Exams 1–4) For NU 150 Pharmacology Complete
Exam Bundle | Galen College (PDF)
1. A thiazide diuretic acts on which part of the nephron?
a) Loop of Henle
b) Distal convoluted tubule
c) Proximal tubule
d) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: b) Distal convoluted tubule
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics specifically inhibit the
sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted
tubule. This distinguishes them from loop diuretics, which
act on the ascending loop of Henle .
2. A patient taking furosemide (Lasix) should be
monitored for which electrolyte imbalance?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hypocalcemia
1
,Correct Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that blocks
sodium and potassium reabsorption in the loop of Henle,
leading to excessive potassium loss in the urine
(potassium-wasting) .
3. Which medication is considered a potassium-sparing
diuretic?
a) Hydrochlorothiazide
b) Furosemide
c) Spironolactone
d) Mannitol
Correct Answer: c) Spironolactone
Rationale: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist
that works in the collecting duct to promote sodium and
water excretion while retaining potassium, hence
"potassium-sparing" .
4. A nurse administers spironolactone. Which adverse
effect is specific to this medication?
2
,a) Ototoxicity
b) Gynecomastia
c) Photosensitivity
d) Dry cough
Correct Answer: b) Gynecomastia
Rationale: Spironolactone has anti-androgen effects,
which can lead to gynecomastia (breast enlargement in
men), impotence, and menstrual irregularities. This is not
typical of other diuretics .
5. A patient with a sulfa allergy should avoid which
diuretic?
a) Spironolactone
b) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
c) Mannitol
d) Eplerenone
Correct Answer: b) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics (like HCTZ) and loop
diuretics (like furosemide) are chemically related to
3
, sulfonamides and are contraindicated in patients with a
true sulfa allergy due to the risk of cross-sensitivity .
6. A patient is prescribed HCTZ for hypertension. What
dietary teaching is most important?
a) Increase potassium-rich foods
b) Restrict fluid intake to 1 L/day
c) Increase sodium intake
d) Avoid grapefruit juice
Correct Answer: a) Increase potassium-rich foods
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause hypokalemia
(potassium wasting). Teaching the patient to eat
potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and potatoes
helps prevent this imbalance .
7. Which finding indicates a patient is experiencing an
adverse effect of furosemide?
a) Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
b) Hyperreflexia
4
Exam Bundle | Galen College (PDF)
1. A thiazide diuretic acts on which part of the nephron?
a) Loop of Henle
b) Distal convoluted tubule
c) Proximal tubule
d) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: b) Distal convoluted tubule
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics specifically inhibit the
sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted
tubule. This distinguishes them from loop diuretics, which
act on the ascending loop of Henle .
2. A patient taking furosemide (Lasix) should be
monitored for which electrolyte imbalance?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hypocalcemia
1
,Correct Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that blocks
sodium and potassium reabsorption in the loop of Henle,
leading to excessive potassium loss in the urine
(potassium-wasting) .
3. Which medication is considered a potassium-sparing
diuretic?
a) Hydrochlorothiazide
b) Furosemide
c) Spironolactone
d) Mannitol
Correct Answer: c) Spironolactone
Rationale: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist
that works in the collecting duct to promote sodium and
water excretion while retaining potassium, hence
"potassium-sparing" .
4. A nurse administers spironolactone. Which adverse
effect is specific to this medication?
2
,a) Ototoxicity
b) Gynecomastia
c) Photosensitivity
d) Dry cough
Correct Answer: b) Gynecomastia
Rationale: Spironolactone has anti-androgen effects,
which can lead to gynecomastia (breast enlargement in
men), impotence, and menstrual irregularities. This is not
typical of other diuretics .
5. A patient with a sulfa allergy should avoid which
diuretic?
a) Spironolactone
b) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
c) Mannitol
d) Eplerenone
Correct Answer: b) Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics (like HCTZ) and loop
diuretics (like furosemide) are chemically related to
3
, sulfonamides and are contraindicated in patients with a
true sulfa allergy due to the risk of cross-sensitivity .
6. A patient is prescribed HCTZ for hypertension. What
dietary teaching is most important?
a) Increase potassium-rich foods
b) Restrict fluid intake to 1 L/day
c) Increase sodium intake
d) Avoid grapefruit juice
Correct Answer: a) Increase potassium-rich foods
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause hypokalemia
(potassium wasting). Teaching the patient to eat
potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and potatoes
helps prevent this imbalance .
7. Which finding indicates a patient is experiencing an
adverse effect of furosemide?
a) Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
b) Hyperreflexia
4
