NURS 251 Module 8 Exam V1 | NURS 251
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. Which mechanism of action is primarily responsible for the therapeutic effect of
Metformin?
A. Decreased hepatic glucose production and increased insulin sensitivity
B. Stimulation of pancreatic beta cells to release insulin
C. Delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Inhibition of the SGLT2 transporter in the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is a biguanide that lowers blood glucose by decreasing the amount
of glucose produced by the liver. It also improves insulin sensitivity by increasing
peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. This medication is unique because it does not
typically cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy.
2. When should a patient be instructed to take their prescribed Levothyroxine?
A. Immediately before bed with a snack
B. On an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. With the largest meal of the day
,D. After exercise to maximize metabolic absorption
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is highly dependent on an acidic environment and is
hindered by many foods and minerals. Taking the medication at least 30 to 60 minutes
before breakfast ensures optimal bioavailability. Patients should also avoid taking calcium
or iron supplements within four hours of their thyroid dose.
3. What is the expected onset of action for a rapid-acting insulin such as Insulin Lispro?
A. 5 to 15 minutes
B. 30 to 60 minutes
C. 2 to 4 hours
D. 6 to 10 hours
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulins like Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine have a very quick onset
of action, typically within 15 minutes. Because of this, patients must ensure they have a
meal ready to eat immediately after administration to prevent hypoglycemia. This rapid
onset mimics the natural bolus insulin response of the pancreas to a meal.
4. Which adverse effect is a primary concern for a patient receiving long-term Glucocorticoid
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
, B. Weight loss
C. Osteoporosis
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Long-term use of glucocorticoids like Prednisone leads to increased bone
resorption and decreased bone formation, significantly raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Patients are often prescribed calcium and Vitamin D supplements to mitigate this effect.
Monitoring bone density is a standard part of long-term steroid management.
5. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Glyburide. The nurse knows this medication
belongs to which class?
A. Biguanides
B. Thiazolidinediones
C. Sulfonylureas
D. DPP-4 Inhibitors
Answer: C
Rationale: Glyburide is a second-generation sulfonylurea that works by stimulating the
beta cells in the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Because it increases insulin levels
regardless of blood glucose status, it carries a significant risk of hypoglycemia. It is
generally contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. Which mechanism of action is primarily responsible for the therapeutic effect of
Metformin?
A. Decreased hepatic glucose production and increased insulin sensitivity
B. Stimulation of pancreatic beta cells to release insulin
C. Delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Inhibition of the SGLT2 transporter in the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is a biguanide that lowers blood glucose by decreasing the amount
of glucose produced by the liver. It also improves insulin sensitivity by increasing
peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. This medication is unique because it does not
typically cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy.
2. When should a patient be instructed to take their prescribed Levothyroxine?
A. Immediately before bed with a snack
B. On an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. With the largest meal of the day
,D. After exercise to maximize metabolic absorption
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is highly dependent on an acidic environment and is
hindered by many foods and minerals. Taking the medication at least 30 to 60 minutes
before breakfast ensures optimal bioavailability. Patients should also avoid taking calcium
or iron supplements within four hours of their thyroid dose.
3. What is the expected onset of action for a rapid-acting insulin such as Insulin Lispro?
A. 5 to 15 minutes
B. 30 to 60 minutes
C. 2 to 4 hours
D. 6 to 10 hours
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulins like Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine have a very quick onset
of action, typically within 15 minutes. Because of this, patients must ensure they have a
meal ready to eat immediately after administration to prevent hypoglycemia. This rapid
onset mimics the natural bolus insulin response of the pancreas to a meal.
4. Which adverse effect is a primary concern for a patient receiving long-term Glucocorticoid
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
, B. Weight loss
C. Osteoporosis
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Long-term use of glucocorticoids like Prednisone leads to increased bone
resorption and decreased bone formation, significantly raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Patients are often prescribed calcium and Vitamin D supplements to mitigate this effect.
Monitoring bone density is a standard part of long-term steroid management.
5. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Glyburide. The nurse knows this medication
belongs to which class?
A. Biguanides
B. Thiazolidinediones
C. Sulfonylureas
D. DPP-4 Inhibitors
Answer: C
Rationale: Glyburide is a second-generation sulfonylurea that works by stimulating the
beta cells in the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Because it increases insulin levels
regardless of blood glucose status, it carries a significant risk of hypoglycemia. It is
generally contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
