NUR612/NUR612 Exam 3 V2 | Advance
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A 65-year-old patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which of the following
electrolyte imbalances increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium competes
with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. When potassium levels are
low, more digoxin binds to the pump, leading to increased effects and potential toxicity.
Monitoring serum electrolytes is a critical nursing intervention for patients on this
medication.
2. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. By promoting the retention of sodium and water in the kidneys
B. By increasing the heart rate to improve cardiac output
,C. By stimulating the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
D. By blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which
prevents the conversion of Angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
This process results in systemic vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure.
Additionally, it decreases the secretion of aldosterone, leading to reduced sodium and
water retention.
3. A patient is started on Warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory test is used to monitor the
therapeutic effect of this drug?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Rationale: The INR is the standardized measurement used to monitor the effectiveness of
Warfarin therapy. It ensures that the patient’s blood is within the therapeutic range to
prevent both clots and excessive bleeding. Typically, a therapeutic INR range for a patient
on Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0.
, 4. Which of the following is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers like
Amlodipine?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Hearing loss
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: D
Rationale: Peripheral edema is a well-known side effect of dihydropyridine calcium
channel blockers like Amlodipine. This occurs due to preferential arterial vasodilation
which increases capillary hydrostatic pressure. Patients should be monitored for swelling
in the ankles and feet while taking this medication.
5. Metformin (Glucophage) is often the first-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. What is its
primary mechanism of action?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
B. Increasing glucose absorption in the gut
C. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
D. Decreasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Answer: A
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A 65-year-old patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which of the following
electrolyte imbalances increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium competes
with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. When potassium levels are
low, more digoxin binds to the pump, leading to increased effects and potential toxicity.
Monitoring serum electrolytes is a critical nursing intervention for patients on this
medication.
2. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. By promoting the retention of sodium and water in the kidneys
B. By increasing the heart rate to improve cardiac output
,C. By stimulating the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
D. By blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which
prevents the conversion of Angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
This process results in systemic vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure.
Additionally, it decreases the secretion of aldosterone, leading to reduced sodium and
water retention.
3. A patient is started on Warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory test is used to monitor the
therapeutic effect of this drug?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Rationale: The INR is the standardized measurement used to monitor the effectiveness of
Warfarin therapy. It ensures that the patient’s blood is within the therapeutic range to
prevent both clots and excessive bleeding. Typically, a therapeutic INR range for a patient
on Warfarin is between 2.0 and 3.0.
, 4. Which of the following is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers like
Amlodipine?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Hearing loss
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: D
Rationale: Peripheral edema is a well-known side effect of dihydropyridine calcium
channel blockers like Amlodipine. This occurs due to preferential arterial vasodilation
which increases capillary hydrostatic pressure. Patients should be monitored for swelling
in the ankles and feet while taking this medication.
5. Metformin (Glucophage) is often the first-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. What is its
primary mechanism of action?
A. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
B. Increasing glucose absorption in the gut
C. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
D. Decreasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Answer: A
