NUR 2407 EXAM 3 - ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT
|GRADE A –: RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. At what time should
the nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating
C. Only at bedtime with a snack
D. Two hours after the largest meal of the day
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It
must be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. When administering NPH insulin at 0800, at what time is the patient at the highest risk for
a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 0900 to 1000
B. 1000 to 1200
C. 2200 to 0000
,D. 1400 to 2000
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration.
3. Which laboratory value is the most critical for the nurse to monitor in a patient taking
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and Creatinine
D. White Blood Cell Count
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodine-contrast media can cause
acute renal failure and lactic acidosis; renal function must be verified before the drug is
restarted.
4. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which instruction
should the nurse emphasize?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Double the dose if a day is missed to maintain steady levels.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
, D. Stop taking the medication immediately if heart palpitations occur.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food; it should be
taken in the morning on an empty stomach to ensure consistent bioavailability.
5. A patient is receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring for which serious adverse effect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Constipation
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells) is a
rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU, requiring immediate cessation of the drug.
6. A patient is being treated for Cushing’s syndrome symptoms after long-term Prednisone
therapy. The nurse understands the drug must be tapered to prevent what?
A. Thyroid storm
B. Hypoglycemic shock
C. Adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis)
D. Renal calculi
PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT
|GRADE A –: RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. At what time should
the nurse instruct the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Immediately before or within 15 minutes of eating
C. Only at bedtime with a snack
D. Two hours after the largest meal of the day
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It
must be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. When administering NPH insulin at 0800, at what time is the patient at the highest risk for
a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. 0900 to 1000
B. 1000 to 1200
C. 2200 to 0000
,D. 1400 to 2000
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration.
3. Which laboratory value is the most critical for the nurse to monitor in a patient taking
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and Creatinine
D. White Blood Cell Count
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin combined with iodine-contrast media can cause
acute renal failure and lactic acidosis; renal function must be verified before the drug is
restarted.
4. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which instruction
should the nurse emphasize?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk at bedtime.
B. Double the dose if a day is missed to maintain steady levels.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
, D. Stop taking the medication immediately if heart palpitations occur.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food; it should be
taken in the morning on an empty stomach to ensure consistent bioavailability.
5. A patient is receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU) for Graves’ disease. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring for which serious adverse effect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Constipation
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells) is a
rare but life-threatening side effect of PTU, requiring immediate cessation of the drug.
6. A patient is being treated for Cushing’s syndrome symptoms after long-term Prednisone
therapy. The nurse understands the drug must be tapered to prevent what?
A. Thyroid storm
B. Hypoglycemic shock
C. Adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis)
D. Renal calculi
