PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 2 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for after administration?
A. Constipation and dry mouth
B. Bradycardia and fatigue
C. Lethargy and hypotension
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2
receptors. This stimulation can also affect beta-1 receptors in the heart, leading to an
increased heart rate. Patients often report feeling jittery or experiencing fine muscle
tremors after use.
2. When teaching a patient about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin, which instruction is
most important?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve
C. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
,D. Take the medication only after eating a meal
Answer: B
Rationale: Sublingual administration bypasses the first-pass metabolism in the liver by
entering the systemic circulation directly through the oral mucosa. Swallowing the tablet
would render it less effective due to hepatic metabolism. The patient should not eat or
drink until the tablet has completely dissolved.
3. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Occasional dizziness
B. A persistent dry cough
C. Increased urination
D. Mild nausea
Answer: B
Rationale: A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril
caused by the accumulation of bradykinin. While not life-threatening, it often necessitates a
change in medication to an ARB. The nurse must also monitor for angioedema, which is a
rare but severe allergic reaction.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving digoxin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
, B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum chloride
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and
digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. The nurse
should ensure the potassium level is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Low
potassium levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias when taking this medication.
5. A patient is starting warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. Which antidote should the nurse
ensure is readily available?
A. Glucagon
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist for warfarin-induced anticoagulation. It
works by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver that warfarin inhibits. The
nurse should also monitor PT and INR levels to ensure the dose is therapeutic and safe.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for after administration?
A. Constipation and dry mouth
B. Bradycardia and fatigue
C. Lethargy and hypotension
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2
receptors. This stimulation can also affect beta-1 receptors in the heart, leading to an
increased heart rate. Patients often report feeling jittery or experiencing fine muscle
tremors after use.
2. When teaching a patient about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin, which instruction is
most important?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve
C. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
,D. Take the medication only after eating a meal
Answer: B
Rationale: Sublingual administration bypasses the first-pass metabolism in the liver by
entering the systemic circulation directly through the oral mucosa. Swallowing the tablet
would render it less effective due to hepatic metabolism. The patient should not eat or
drink until the tablet has completely dissolved.
3. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Occasional dizziness
B. A persistent dry cough
C. Increased urination
D. Mild nausea
Answer: B
Rationale: A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril
caused by the accumulation of bradykinin. While not life-threatening, it often necessitates a
change in medication to an ARB. The nurse must also monitor for angioedema, which is a
rare but severe allergic reaction.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient receiving digoxin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
, B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum chloride
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and
digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. The nurse
should ensure the potassium level is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Low
potassium levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias when taking this medication.
5. A patient is starting warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. Which antidote should the nurse
ensure is readily available?
A. Glucagon
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist for warfarin-induced anticoagulation. It
works by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver that warfarin inhibits. The
nurse should also monitor PT and INR levels to ensure the dose is therapeutic and safe.
