NURS 251 Module 8 Exam V2 | NURS 251
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. At what time should the nurse
ensure the patient consumes a meal?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after administration
B. Within 15 minutes of administration
C. 2 hours after administration
D. Immediately before the bedtime snack
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. To prevent hypoglycemia, the patient must eat immediately after or within 15
minutes of the injection. This medication is specifically designed to manage postprandial
glucose spikes.
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient newly
prescribed metformin?
A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Serum sodium
,C. Platelet count
D. Serum calcium
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in the
presence of renal impairment. Renal dysfunction increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare
but life-threatening complication. The nurse must monitor the GFR or creatinine clearance
to ensure the patient can safely process the drug.
3. When providing education to a patient starting levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. Discontinue the drug if your heart rate exceeds 100 bpm.
C. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack.
D. Expect symptoms to resolve within 24 hours of the first dose.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best when taken on an empty stomach, at least 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly
interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. Consistency in timing is vital for maintaining
steady thyroid hormone levels.
, 4. A patient taking propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease reports a sore throat and fever.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the provider and prepare for a CBC with differential.
B. Reassure the patient that these are common side effects.
C. Instruct the patient to increase their fluid intake.
D. Advise the patient to take an over-the-counter antipyretic.
Answer: A
Rationale: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of PTU characterized by a
severe reduction in white blood cells. Symptoms such as fever and sore throat are early
indicators of infection due to leukopenia. The provider must be notified immediately to
assess for bone marrow suppression.
5. A patient is prescribed long-term prednisone therapy for an inflammatory condition. Which
dietary modification should the nurse recommend?
A. Decrease intake of protein and vitamin D.
B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
C. Increase intake of sodium to maintain blood pressure.
D. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Answer: B
Module 8 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 8 Exam)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a patient. At what time should the nurse
ensure the patient consumes a meal?
A. 30 to 60 minutes after administration
B. Within 15 minutes of administration
C. 2 hours after administration
D. Immediately before the bedtime snack
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. To prevent hypoglycemia, the patient must eat immediately after or within 15
minutes of the injection. This medication is specifically designed to manage postprandial
glucose spikes.
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient newly
prescribed metformin?
A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Serum sodium
,C. Platelet count
D. Serum calcium
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in the
presence of renal impairment. Renal dysfunction increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare
but life-threatening complication. The nurse must monitor the GFR or creatinine clearance
to ensure the patient can safely process the drug.
3. When providing education to a patient starting levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, which
instruction is most important?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. Discontinue the drug if your heart rate exceeds 100 bpm.
C. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack.
D. Expect symptoms to resolve within 24 hours of the first dose.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best when taken on an empty stomach, at least 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium can significantly
interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. Consistency in timing is vital for maintaining
steady thyroid hormone levels.
, 4. A patient taking propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease reports a sore throat and fever.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Notify the provider and prepare for a CBC with differential.
B. Reassure the patient that these are common side effects.
C. Instruct the patient to increase their fluid intake.
D. Advise the patient to take an over-the-counter antipyretic.
Answer: A
Rationale: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of PTU characterized by a
severe reduction in white blood cells. Symptoms such as fever and sore throat are early
indicators of infection due to leukopenia. The provider must be notified immediately to
assess for bone marrow suppression.
5. A patient is prescribed long-term prednisone therapy for an inflammatory condition. Which
dietary modification should the nurse recommend?
A. Decrease intake of protein and vitamin D.
B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
C. Increase intake of sodium to maintain blood pressure.
D. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Answer: B
