NURS 305 Exam 3 V2 | NURS 305
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving phenytoin for the treatment of seizures. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a common adverse effect of this
medication?
A. Oral candidiasis
B. Tinnitus
C. Urinary retention
D. Gingival hyperplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is
an overgrowth of gum tissue. The nurse should instruct the patient to maintain meticulous
oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly. Additionally, the nurse should monitor for other
side effects such as nystagmus and ataxia which may indicate toxicity.
2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary
mechanism of action for the carbidopa component?
A. It directly stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain.
B. It increases the reuptake of dopamine into the neurons.
,C. It acts as a precursor to serotonin in the CNS.
D. It prevents the peripheral metabolism of levodopa.
Answer: D
Rationale: Carbidopa is a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain
barrier. It prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to
enter the brain where it is converted to dopamine. This combination therapy also reduces
the incidence of peripheral side effects like nausea and vomiting.
3. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Which of the following instructions is most important regarding the patient’s diet?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Follow a low-protein diet to avoid kidney strain.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of sodium.
D. Avoid foods containing tyramine like aged cheese.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium excretion is closely linked to sodium levels in the body; if sodium levels
drop, the kidneys retain lithium, leading to toxicity. Patients must be taught to maintain
consistent salt and fluid intake to keep lithium levels within the therapeutic range. The
nurse should also emphasize the need for regular blood draws to monitor serum lithium
concentrations.
, 4. A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. The nurse should monitor the patient for
which of the following signs of serotonin syndrome?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Hallucinations, diaphoresis, and hyperreflexia
C. Weight gain and urinary retention
D. Constipation and dry mouth
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by
excessive serotonin levels, often occurring when starting or increasing a dose of an SSRI.
Symptoms include mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular
hyperactivity. The nurse must immediately report these symptoms and anticipate the
discontinuation of the medication.
5. A patient who is taking phenelzine, an MAOI, is being educated on dietary restrictions.
Which of the following food choices indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Fresh grilled chicken with steamed broccoli
B. Apple slices with peanut butter
C. Scrambled eggs and white toast
D. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
Answer: D
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving phenytoin for the treatment of seizures. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a common adverse effect of this
medication?
A. Oral candidiasis
B. Tinnitus
C. Urinary retention
D. Gingival hyperplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is
an overgrowth of gum tissue. The nurse should instruct the patient to maintain meticulous
oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly. Additionally, the nurse should monitor for other
side effects such as nystagmus and ataxia which may indicate toxicity.
2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary
mechanism of action for the carbidopa component?
A. It directly stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain.
B. It increases the reuptake of dopamine into the neurons.
,C. It acts as a precursor to serotonin in the CNS.
D. It prevents the peripheral metabolism of levodopa.
Answer: D
Rationale: Carbidopa is a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain
barrier. It prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to
enter the brain where it is converted to dopamine. This combination therapy also reduces
the incidence of peripheral side effects like nausea and vomiting.
3. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Which of the following instructions is most important regarding the patient’s diet?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Follow a low-protein diet to avoid kidney strain.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of sodium.
D. Avoid foods containing tyramine like aged cheese.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium excretion is closely linked to sodium levels in the body; if sodium levels
drop, the kidneys retain lithium, leading to toxicity. Patients must be taught to maintain
consistent salt and fluid intake to keep lithium levels within the therapeutic range. The
nurse should also emphasize the need for regular blood draws to monitor serum lithium
concentrations.
, 4. A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. The nurse should monitor the patient for
which of the following signs of serotonin syndrome?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Hallucinations, diaphoresis, and hyperreflexia
C. Weight gain and urinary retention
D. Constipation and dry mouth
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by
excessive serotonin levels, often occurring when starting or increasing a dose of an SSRI.
Symptoms include mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular
hyperactivity. The nurse must immediately report these symptoms and anticipate the
discontinuation of the medication.
5. A patient who is taking phenelzine, an MAOI, is being educated on dietary restrictions.
Which of the following food choices indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Fresh grilled chicken with steamed broccoli
B. Apple slices with peanut butter
C. Scrambled eggs and white toast
D. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
Answer: D
