Pulmonology
Asthma medications
Bronchodilators
Corticosteroids
COPD pharmacotherapy
Respiratory drug mechanisms
Inhaler administration
, Pulmonary disease management
Module 6 – Pharmacology of Infectious Disease
Antibiotics and antimicrobial therapy
Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Antifungal medications
Antiviral medications
Drug resistance
Healthcare-associated infections
Infection prevention and treatment principles
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin
therapy. Which statement best explains why insulin administration is necessary?
A. Insulin decreases glucose absorption from the intestine.
B. Insulin replaces the hormone that the pancreas can no longer produce adequately.
C. Insulin prevents glucose formation in the liver completely.
D. Insulin eliminates the need for dietary management.
Answer: B
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes results from destruction of pancreatic beta cells, causing little or
no insulin production. Insulin replacement is essential for glucose regulation.
Question 2
A patient receiving regular insulin asks when the medication will begin lowering blood
glucose levels. Which onset time is most accurate?
A. Immediately after administration
B. Approximately 30 to 60 minutes after injection
C. Twelve hours after administration
D. Twenty-four hours after injection
,Answer: B
Rationale: Regular insulin is short-acting and typically begins working within 30–60
minutes.
Question 3
Which assessment finding is most consistent with hypoglycemia in a patient receiving
insulin therapy?
A. Dry skin and increased thirst
B. Diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion
C. Polyuria and blurred vision
D. Fruity breath odor and dehydration
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly presents with sweating, shakiness, tachycardia,
hunger, and altered mental status.
Question 4
A patient taking metformin should be instructed to report which adverse effect immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Temporary appetite decrease
C. Persistent weakness, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing
D. Mild dry mouth
Answer: C
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious adverse effect
of metformin.
Question 5
Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and plays a major role in regulating
metabolism?
, A. Cortisol
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Thyroxine (T4)
Answer: D
Rationale: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) regulate metabolic activity throughout
the body.
Question 6
A patient prescribed levothyroxine should be instructed to take the medication:
A. With calcium supplements
B. At bedtime with food
C. On an empty stomach, preferably in the morning
D. Immediately after meals
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach and should be taken
consistently.
Question 7
Which assessment finding suggests a patient may be experiencing hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight gain and fatigue
B. Bradycardia and cold intolerance
C. Weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia
D. Constipation and dry skin
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate, causing weight loss, heat intolerance,
and increased heart rate.
Question 8
(2026–2027) | Portage Learning | ABC Nursing | Geneva
College | Endocrinology, Pulmonology & Infectious Disease
Practice Questions
Overview / Coverage
This comprehensive NURS 251 Pharmacology Modules 4–6 Exam Study Guide is
designed to help students prepare for Portage Learning/Geneva College pharmacology
assessments covering Modules 4, 5, and 6. Based on the published NURS 251 course
outline, these modules focus on Endocrinology, Pulmonology, and Pharmacology of
Infectious Disease.
Module 4 – Endocrinology
Pituitary gland function
Thyroid disorders and medications
Diabetes mellitus pharmacology
Insulin types and administration
Oral antidiabetic medications
Adrenal gland disorders
Hormone replacement therapy
Module 5 – Pulmonology
Asthma medications
Bronchodilators
Corticosteroids
COPD pharmacotherapy
Respiratory drug mechanisms
Inhaler administration
, Pulmonary disease management
Module 6 – Pharmacology of Infectious Disease
Antibiotics and antimicrobial therapy
Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Antifungal medications
Antiviral medications
Drug resistance
Healthcare-associated infections
Infection prevention and treatment principles
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin
therapy. Which statement best explains why insulin administration is necessary?
A. Insulin decreases glucose absorption from the intestine.
B. Insulin replaces the hormone that the pancreas can no longer produce adequately.
C. Insulin prevents glucose formation in the liver completely.
D. Insulin eliminates the need for dietary management.
Answer: B
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes results from destruction of pancreatic beta cells, causing little or
no insulin production. Insulin replacement is essential for glucose regulation.
Question 2
A patient receiving regular insulin asks when the medication will begin lowering blood
glucose levels. Which onset time is most accurate?
A. Immediately after administration
B. Approximately 30 to 60 minutes after injection
C. Twelve hours after administration
D. Twenty-four hours after injection
,Answer: B
Rationale: Regular insulin is short-acting and typically begins working within 30–60
minutes.
Question 3
Which assessment finding is most consistent with hypoglycemia in a patient receiving
insulin therapy?
A. Dry skin and increased thirst
B. Diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion
C. Polyuria and blurred vision
D. Fruity breath odor and dehydration
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly presents with sweating, shakiness, tachycardia,
hunger, and altered mental status.
Question 4
A patient taking metformin should be instructed to report which adverse effect immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Temporary appetite decrease
C. Persistent weakness, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing
D. Mild dry mouth
Answer: C
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious adverse effect
of metformin.
Question 5
Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and plays a major role in regulating
metabolism?
, A. Cortisol
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Thyroxine (T4)
Answer: D
Rationale: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) regulate metabolic activity throughout
the body.
Question 6
A patient prescribed levothyroxine should be instructed to take the medication:
A. With calcium supplements
B. At bedtime with food
C. On an empty stomach, preferably in the morning
D. Immediately after meals
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach and should be taken
consistently.
Question 7
Which assessment finding suggests a patient may be experiencing hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight gain and fatigue
B. Bradycardia and cold intolerance
C. Weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia
D. Constipation and dry skin
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate, causing weight loss, heat intolerance,
and increased heart rate.
Question 8
