NURS 305 Exam 2 V2 | NURS 305
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of peripheral edema. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for monitoring before administration?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 15 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that significantly increases the excretion of
potassium, potentially leading to hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the
normal range and warrants holding the medication and notifying the provider. The nurse
must monitor for cardiac arrhythmias that can result from electrolyte imbalances caused
by loop diuretics.
2. The nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin). Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will check my pulse for one full minute before taking this pill.
B. I will call the doctor if I start seeing yellow halos around lights.
,C. I will take this medication with my morning dose of black licorice candy.
D. I will report any new onset of nausea or loss of appetite.
Answer: C
Rationale: Black licorice can cause a decrease in potassium levels, which significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning even
small changes in serum levels or electrolytes can lead to dangerous side effects. The
patient’s understanding of pulse monitoring and toxicity symptoms like visual changes is
correct and crucial for safety.
3. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to adjust the infusion rate?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Answer: D
Rationale: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of unfractionated heparin therapy. The therapeutic range for aPTT is typically 1.5 to
2.5 times the control value. Monitoring this value allows the healthcare provider to ensure
the patient remains in a therapeutic window while minimizing the risk of bleeding.
, 4. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
antihypertensive medications should be avoided?
A. Propranolol
B. Lisinopril
C. Amlodipine
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker that blocks both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can cause bronchoconstriction, which is
dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Selective beta-blockers like Metoprolol are
generally preferred if a beta-blocker is absolutely necessary for a respiratory patient.
5. The nurse is teaching a patient about the administration of sublingual Nitroglycerin for
angina. Which instruction is correct?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
B. Wait 15 minutes between doses if the pain persists.
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely.
D. Stop the medication if you experience a mild headache.
Answer: C
Pharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NURS305 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of peripheral edema. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for monitoring before administration?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 15 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that significantly increases the excretion of
potassium, potentially leading to hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the
normal range and warrants holding the medication and notifying the provider. The nurse
must monitor for cardiac arrhythmias that can result from electrolyte imbalances caused
by loop diuretics.
2. The nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin). Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will check my pulse for one full minute before taking this pill.
B. I will call the doctor if I start seeing yellow halos around lights.
,C. I will take this medication with my morning dose of black licorice candy.
D. I will report any new onset of nausea or loss of appetite.
Answer: C
Rationale: Black licorice can cause a decrease in potassium levels, which significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning even
small changes in serum levels or electrolytes can lead to dangerous side effects. The
patient’s understanding of pulse monitoring and toxicity symptoms like visual changes is
correct and crucial for safety.
3. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to adjust the infusion rate?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Answer: D
Rationale: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of unfractionated heparin therapy. The therapeutic range for aPTT is typically 1.5 to
2.5 times the control value. Monitoring this value allows the healthcare provider to ensure
the patient remains in a therapeutic window while minimizing the risk of bleeding.
, 4. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
antihypertensive medications should be avoided?
A. Propranolol
B. Lisinopril
C. Amlodipine
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker that blocks both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can cause bronchoconstriction, which is
dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Selective beta-blockers like Metoprolol are
generally preferred if a beta-blocker is absolutely necessary for a respiratory patient.
5. The nurse is teaching a patient about the administration of sublingual Nitroglycerin for
angina. Which instruction is correct?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
B. Wait 15 minutes between doses if the pain persists.
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely.
D. Stop the medication if you experience a mild headache.
Answer: C
