NUR210 EXAM 5 V1–V3
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed long-term Prednisone therapy. Which instruction is most critical to
prevent an adrenal crisis?
A. Take the medication with a high-protein meal
B. Increase sodium intake while on the drug
C. Do not stop the medication abruptly
D. Monitor for weight loss weekly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abrupt cessation of glucocorticoids like Prednisone can cause
the adrenal glands, which have suppressed their own production, to fail to meet the body’s
needs, leading to life-threatening adrenal crisis.
2. Which assessment finding should a nurse prioritize in a patient taking Lisinopril for
hypertension?
A. Dry, persistent cough
,B. Increased urinary output
C. Swelling of the tongue and lips
D. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors,
angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and tongue) is a life-threatening adverse effect that
can compromise the airway.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which medication
should the nurse question?
A. Amlodipine
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Propranolol
D. Losartan
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks Beta-2
receptors in the lungs, potentially causing bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.
4. A patient is receiving Spironolactone. Which dietary choice indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. Bananas
, B. Apples
C. White bread
D. Chicken breast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Patients should
avoid high-potassium foods like bananas to prevent hyperkalemia.
5. A nurse is monitoring a patient on Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance most increases the
risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the binding of Digoxin to its pump site,
significantly increasing the risk of toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias.
6. The nurse is reviewing labs for a patient on Heparin. Which value indicates the medication
is therapeutic?
A. PTT of 70 seconds (Baseline: 30)
B. INR of 2.5
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed long-term Prednisone therapy. Which instruction is most critical to
prevent an adrenal crisis?
A. Take the medication with a high-protein meal
B. Increase sodium intake while on the drug
C. Do not stop the medication abruptly
D. Monitor for weight loss weekly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abrupt cessation of glucocorticoids like Prednisone can cause
the adrenal glands, which have suppressed their own production, to fail to meet the body’s
needs, leading to life-threatening adrenal crisis.
2. Which assessment finding should a nurse prioritize in a patient taking Lisinopril for
hypertension?
A. Dry, persistent cough
,B. Increased urinary output
C. Swelling of the tongue and lips
D. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While a dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors,
angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and tongue) is a life-threatening adverse effect that
can compromise the airway.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which medication
should the nurse question?
A. Amlodipine
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Propranolol
D. Losartan
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks Beta-2
receptors in the lungs, potentially causing bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.
4. A patient is receiving Spironolactone. Which dietary choice indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. Bananas
, B. Apples
C. White bread
D. Chicken breast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Patients should
avoid high-potassium foods like bananas to prevent hyperkalemia.
5. A nurse is monitoring a patient on Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance most increases the
risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the binding of Digoxin to its pump site,
significantly increasing the risk of toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias.
6. The nurse is reviewing labs for a patient on Heparin. Which value indicates the medication
is therapeutic?
A. PTT of 70 seconds (Baseline: 30)
B. INR of 2.5
