NSG124/NSG 124 Exam 3 V1 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Which action should the nurse take regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Administer the dose within 15 minutes before the client eats.
C. Inject the insulin immediately after the client finishes eating.
D. Ensure the client receives the dose at bedtime regardless of intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes. It must
be administered shortly before meals to ensure the peak action coincides with the
postprandial blood glucose rise. Administering it too early can lead to severe hypoglycemia
before the food is absorbed.
2. A client is prescribed levothyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism. What instructions
should the nurse provide to ensure optimal absorption?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Administer the dose with the largest meal of the day to avoid GI upset.
,D. Mix the crushed tablet with applesauce or pudding for easier swallowing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is most effective when the stomach is empty and the
environment is acidic. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly decrease the
bioavailability of the drug. Taking it consistently in the morning helps maintain stable
thyroid hormone levels throughout the day.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for albuterol and beclomethasone
inhalers. Which instruction is the priority?
A. Use the beclomethasone inhaler first to open the airways.
B. Wait 1 minute between puffs of the same medication.
C. Rinse the mouth with water after using the albuterol inhaler.
D. Use the albuterol inhaler first and wait 5 minutes before using the beclomethasone.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that acts quickly to open the airways, which
facilitates the penetration of the corticosteroid into the lungs. The nurse must instruct the
client to wait approximately 5 minutes between the two different medications to maximize
the efficacy of the second drug. This sequence is standard practice for managing
obstructive pulmonary conditions.
, 4. A client with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which
medication must be withheld for 48 hours following the procedure?
A. Glipizide
B. Metformin
C. Pioglitazone
D. Sitagliptin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin should be held prior to and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast dye. The contrast can cause temporary renal impairment, which
increases the risk of metformin accumulation and subsequent lactic acidosis. Lactic
acidosis is a rare but life-threatening metabolic complication that requires immediate
medical intervention.
5. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client taking propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’
disease. Which finding is the most concerning?
A. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count
B. Increased Serum T4 level
C. Slight increase in blood pressure
D. Decreased Serum T3 level
Correct Answer: A
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Herzing University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Which action should the nurse take regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Administer the dose within 15 minutes before the client eats.
C. Inject the insulin immediately after the client finishes eating.
D. Ensure the client receives the dose at bedtime regardless of intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes. It must
be administered shortly before meals to ensure the peak action coincides with the
postprandial blood glucose rise. Administering it too early can lead to severe hypoglycemia
before the food is absorbed.
2. A client is prescribed levothyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism. What instructions
should the nurse provide to ensure optimal absorption?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Administer the dose with the largest meal of the day to avoid GI upset.
,D. Mix the crushed tablet with applesauce or pudding for easier swallowing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is most effective when the stomach is empty and the
environment is acidic. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly decrease the
bioavailability of the drug. Taking it consistently in the morning helps maintain stable
thyroid hormone levels throughout the day.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for albuterol and beclomethasone
inhalers. Which instruction is the priority?
A. Use the beclomethasone inhaler first to open the airways.
B. Wait 1 minute between puffs of the same medication.
C. Rinse the mouth with water after using the albuterol inhaler.
D. Use the albuterol inhaler first and wait 5 minutes before using the beclomethasone.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that acts quickly to open the airways, which
facilitates the penetration of the corticosteroid into the lungs. The nurse must instruct the
client to wait approximately 5 minutes between the two different medications to maximize
the efficacy of the second drug. This sequence is standard practice for managing
obstructive pulmonary conditions.
, 4. A client with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which
medication must be withheld for 48 hours following the procedure?
A. Glipizide
B. Metformin
C. Pioglitazone
D. Sitagliptin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin should be held prior to and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast dye. The contrast can cause temporary renal impairment, which
increases the risk of metformin accumulation and subsequent lactic acidosis. Lactic
acidosis is a rare but life-threatening metabolic complication that requires immediate
medical intervention.
5. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client taking propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’
disease. Which finding is the most concerning?
A. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count
B. Increased Serum T4 level
C. Slight increase in blood pressure
D. Decreased Serum T3 level
Correct Answer: A
