NUR 210 PHARMACOLOGY ADVANCED
EXAM V1–V3 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings
would most likely indicate the development of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increase in heart rate above 100 bpm
B. Elevated blood glucose levels
C. Hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mEq/L)
D. Yellow-green halos around lights
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin toxicity is classically characterized by visual
disturbances, such as yellow or green halos, along with nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
Hypokalemia increases the risk of toxicity, rather than hyperkalemia.
2. A client is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the patient to
report which common side effect that may lead to the discontinuation of the drug?
A. Peripheral edema
,B. Persistent dry cough
C. Constipation
D. Increased appetite
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril prevent the breakdown of
bradykinin in the lungs, which can lead to a persistent, non-productive dry cough in about
10-20% of patients.
3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient starting warfarin therapy. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. ‘I will report any dark, tarry stools to my doctor.’
B. ‘I will use an electric razor for shaving.’
C. ‘I need to have my INR levels checked regularly.’
D. ‘I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to stay healthy.’
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin works by antagonizing Vitamin K. Large increases in
dietary Vitamin K (found in leafy greens) can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Intake
should remain consistent, not suddenly increased.
, 4. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention when administering intravenous
vancomycin?
A. Monitor for high-pitched bowel sounds.
B. Administer a bolus of 500 mL normal saline prior to the infusion.
C. Infuse the medication over at least 60 minutes to prevent Red Man Syndrome.
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid infusion of vancomycin can cause ‘Red Man Syndrome,’ a
histamine release reaction. Slow infusion (minimum 60 minutes) is required to prevent
this.
5. A patient is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push for pulmonary edema. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum calcium
B. Serum sodium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum glucose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause significant potassium loss
in the urine, potentially leading to life-threatening hypokalemia.
EXAM V1–V3 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings
would most likely indicate the development of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increase in heart rate above 100 bpm
B. Elevated blood glucose levels
C. Hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mEq/L)
D. Yellow-green halos around lights
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin toxicity is classically characterized by visual
disturbances, such as yellow or green halos, along with nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
Hypokalemia increases the risk of toxicity, rather than hyperkalemia.
2. A client is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the patient to
report which common side effect that may lead to the discontinuation of the drug?
A. Peripheral edema
,B. Persistent dry cough
C. Constipation
D. Increased appetite
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril prevent the breakdown of
bradykinin in the lungs, which can lead to a persistent, non-productive dry cough in about
10-20% of patients.
3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient starting warfarin therapy. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. ‘I will report any dark, tarry stools to my doctor.’
B. ‘I will use an electric razor for shaving.’
C. ‘I need to have my INR levels checked regularly.’
D. ‘I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to stay healthy.’
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin works by antagonizing Vitamin K. Large increases in
dietary Vitamin K (found in leafy greens) can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Intake
should remain consistent, not suddenly increased.
, 4. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention when administering intravenous
vancomycin?
A. Monitor for high-pitched bowel sounds.
B. Administer a bolus of 500 mL normal saline prior to the infusion.
C. Infuse the medication over at least 60 minutes to prevent Red Man Syndrome.
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid infusion of vancomycin can cause ‘Red Man Syndrome,’ a
histamine release reaction. Slow infusion (minimum 60 minutes) is required to prevent
this.
5. A patient is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push for pulmonary edema. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum calcium
B. Serum sodium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum glucose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause significant potassium loss
in the urine, potentially leading to life-threatening hypokalemia.
