NUR 2407 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT
|GRADE A –: RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
1. A patient is prescribed Lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which serum level would
the nurse recognize as being within the therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
,2. A client taking Phenytoin for seizures reports swelling and bleeding of the gums. Which
action should the nurse prioritize?
A. Advise the client to perform frequent oral hygiene and see a dentist.
B. Suggest the use of a hard-bristle toothbrush to clean the area.
C. Tell the client to stop taking the medication immediately.
D. Increase the dosage to compensate for systemic inflammation.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of Phenytoin.
Meticulous oral hygiene and dental visits can help manage it; the drug should not be
stopped abruptly.
3. Which dietary choice indicates that a patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
(MAOI) understands the necessary restrictions?
A. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
B. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
C. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers
D. Smoked salmon and avocados
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese,
processed meats, wine, fermented products), which can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
Grilled chicken and broccoli are low in tyramine.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed Albuterol and Beclomethasone inhalers. How should
the nurse instruct the patient to use these?
A. Use the Albuterol first, wait 5 minutes, then use Beclomethasone.
B. Mix both medications in the same nebulizer cup.
C. Use the Beclomethasone first, wait 5 minutes, then use Albuterol.
D. Only use Albuterol at night and Beclomethasone in the morning.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The bronchodilator (Albuterol) should be used first to open the
airways, allowing the corticosteroid (Beclomethasone) to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which clinical finding would require the nurse
to hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
C. Apical heart rate of 52 beats per minute
D. Potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT
|GRADE A –: RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
1. A patient is prescribed Lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which serum level would
the nurse recognize as being within the therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
,2. A client taking Phenytoin for seizures reports swelling and bleeding of the gums. Which
action should the nurse prioritize?
A. Advise the client to perform frequent oral hygiene and see a dentist.
B. Suggest the use of a hard-bristle toothbrush to clean the area.
C. Tell the client to stop taking the medication immediately.
D. Increase the dosage to compensate for systemic inflammation.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of Phenytoin.
Meticulous oral hygiene and dental visits can help manage it; the drug should not be
stopped abruptly.
3. Which dietary choice indicates that a patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
(MAOI) understands the necessary restrictions?
A. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
B. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
C. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers
D. Smoked salmon and avocados
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese,
processed meats, wine, fermented products), which can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
Grilled chicken and broccoli are low in tyramine.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed Albuterol and Beclomethasone inhalers. How should
the nurse instruct the patient to use these?
A. Use the Albuterol first, wait 5 minutes, then use Beclomethasone.
B. Mix both medications in the same nebulizer cup.
C. Use the Beclomethasone first, wait 5 minutes, then use Albuterol.
D. Only use Albuterol at night and Beclomethasone in the morning.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The bronchodilator (Albuterol) should be used first to open the
airways, allowing the corticosteroid (Beclomethasone) to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which clinical finding would require the nurse
to hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
C. Apical heart rate of 52 beats per minute
D. Potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
