NURS 251 Module 9 Exam V2 | NURS 251
Module 9 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 9 Exam)
1. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which
administration instruction is most critical for the nurse to provide?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Take the medication only when feeling symptomatic for fatigue.
C. The medication should be taken at bedtime with a glass of milk.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure maximum
absorption. Food and certain minerals can interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. This
medication is a lifelong therapy for primary hypothyroidism and should be taken at the
same time every day.
2. When assessing a patient receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease, which
laboratory result is of greatest concern?
A. Elevated Serum Creatinine
B. Decreased White Blood Cell count (Leukopenia)
,C. Slightly elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Increased Serum Sodium
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis, which is a rare but life-threatening decrease in
white blood cells. Patients should be taught to report any signs of infection, such as fever or
sore throat, immediately. Monitoring the CBC is essential for patients on antithyroid
medications.
3. A nurse is educating a patient about the side effects of Metformin (Glucophage). Which of
the following should be highlighted as a common initial side effect?
A. Weight gain
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Peripheral edema
D. Gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and diarrhea
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects including bloating,
nausea, and diarrhea at the start of therapy. These symptoms often subside over time or
can be managed by taking the medication with food. Unlike sulfonylureas, Metformin does
not typically cause hypoglycemia when used alone.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Which medication in the
patient’s current profile would be a definitive contraindication?
A. Atorvastatin
B. Lisinopril
C. Isosorbide Mononitrate
D. Metformin
Answer: C
Rationale: Sildenafil causes vasodilation and can lead to life-threatening hypotension if
taken with nitrates like Isosorbide Mononitrate or Nitroglycerin. The combination causes
an unsafe drop in blood pressure that may lead to myocardial infarction. Nurses must
screen all ED patients for nitrate use before administering PDE5 inhibitors.
5. Which type of insulin should the nurse expect to administer intravenously to a patient in
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
B. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
C. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
D. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
Answer: C
Module 9 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 9 Exam)
1. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which
administration instruction is most critical for the nurse to provide?
A. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
B. Take the medication only when feeling symptomatic for fatigue.
C. The medication should be taken at bedtime with a glass of milk.
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure maximum
absorption. Food and certain minerals can interfere with the drug’s bioavailability. This
medication is a lifelong therapy for primary hypothyroidism and should be taken at the
same time every day.
2. When assessing a patient receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease, which
laboratory result is of greatest concern?
A. Elevated Serum Creatinine
B. Decreased White Blood Cell count (Leukopenia)
,C. Slightly elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Increased Serum Sodium
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis, which is a rare but life-threatening decrease in
white blood cells. Patients should be taught to report any signs of infection, such as fever or
sore throat, immediately. Monitoring the CBC is essential for patients on antithyroid
medications.
3. A nurse is educating a patient about the side effects of Metformin (Glucophage). Which of
the following should be highlighted as a common initial side effect?
A. Weight gain
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Peripheral edema
D. Gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and diarrhea
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects including bloating,
nausea, and diarrhea at the start of therapy. These symptoms often subside over time or
can be managed by taking the medication with food. Unlike sulfonylureas, Metformin does
not typically cause hypoglycemia when used alone.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Which medication in the
patient’s current profile would be a definitive contraindication?
A. Atorvastatin
B. Lisinopril
C. Isosorbide Mononitrate
D. Metformin
Answer: C
Rationale: Sildenafil causes vasodilation and can lead to life-threatening hypotension if
taken with nitrates like Isosorbide Mononitrate or Nitroglycerin. The combination causes
an unsafe drop in blood pressure that may lead to myocardial infarction. Nurses must
screen all ED patients for nitrate use before administering PDE5 inhibitors.
5. Which type of insulin should the nurse expect to administer intravenously to a patient in
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
B. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
C. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
D. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
Answer: C
