UWM NURS 399 PATHO-PHARM EXAM 1 2026/2027 | STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & EXAM REVIEW
Hemoglobin normal range - ANS ✔✔12-16 g/dL.
What hemoglobin reading do we consider blood transfusion? - ANS ✔✔7-8 g/dL.
What is the hematocrit normal reading? - ANS ✔✔36-48% (hemoglobin reading x3)
WBC normal range - ANS ✔✔5,000-10,000/mm3
Normal platelet count - ANS ✔✔150,000-400,000/mm3
Normal sodium level - ANS ✔✔135-145
Normal chloride level - ANS ✔✔95-105
Normal potassium range - ANS ✔✔3.5-5
What is the critical low level and high for potassium? - ANS ✔✔Low = less than 3. high= greater than 6.
Normal BUN range for any patient? - ANS ✔✔5-20
Normal creatinine level? - ANS ✔✔<1.3
Normal glucose range for patient after fasting 8 hours? - ANS ✔✔70-99
Glucose range for patient that is Pre-diabetic? - ANS ✔✔100-125
Glucose range for a patient that is diabetic? - ANS ✔✔126 and up.
HgA1c normal range? - ANS ✔✔<6.5%
Normal calcium range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔8.5-10.5
Normal Phosphorus range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔3.0-4.5
Normal Magnesium range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔1.5-2.5
Normal Albumin range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔2.5-4.0g/dL
Normal pH range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔7.35-7.45
Normal CO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔35-45
Normal HCO3 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔22-26
,Normal PO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔80-100
Normal SaO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔95% and up
Normal Warfin range for a patient? and for a patient receiving? - ANS ✔✔normal INR, for receiving INR
=2-3
Normal Heparin range for a patient?and for a patient receiving? - ANS ✔✔aPTT normal is 25-40 seconds,
aPTT receiving normal is 50-80.
What is a problematic Uric acid range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔> 6 g/dL (greater than 6)
What is a problematic Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔<500 (anything
less than 500.) is a problem
What can happen is a patients ANC is less than 500? - ANS ✔✔Problems for HIGH infection risk. common
in cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
What is a problematic Erythrocyte sedimentation rate for a patient? - ANS ✔✔>30 (higher than)
What can be guessed if patients Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is higher than 30? - ANS ✔✔They have
inflammation and/or autoimmune conditions.
What is a problematic C-reactive protein range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔<3.0. (less than 3)
What can be guessed if patients C-reactive protein range is less than 3? - ANS ✔✔They have
inflammation and/or autoimmune conditions.
What is a problematic Lactic acid range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔>2 . (greater than 2)
What can be an issue if patients Lactic acid range is more than 2.0? - ANS ✔✔There is a big PROBLEM.
indicates SEPSIS.
Morphine - ANS ✔✔Binds to mu receptors in spine and reduces pain signal transmission to brain
(lessens perceptions of pain)
What is the universal complication of opioids? - ANS ✔✔constipation (meaning, everyone who takes
experiences constipation at some point).
What drugs tend to have "morph" or "cod" or "oxy": codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone
- ANS ✔✔Opioids
Teratogenic drugs: - ANS ✔✔POTENTIAL HARM TO A FETUS (first trimester birth defects most probable).
How teratogenic drugs are classified and explained - ANS ✔✔In categories A, B, C, D, X. A is safest. B up
to D get progressively more dangerous [D is known risk to fetus but benefits may outweigh risks). X is
contraindicated because risk outweighs any potential benefit.
,Thalidomide effects: - ANS ✔✔Was prescribed to women for insomnia/ morning sickness. They then
found it was teratogenic and it was effecting the organs of the fetus. They could tell what time it was
administered by what organ/limb was dysformed 35-37 days after last menstrual period, no ears; 39-41
days, no arms.
Its still used today, it's used for a skin condition and for chemo treatment for non pregnant people.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules. Does schedule I have an accepted medical use? - ANS ✔✔Schedule
one does NOT have medical use. Schedule I- High potential for abuse, severe psychological or physical
dependence. No consensus - accepted medical use.•(HEROIN, LSD, METHAQUALONE, PEYOTE, street
cocaine... (street drugs)).
DEA substance schedules -Does schedule II have medical use? - ANS ✔✔Yes- but is highly addictive and
potential for abuse. Schedule II- High potential for abuse, potentially severe psychological or physical
dependence, considered "dangerous".
•OPIOIDS: hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, hydromorphone, meperidine, oxycodone, fentanyl.
•AMPHETAMINES: methamphetamines, cocaine , Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: highest to lowest danger. - ANS ✔✔Schedules arranged from I to V,
I is the most dangerous and potential for abuse/dependence.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule III drugs - ANS ✔✔Schedule III- Moderate to low
potential for psychological/physical dependence, drug abuse potential lower than schedule II.
•OPIOIDS: Codeine
•ANESTHETIC: ketamine
•MALE SEX HORMONES: Anabolic steroids, testosterone.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule IV drugs - ANS ✔✔low risk for potential abuse and
dependence.
•OPIOIDS: Tramadol, Talwin
•BENZODIAZEPINES: Xanax, Ativan, Soma, Valium
•SEDATIVE: Ambien
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule V drugs - ANS ✔✔Lower potential for abuse or
dependence.
•ANTICONVULSANT/NEUROPATHY: Lyrica
•COUGH PREPARATIONS: Less than 200mg of codeine.
•ANTIDIARRHEALS: Lomofill, Parapectolin, Motofen
Adverse Effect: - ANS ✔✔undesirable experiences linked to use of a drug, usually are harmful or result in
death, NOT anticipated by prescriber, hinders treatment, ex. Alteplase (thrombolytic - busts abnormal
clots in body- risk of hemorrhage) (severe allergic reactions)
Side- effect - ANS ✔✔Effect of a drug that is in addition to the intended effect. Can be therapeutic or
harmful. ANTICIPATED by prescriber, generally doesn't impact main effect of drug. Ex. (Ondansetron
(anti-emetic) sleepiness/sedation). (coughing from taking a drug) (constipation from opioids)
, Mild allergic reaction - ANS ✔✔Hives, rashes, itchy, nasal congestion, tearing, edema. Inflammation in
the body. Histamines released.
Anaphylaxis - ANS ✔✔A SEVERE allergic reaction. causes a massive systemic release of histamines. Can
result in life-threatening shock. Hypotension and Hypoperfusion with a TON of CONSEQUENCES all
stemming from the different organ systems starting to shut-down because they're not receiving enough
blood which means they aren't receiving sufficientoxygen and nutrients to function. (liver, kidneys,
pancreas, gut, brain, skin) Can include the rash, itching, hives but what we really worry about is the ABCs
(airway breathing circulation) à risk for angioedema, wheezing/dyspnea, severe hypotension,
confusion/loss of consciousness r/t hypoperfusion to the brain.
Hypoperfusion - ANS ✔✔low blood flow to the organs. all patients in "shock" have this same problem.
Concerns for anaphylaxis - ANS ✔✔Angioedema, wheezing/dyspnea, severe hypotension, confusion/loss
of consciousness r/t hypo perfusion of the brain.
If you walked into a room and the patient has signs of anaphylaxis, what do you do? - ANS ✔✔STOP the
infusion thats causing the reaction!
ABCS- patient airway and administer oxygen.
Give Epinephrine intramuscularly to counteract the histamine effects. DO NOT DELAY
Maintain BP w saline fluid.
administer adjunctive therapies:
Bronchodilators
Anti-histamines
Cortiocosteroids
Reassess vitals for changes
What do we inject when someone is having an anaphylaxis reaction? - its important to do it right away -
ANS ✔✔Epinephrine-
give intramuscularly, counteracts the histamine effects.
most deaths from the reaction occur because delaying this injection.
Bronchodilators(albuterol) - ANS ✔✔Dilate small airways...
OPENS AIRWAY!
Anti-histamines (diphenhydramine) - ANS ✔✔BLOCKS HISTAMINES. modify hypersensitivity reaction.
Corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) - ANS ✔✔TELLS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CHILL OUT.
Decrease airway inflammation and swelling from the reaction. immune system suppressor.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & EXAM REVIEW
Hemoglobin normal range - ANS ✔✔12-16 g/dL.
What hemoglobin reading do we consider blood transfusion? - ANS ✔✔7-8 g/dL.
What is the hematocrit normal reading? - ANS ✔✔36-48% (hemoglobin reading x3)
WBC normal range - ANS ✔✔5,000-10,000/mm3
Normal platelet count - ANS ✔✔150,000-400,000/mm3
Normal sodium level - ANS ✔✔135-145
Normal chloride level - ANS ✔✔95-105
Normal potassium range - ANS ✔✔3.5-5
What is the critical low level and high for potassium? - ANS ✔✔Low = less than 3. high= greater than 6.
Normal BUN range for any patient? - ANS ✔✔5-20
Normal creatinine level? - ANS ✔✔<1.3
Normal glucose range for patient after fasting 8 hours? - ANS ✔✔70-99
Glucose range for patient that is Pre-diabetic? - ANS ✔✔100-125
Glucose range for a patient that is diabetic? - ANS ✔✔126 and up.
HgA1c normal range? - ANS ✔✔<6.5%
Normal calcium range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔8.5-10.5
Normal Phosphorus range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔3.0-4.5
Normal Magnesium range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔1.5-2.5
Normal Albumin range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔2.5-4.0g/dL
Normal pH range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔7.35-7.45
Normal CO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔35-45
Normal HCO3 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔22-26
,Normal PO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔80-100
Normal SaO2 range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔95% and up
Normal Warfin range for a patient? and for a patient receiving? - ANS ✔✔normal INR, for receiving INR
=2-3
Normal Heparin range for a patient?and for a patient receiving? - ANS ✔✔aPTT normal is 25-40 seconds,
aPTT receiving normal is 50-80.
What is a problematic Uric acid range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔> 6 g/dL (greater than 6)
What is a problematic Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔<500 (anything
less than 500.) is a problem
What can happen is a patients ANC is less than 500? - ANS ✔✔Problems for HIGH infection risk. common
in cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
What is a problematic Erythrocyte sedimentation rate for a patient? - ANS ✔✔>30 (higher than)
What can be guessed if patients Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is higher than 30? - ANS ✔✔They have
inflammation and/or autoimmune conditions.
What is a problematic C-reactive protein range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔<3.0. (less than 3)
What can be guessed if patients C-reactive protein range is less than 3? - ANS ✔✔They have
inflammation and/or autoimmune conditions.
What is a problematic Lactic acid range for a patient? - ANS ✔✔>2 . (greater than 2)
What can be an issue if patients Lactic acid range is more than 2.0? - ANS ✔✔There is a big PROBLEM.
indicates SEPSIS.
Morphine - ANS ✔✔Binds to mu receptors in spine and reduces pain signal transmission to brain
(lessens perceptions of pain)
What is the universal complication of opioids? - ANS ✔✔constipation (meaning, everyone who takes
experiences constipation at some point).
What drugs tend to have "morph" or "cod" or "oxy": codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone
- ANS ✔✔Opioids
Teratogenic drugs: - ANS ✔✔POTENTIAL HARM TO A FETUS (first trimester birth defects most probable).
How teratogenic drugs are classified and explained - ANS ✔✔In categories A, B, C, D, X. A is safest. B up
to D get progressively more dangerous [D is known risk to fetus but benefits may outweigh risks). X is
contraindicated because risk outweighs any potential benefit.
,Thalidomide effects: - ANS ✔✔Was prescribed to women for insomnia/ morning sickness. They then
found it was teratogenic and it was effecting the organs of the fetus. They could tell what time it was
administered by what organ/limb was dysformed 35-37 days after last menstrual period, no ears; 39-41
days, no arms.
Its still used today, it's used for a skin condition and for chemo treatment for non pregnant people.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules. Does schedule I have an accepted medical use? - ANS ✔✔Schedule
one does NOT have medical use. Schedule I- High potential for abuse, severe psychological or physical
dependence. No consensus - accepted medical use.•(HEROIN, LSD, METHAQUALONE, PEYOTE, street
cocaine... (street drugs)).
DEA substance schedules -Does schedule II have medical use? - ANS ✔✔Yes- but is highly addictive and
potential for abuse. Schedule II- High potential for abuse, potentially severe psychological or physical
dependence, considered "dangerous".
•OPIOIDS: hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, hydromorphone, meperidine, oxycodone, fentanyl.
•AMPHETAMINES: methamphetamines, cocaine , Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: highest to lowest danger. - ANS ✔✔Schedules arranged from I to V,
I is the most dangerous and potential for abuse/dependence.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule III drugs - ANS ✔✔Schedule III- Moderate to low
potential for psychological/physical dependence, drug abuse potential lower than schedule II.
•OPIOIDS: Codeine
•ANESTHETIC: ketamine
•MALE SEX HORMONES: Anabolic steroids, testosterone.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule IV drugs - ANS ✔✔low risk for potential abuse and
dependence.
•OPIOIDS: Tramadol, Talwin
•BENZODIAZEPINES: Xanax, Ativan, Soma, Valium
•SEDATIVE: Ambien
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules: schedule V drugs - ANS ✔✔Lower potential for abuse or
dependence.
•ANTICONVULSANT/NEUROPATHY: Lyrica
•COUGH PREPARATIONS: Less than 200mg of codeine.
•ANTIDIARRHEALS: Lomofill, Parapectolin, Motofen
Adverse Effect: - ANS ✔✔undesirable experiences linked to use of a drug, usually are harmful or result in
death, NOT anticipated by prescriber, hinders treatment, ex. Alteplase (thrombolytic - busts abnormal
clots in body- risk of hemorrhage) (severe allergic reactions)
Side- effect - ANS ✔✔Effect of a drug that is in addition to the intended effect. Can be therapeutic or
harmful. ANTICIPATED by prescriber, generally doesn't impact main effect of drug. Ex. (Ondansetron
(anti-emetic) sleepiness/sedation). (coughing from taking a drug) (constipation from opioids)
, Mild allergic reaction - ANS ✔✔Hives, rashes, itchy, nasal congestion, tearing, edema. Inflammation in
the body. Histamines released.
Anaphylaxis - ANS ✔✔A SEVERE allergic reaction. causes a massive systemic release of histamines. Can
result in life-threatening shock. Hypotension and Hypoperfusion with a TON of CONSEQUENCES all
stemming from the different organ systems starting to shut-down because they're not receiving enough
blood which means they aren't receiving sufficientoxygen and nutrients to function. (liver, kidneys,
pancreas, gut, brain, skin) Can include the rash, itching, hives but what we really worry about is the ABCs
(airway breathing circulation) à risk for angioedema, wheezing/dyspnea, severe hypotension,
confusion/loss of consciousness r/t hypoperfusion to the brain.
Hypoperfusion - ANS ✔✔low blood flow to the organs. all patients in "shock" have this same problem.
Concerns for anaphylaxis - ANS ✔✔Angioedema, wheezing/dyspnea, severe hypotension, confusion/loss
of consciousness r/t hypo perfusion of the brain.
If you walked into a room and the patient has signs of anaphylaxis, what do you do? - ANS ✔✔STOP the
infusion thats causing the reaction!
ABCS- patient airway and administer oxygen.
Give Epinephrine intramuscularly to counteract the histamine effects. DO NOT DELAY
Maintain BP w saline fluid.
administer adjunctive therapies:
Bronchodilators
Anti-histamines
Cortiocosteroids
Reassess vitals for changes
What do we inject when someone is having an anaphylaxis reaction? - its important to do it right away -
ANS ✔✔Epinephrine-
give intramuscularly, counteracts the histamine effects.
most deaths from the reaction occur because delaying this injection.
Bronchodilators(albuterol) - ANS ✔✔Dilate small airways...
OPENS AIRWAY!
Anti-histamines (diphenhydramine) - ANS ✔✔BLOCKS HISTAMINES. modify hypersensitivity reaction.
Corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) - ANS ✔✔TELLS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CHILL OUT.
Decrease airway inflammation and swelling from the reaction. immune system suppressor.
