NURS 251 Module 9 Exam V1 | NURS 251
Module 9 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 9 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. At what
time should the nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication in relation to their
meal?
A. 15 minutes before or with the meal
B. Immediately after finishing the meal
C. 30 to 60 minutes before the meal
D. Two hours after the meal is completed
Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. Therefore, it must be administered shortly before eating to ensure the peak action
coincides with the postprandial glucose rise. Administering it too early may lead to early
hypoglycemia, while late administration may cause hyperglycemia.
2. Which of the following laboratory values is the most important for the nurse to monitor in
a patient receiving long-term Metformin (Glucophage) therapy?
A. Serum Creatinine and GFR
,B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Sodium
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal impairment, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. The nurse must monitor serum
creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to ensure safe dosing. If renal function
declines significantly, the medication must be discontinued to prevent life-threatening
complications.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
What is the most critical instruction the nurse should provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
C. Take the medication only when symptoms of fatigue occur.
D. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best achieved when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium can
, interfere with the bioavailability of the drug. Consistency in administration is vital to
maintaining stable thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Diabetes Insipidus.
Which finding would indicate an adverse effect of the medication?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Weight loss of 2 lbs in one week
D. Drowsiness and headache
Answer: D
Rationale: Drowsiness and headache are early signs of water intoxication and
hyponatremia, which are serious adverse effects of Desmopressin. The drug works by
increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which can lead to fluid overload if not
monitored. The nurse must assess for neurological changes and electrolyte imbalances
frequently.
5. Which medication is classified as a Sulfonylurea and works by stimulating the pancreas to
release more insulin?
A. Pioglitazone
B. Acarbose
C. Sitagliptin
Module 9 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 9 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. At what
time should the nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication in relation to their
meal?
A. 15 minutes before or with the meal
B. Immediately after finishing the meal
C. 30 to 60 minutes before the meal
D. Two hours after the meal is completed
Answer: A
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. Therefore, it must be administered shortly before eating to ensure the peak action
coincides with the postprandial glucose rise. Administering it too early may lead to early
hypoglycemia, while late administration may cause hyperglycemia.
2. Which of the following laboratory values is the most important for the nurse to monitor in
a patient receiving long-term Metformin (Glucophage) therapy?
A. Serum Creatinine and GFR
,B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Sodium
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal impairment, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. The nurse must monitor serum
creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to ensure safe dosing. If renal function
declines significantly, the medication must be discontinued to prevent life-threatening
complications.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
What is the most critical instruction the nurse should provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
B. Take the medication at bedtime with a glass of milk.
C. Take the medication only when symptoms of fatigue occur.
D. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best achieved when taken on an empty stomach,
typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and certain minerals like calcium can
, interfere with the bioavailability of the drug. Consistency in administration is vital to
maintaining stable thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Diabetes Insipidus.
Which finding would indicate an adverse effect of the medication?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Weight loss of 2 lbs in one week
D. Drowsiness and headache
Answer: D
Rationale: Drowsiness and headache are early signs of water intoxication and
hyponatremia, which are serious adverse effects of Desmopressin. The drug works by
increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which can lead to fluid overload if not
monitored. The nurse must assess for neurological changes and electrolyte imbalances
frequently.
5. Which medication is classified as a Sulfonylurea and works by stimulating the pancreas to
release more insulin?
A. Pioglitazone
B. Acarbose
C. Sitagliptin
