293 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice |
Chamberlain
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed Albuterol for acute bronchospasms. Which side effect
should the nurse instruct the patient to monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia
C. Lethargy
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that stimulates the sympathetic
nervous system to dilate bronchioles. This stimulation often leads to cardiovascular effects
such as palpitations and an increased heart rate. Patients should be educated that tremors
and tachycardia are common but expected adverse effects of this rescue medication.
2. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of a Beclomethasone inhaler. What instruction
is most important to prevent a common local side effect?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
B. Limit fluid intake after using the inhaler.
C. Rinse the mouth with water after each use.
,D. Use the steroid inhaler before the bronchodilator.
Answer: C
Rationale: Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term management of
asthma. Rinsing the mouth after use is critical to prevent the development of
oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush. This practice helps remove any residual
medication that may have deposited on the oral mucosa during inhalation.
3. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving intravenous Theophylline. Which serum drug
level would indicate the patient is at risk for toxicity?
A. 5 mcg/mL
B. 12 mcg/mL
C. 18 mcg/mL
D. 25 mcg/mL
Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for Theophylline is typically narrow, usually between 10
to 20 mcg/mL. A level of 25 mcg/mL is significantly above the therapeutic threshold and
places the patient at high risk for seizures and arrhythmias. The nurse must immediately
notify the provider and monitor for signs of central nervous system stimulation.
4. A patient is prescribed Ipratropium for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Which condition in the patient’s history would require cautious use of this medication?
A. Hypothyroidism
,B. Glaucoma
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that causes bronchodilation by
blocking acetylcholine receptors. Because anticholinergics can increase intraocular
pressure, they must be used cautiously in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. The nurse
should also monitor for other systemic anticholinergic effects like urinary retention or dry
mouth.
5. A patient is starting Montelukast for the maintenance of asthma. When should the nurse
advise the patient to take this medication?
A. Twice daily before meals
B. Once daily in the evening
C. Only during an acute asthma attack
D. Immediately upon waking in the morning
Answer: B
Rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term
prophylaxis of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is typically administered once daily in the
evening to achieve peak efficacy during the night and early morning when asthma
, symptoms often worsen. It is important to emphasize that this drug is not intended for
rescue use during an acute attack.
6. A patient has been taking Omeprazole for several months for GERD. The nurse should
monitor the patient for which long-term complication?
A. Increased bone fracture risk
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Weight gain
D. Thrombocytopenia
Answer: A
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole can interfere with calcium
absorption when used long-term. This reduced absorption increases the risk of
osteoporosis and subsequent hip, wrist, or spine fractures. Nurses should encourage
patients on long-term PPI therapy to maintain adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
7. Which medication acts by neutralizing gastric acid to provide rapid relief of heartburn
symptoms?
A. Famotidine
B. Sucralfate
C. Aluminum Hydroxide
D. Misoprostol