NURS 180 PHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM 3 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
most significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the sensitivity of the myocardium to
digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity even if digoxin levels are within the
therapeutic range.
2. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for Warfarin?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
B. Interfering with the hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
C. Directly inhibiting thrombin
,D. Activating antithrombin III
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver.
3. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. The nurse should monitor for
which life-threatening adverse effect?
A. Dry, non-productive cough
B. Angioedema
C. Hypokalemia
D. Reflex tachycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is common, angioedema is a rare but life-
threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors due to airway compromise.
4. What is the onset of action for Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
A. 1 to 2 hours
B. 30 to 60 minutes
C. 15 to 30 minutes
D. 4 to 6 hours
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately
15 minutes, requiring the patient to eat shortly after administration.
5. A patient is receiving Vancomycin intravenously. To prevent Red Man Syndrome, the nurse
should:
A. Administer the dose via rapid IV bolus
B. Pre-medicate with Vitamin K
C. Monitor for hyperkalemia during infusion
D. Infuse the medication over at least 60 minutes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction. Infusing
Vancomycin slowly (over 60 minutes or more) prevents the massive histamine release
associated with the syndrome.
6. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Answer: C
EXAM 3 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
most significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the sensitivity of the myocardium to
digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity even if digoxin levels are within the
therapeutic range.
2. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for Warfarin?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
B. Interfering with the hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
C. Directly inhibiting thrombin
,D. Activating antithrombin III
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver.
3. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. The nurse should monitor for
which life-threatening adverse effect?
A. Dry, non-productive cough
B. Angioedema
C. Hypokalemia
D. Reflex tachycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is common, angioedema is a rare but life-
threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors due to airway compromise.
4. What is the onset of action for Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
A. 1 to 2 hours
B. 30 to 60 minutes
C. 15 to 30 minutes
D. 4 to 6 hours
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately
15 minutes, requiring the patient to eat shortly after administration.
5. A patient is receiving Vancomycin intravenously. To prevent Red Man Syndrome, the nurse
should:
A. Administer the dose via rapid IV bolus
B. Pre-medicate with Vitamin K
C. Monitor for hyperkalemia during infusion
D. Infuse the medication over at least 60 minutes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction. Infusing
Vancomycin slowly (over 60 minutes or more) prevents the massive histamine release
associated with the syndrome.
6. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Montelukast
Answer: C
