NUR 210 PRINCIPLES OF
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 3 STUDY
GUIDE
1. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro for mealtime coverage. Which instruction is most
critical for the nurse to provide to the patient?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before the meal arrives.
B. Monitor for hypoglycemia approximately 4 to 6 hours after administration.
C. Ensure the meal is present and ready to be eaten before injecting.
D. Mix the insulin with Glargine in the same syringe to reduce injections.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15
minutes. To prevent severe hypoglycemia, the patient must eat immediately after
administration.
2. When administering Insulin Glargine to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes, which characteristic
should the nurse recognize as unique to this medication?
A. It has a peak effect occurring at 6 to 8 hours.
B. It provides a steady basal rate of insulin with no peak.
,C. It can be administered intravenously in emergency situations.
D. It should be drawn up before short-acting insulin when mixing.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting (basal) insulin that maintains a
steady blood level for 24 hours without a defined peak, and it cannot be mixed with other
insulins.
3. A patient scheduled for a CT scan with iodinated contrast is taking Metformin. What action
should the nurse take regarding this medication?
A. Increase the dose of Metformin the morning of the procedure.
B. Administer Metformin as scheduled since it does not interact with dye.
C. Administer a bolus of IV fluids and then give the Metformin.
D. Hold Metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodinated contrast media increases
the risk of lactic acidosis and acute renal failure. It should be held for 48 hours post-
procedure until renal function is confirmed.
4. Which assessment finding in a patient taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism would
most likely indicate the dose is too high?
A. Bradycardia and weight gain.
, B. Tachycardia and insomnia.
C. Hypotension and cold intolerance.
D. Constipation and lethargy.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive thyroid hormone replacement (Levothyroxine) results
in symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, and
insomnia.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which laboratory value is most
important to monitor due to potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Serum potassium levels.
B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
D. White blood cell (WBC) count.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PTU can cause agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in WBCs,
which increases the risk of life-threatening infections. Patients should report any sore
throat or fever.
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 3 STUDY
GUIDE
1. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro for mealtime coverage. Which instruction is most
critical for the nurse to provide to the patient?
A. Administer the dose 30 to 60 minutes before the meal arrives.
B. Monitor for hypoglycemia approximately 4 to 6 hours after administration.
C. Ensure the meal is present and ready to be eaten before injecting.
D. Mix the insulin with Glargine in the same syringe to reduce injections.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15
minutes. To prevent severe hypoglycemia, the patient must eat immediately after
administration.
2. When administering Insulin Glargine to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes, which characteristic
should the nurse recognize as unique to this medication?
A. It has a peak effect occurring at 6 to 8 hours.
B. It provides a steady basal rate of insulin with no peak.
,C. It can be administered intravenously in emergency situations.
D. It should be drawn up before short-acting insulin when mixing.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting (basal) insulin that maintains a
steady blood level for 24 hours without a defined peak, and it cannot be mixed with other
insulins.
3. A patient scheduled for a CT scan with iodinated contrast is taking Metformin. What action
should the nurse take regarding this medication?
A. Increase the dose of Metformin the morning of the procedure.
B. Administer Metformin as scheduled since it does not interact with dye.
C. Administer a bolus of IV fluids and then give the Metformin.
D. Hold Metformin 48 hours before and after the procedure.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodinated contrast media increases
the risk of lactic acidosis and acute renal failure. It should be held for 48 hours post-
procedure until renal function is confirmed.
4. Which assessment finding in a patient taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism would
most likely indicate the dose is too high?
A. Bradycardia and weight gain.
, B. Tachycardia and insomnia.
C. Hypotension and cold intolerance.
D. Constipation and lethargy.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive thyroid hormone replacement (Levothyroxine) results
in symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, and
insomnia.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which laboratory value is most
important to monitor due to potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Serum potassium levels.
B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
D. White blood cell (WBC) count.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PTU can cause agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in WBCs,
which increases the risk of life-threatening infections. Patients should report any sore
throat or fever.
