NUR210 EXAM 4 PHARMACOLOGY
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory
value is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to
monitor the effectiveness and safety of Heparin therapy. PT and INR are used for Warfarin.
2. A patient prescribed Digoxin for heart failure reports blurred vision and seeing yellow-
green halos. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
B. Check the patient’s apical pulse and hold the next dose.
C. Increase dietary intake of potassium.
D. Document the finding as a common side effect.
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Blurred vision and yellow-green halos are classic signs of
Digoxin toxicity. The nurse must check the apical pulse and withhold the medication until
the healthcare provider is notified.
3. Which medication is the antidote for a Benzodiazepine overdose?
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Protamine Sulfate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Flumazenil is the specific reversal agent for benzodiazepine
overdose. Naloxone is for opioids, Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen, and Protamine Sulfate
for heparin.
4. A patient is starting Lisinopril for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Frequent urination
B. A dry, persistent cough
C. Swelling of the face or lips
D. Mild fatigue
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors,
swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema) is a life-threatening emergency that must
be reported immediately.
5. When administering Furosemide (Lasix), which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at
greatest risk for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk.
6. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which of the following should the nurse include in the
discharge teaching?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables to improve clotting.
B. Aspirin is the best choice for headaches while on Warfarin.
C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an electric razor.
D. Skip a dose if you notice minor bruising.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Heparin for a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory
value is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to
monitor the effectiveness and safety of Heparin therapy. PT and INR are used for Warfarin.
2. A patient prescribed Digoxin for heart failure reports blurred vision and seeing yellow-
green halos. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
B. Check the patient’s apical pulse and hold the next dose.
C. Increase dietary intake of potassium.
D. Document the finding as a common side effect.
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Blurred vision and yellow-green halos are classic signs of
Digoxin toxicity. The nurse must check the apical pulse and withhold the medication until
the healthcare provider is notified.
3. Which medication is the antidote for a Benzodiazepine overdose?
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Flumazenil
D. Protamine Sulfate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Flumazenil is the specific reversal agent for benzodiazepine
overdose. Naloxone is for opioids, Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen, and Protamine Sulfate
for heparin.
4. A patient is starting Lisinopril for hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Frequent urination
B. A dry, persistent cough
C. Swelling of the face or lips
D. Mild fatigue
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors,
swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema) is a life-threatening emergency that must
be reported immediately.
5. When administering Furosemide (Lasix), which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at
greatest risk for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk.
6. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which of the following should the nurse include in the
discharge teaching?
A. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables to improve clotting.
B. Aspirin is the best choice for headaches while on Warfarin.
C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an electric razor.
D. Skip a dose if you notice minor bruising.
