NURS 305 Exam 2 V1 | NURS 305
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer propranolol to a patient. Which pre-assessment finding
would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. History of bronchial asthma
B. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
D. History of hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that blocks both beta-
1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors can lead to significant
bronchoconstriction, which is life-threatening for a patient with a history of asthma or
COPD. The nurse must prioritize respiratory safety and contact the provider for a
cardioselective alternative like metoprolol.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving atropine for symptomatic bradycardia. Which
side effect is most likely to occur?
A. Hypotension and lethargy
B. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
,C. Bradycardia and miosis
D. Dry mouth and urinary retention
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the parasympathetic ‘rest and
digest’ response. Common anticholinergic side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision,
urinary retention, and constipation. These effects occur because the drug inhibits
secretions and slows down smooth muscle activity in the bladder and GI tract.
3. A patient is prescribed albuterol for acute exercise-induced bronchospasm. How should the
nurse instruct the patient to use this medication?
A. Use the inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before exercise
B. Use the inhaler only when a fever is present
C. Take the medication daily on a fixed schedule
D. Use the inhaler only if a cough is productive
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for the immediate relief
or prevention of bronchospasm. For exercise-induced asthma, it is most effective when
administered shortly before physical activity begins. Patients should be taught that this is a
rescue medication, not a long-term controller steroid.
, 4. A patient with heart failure is taking digoxin 0.125 mg daily. The patient reports seeing
yellow-green halos around lights. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the dose of digoxin
B. Administer a potassium supplement
C. Assess for other signs of digoxin toxicity and notify the provider
D. Document the finding as a normal side effect
Answer: C
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos or blurred vision are classic
signs of digoxin toxicity. The nurse must also monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias and
gastrointestinal upset like nausea or vomiting. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, so
laboratory levels and electrolyte balances, particularly potassium, must be checked
immediately.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for furosemide. Which food should
the nurse encourage the patient to consume?
A. Canned soups and processed meats
B. White bread and pasta
C. Bananas and orange juice
D. Licorice root tea
Answer: C
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer propranolol to a patient. Which pre-assessment finding
would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. History of bronchial asthma
B. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
D. History of hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that blocks both beta-
1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors can lead to significant
bronchoconstriction, which is life-threatening for a patient with a history of asthma or
COPD. The nurse must prioritize respiratory safety and contact the provider for a
cardioselective alternative like metoprolol.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving atropine for symptomatic bradycardia. Which
side effect is most likely to occur?
A. Hypotension and lethargy
B. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
,C. Bradycardia and miosis
D. Dry mouth and urinary retention
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the parasympathetic ‘rest and
digest’ response. Common anticholinergic side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision,
urinary retention, and constipation. These effects occur because the drug inhibits
secretions and slows down smooth muscle activity in the bladder and GI tract.
3. A patient is prescribed albuterol for acute exercise-induced bronchospasm. How should the
nurse instruct the patient to use this medication?
A. Use the inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before exercise
B. Use the inhaler only when a fever is present
C. Take the medication daily on a fixed schedule
D. Use the inhaler only if a cough is productive
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for the immediate relief
or prevention of bronchospasm. For exercise-induced asthma, it is most effective when
administered shortly before physical activity begins. Patients should be taught that this is a
rescue medication, not a long-term controller steroid.
, 4. A patient with heart failure is taking digoxin 0.125 mg daily. The patient reports seeing
yellow-green halos around lights. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the dose of digoxin
B. Administer a potassium supplement
C. Assess for other signs of digoxin toxicity and notify the provider
D. Document the finding as a normal side effect
Answer: C
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos or blurred vision are classic
signs of digoxin toxicity. The nurse must also monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias and
gastrointestinal upset like nausea or vomiting. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, so
laboratory levels and electrolyte balances, particularly potassium, must be checked
immediately.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for furosemide. Which food should
the nurse encourage the patient to consume?
A. Canned soups and processed meats
B. White bread and pasta
C. Bananas and orange juice
D. Licorice root tea
Answer: C
