BSN | Exam 5 (Advanced Pharmacology) Questions With
Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A patient is prescribed Lithium for bipolar disorder. Which serum electrolyte should the
nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Calcium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D. Sodium
Explanation: Lithium excretion is closely linked to sodium; hyponatremia can lead to
decreased lithium excretion and subsequent toxicity.
Question 2.
A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) should avoid which of the following
foods?
A. Cottage cheese
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Fresh chicken breast
D. Fresh green beans
Correct Answer: B. Aged cheddar cheese
Explanation: Aged cheeses contain tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when
consumed by patients taking MAOIs.
Question 3.
Which side effect is most characteristic of first-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol?
A. Weight gain
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Explanation: First-generation antipsychotics are highly associated with EPS, including
dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.
, Question 4.
A patient is starting Clozapine. Which laboratory value is a priority to monitor due to
potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Blood Glucose
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Liver Enzymes
Correct Answer: C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, regular monitoring of
the ANC is mandatory.
Question 5.
Which of the following is a classic sign of Serotonin Syndrome in a patient taking an SSRI?
A. Bradycardia
B. Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia
C. Hypotension
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B. Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia
Explanation: Serotonin syndrome typically manifests as mental status changes,
tachycardia, hyperreflexia, and muscle rigidity.
Question 6.
What is the primary mechanism of action of Levothyroxine?
A. Blocks the release of TSH
B. Destroys thyroid tissue
C. Provides synthetic replacement for T4
D. Inhibits thyroid peroxidase
Correct Answer: C. Provides synthetic replacement for T4
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of T4 used for replacement therapy in
hypothyroidism.
Question 7.
A patient is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should educate the patient to
report which symptom immediately?
A. Weight gain
B. Yellowing of the eyes or skin
C. Cold intolerance
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A patient is prescribed Lithium for bipolar disorder. Which serum electrolyte should the
nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Calcium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D. Sodium
Explanation: Lithium excretion is closely linked to sodium; hyponatremia can lead to
decreased lithium excretion and subsequent toxicity.
Question 2.
A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) should avoid which of the following
foods?
A. Cottage cheese
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Fresh chicken breast
D. Fresh green beans
Correct Answer: B. Aged cheddar cheese
Explanation: Aged cheeses contain tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when
consumed by patients taking MAOIs.
Question 3.
Which side effect is most characteristic of first-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol?
A. Weight gain
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Explanation: First-generation antipsychotics are highly associated with EPS, including
dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.
, Question 4.
A patient is starting Clozapine. Which laboratory value is a priority to monitor due to
potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Blood Glucose
B. Serum Creatinine
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Liver Enzymes
Correct Answer: C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, regular monitoring of
the ANC is mandatory.
Question 5.
Which of the following is a classic sign of Serotonin Syndrome in a patient taking an SSRI?
A. Bradycardia
B. Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia
C. Hypotension
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B. Muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia
Explanation: Serotonin syndrome typically manifests as mental status changes,
tachycardia, hyperreflexia, and muscle rigidity.
Question 6.
What is the primary mechanism of action of Levothyroxine?
A. Blocks the release of TSH
B. Destroys thyroid tissue
C. Provides synthetic replacement for T4
D. Inhibits thyroid peroxidase
Correct Answer: C. Provides synthetic replacement for T4
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of T4 used for replacement therapy in
hypothyroidism.
Question 7.
A patient is prescribed Propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should educate the patient to
report which symptom immediately?
A. Weight gain
B. Yellowing of the eyes or skin
C. Cold intolerance
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Yellowing of the eyes or skin
