NURS 180 PHARMACOLOGY WEEK 14
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL PREP QUIZ
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to administer this medication?
A. 15 minutes before or immediately with a meal
B. Immediately after finishing a meal
C. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
D. At bedtime to cover nocturnal glucose spikes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It
must be administered close to mealtime to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which lab value is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving therapeutic
doses of Digoxin?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Calcium
,D. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity because
potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
3. A patient taking Metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast. What action should the nurse take?
A. Ensure the patient takes their Metformin dose before the procedure
B. Increase fluid intake and continue Metformin as usual
C. Hold Metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure
D. Administer an extra dose of Metformin to prevent hyperglycemia from stress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodine contrast media increases the
risk of lactic acidosis and acute renal failure.
4. Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Tiotropium
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
5. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which teaching point
is most important?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
C. Expect symptoms to resolve within 24 hours
D. Stop the medication once energy levels return to normal
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach, typically
30-60 minutes before breakfast.
6. What is the priority assessment for a patient receiving Magnesium Sulfate IV for pre-
eclampsia?
A. Blood pressure and heart rate
B. Bowel sounds and abdominal girth
C. Deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate
D. Serum glucose and ketones
Answer: C
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL PREP QUIZ
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to administer this medication?
A. 15 minutes before or immediately with a meal
B. Immediately after finishing a meal
C. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
D. At bedtime to cover nocturnal glucose spikes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It
must be administered close to mealtime to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which lab value is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving therapeutic
doses of Digoxin?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Calcium
,D. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity because
potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
3. A patient taking Metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast. What action should the nurse take?
A. Ensure the patient takes their Metformin dose before the procedure
B. Increase fluid intake and continue Metformin as usual
C. Hold Metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure
D. Administer an extra dose of Metformin to prevent hyperglycemia from stress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodine contrast media increases the
risk of lactic acidosis and acute renal failure.
4. Which medication is considered the ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Tiotropium
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
5. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which teaching point
is most important?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
C. Expect symptoms to resolve within 24 hours
D. Stop the medication once energy levels return to normal
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach, typically
30-60 minutes before breakfast.
6. What is the priority assessment for a patient receiving Magnesium Sulfate IV for pre-
eclampsia?
A. Blood pressure and heart rate
B. Bowel sounds and abdominal girth
C. Deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate
D. Serum glucose and ketones
Answer: C
