BIO 290 Exam 3 Actual Exam V2 | BIO 290 Pharmacology (BIO290
Exam 3) | Joyce University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer Metformin to a patient with Type 2 Diabetes. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize checking before administration?
A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Serum amylase and lipase
C. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. Serum potassium levels
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis if
renal function is impaired. The nurse must monitor GFR or Creatinine levels to ensure the
patient can safely clear the medication. If the GFR is below 30 mL/min, the medication is
generally contraindicated.
2. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro for mealtime coverage. How long before eating should
the patient administer this medication?
A. 30 to 45 minutes
B. 60 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 15 minutes
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. It should be administered immediately before or right after a meal to prevent
hypoglycemia. Patients must ensure that their meal is present and ready to be consumed
before injection.
3. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking Alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk to increase absorption.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed.
D. Chew the tablet thoroughly to ensure rapid action.
Answer: B
,Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that carries a high risk of esophageal irritation
and ulceration. Remaining upright and taking the drug with a full glass of plain water helps
the medication pass quickly into the stomach. Patients should not consume any food or
other medications for at least 30 minutes following administration.
4. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is taking Levodopa/Carbidopa. What is the primary
purpose of the Carbidopa component?
A. To directly stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.
B. To prevent the peripheral breakdown of levodopa.
C. To cross the blood-brain barrier and increase serotonin.
D. To decrease the production of acetylcholine in the basal ganglia.
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa has no therapeutic effect on its own but inhibits the enzyme dopa-
decarboxylase in the periphery. This ensures that more levodopa reaches the brain before
being converted to dopamine. By preventing peripheral conversion, carbidopa also reduces
systemic side effects like nausea and tachycardia.
5. A patient is being treated for hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine. Which assessment
finding suggests the dose is too high?
A. Bradycardia and cold intolerance
B. Weight gain and lethargy
C. Tachycardia and insomnia
D. Constipation and dry skin
Answer: C
Rationale: Excessive doses of Levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism,
such as a rapid heart rate and difficulty sleeping. Patients should be taught to monitor their
pulse and report palpitations to their healthcare provider. The medication mimics
endogenous thyroid hormone, so overdose results in a hypermetabolic state.
6. A patient with a history of heart disease is experiencing a migraine. Why is Sumatriptan
contraindicated for this patient?
A. It causes systemic vasoconstriction.
B. It causes significant bradycardia.
C. It increases the risk of gastric bleeding.
D. It causes profound respiratory depression.
Answer: A
, Rationale: Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that works by constricting
intracranial blood vessels. However, it can also cause coronary vasospasm and systemic
vasoconstriction. Therefore, it is strictly contraindicated in patients with coronary artery
disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
7. A nurse is monitoring a patient taking Phenytoin for tonic-clonic seizures. Which side effect
is commonly associated with long-term use of this drug?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Urinary retention
C. Excessive salivation
D. Weight loss
Answer: A
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of the gums, is a well-known side effect of
long-term Phenytoin therapy. Patients should be encouraged to maintain meticulous oral
hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. The nurse should also monitor the serum
therapeutic range, which is typically 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
8. A patient is prescribed Sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to take this medication?
A. One hour before meals and at bedtime.
B. With a large meal to prevent GI upset.
C. Immediately following a meal.
D. Only when symptoms of heartburn occur.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick, paste-like
substance that coats the ulcer site. It requires an acidic environment to activate and must
be present before food enters the stomach. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the
protective barrier is established to prevent further irritation by food and acid.
9. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. If IV
access is unavailable, which medication should be administered?
A. Regular insulin
B. Metformin
C. Glucagon
D. Acarbose
Answer: C
Exam 3) | Joyce University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer Metformin to a patient with Type 2 Diabetes. Which
laboratory value should the nurse prioritize checking before administration?
A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Serum amylase and lipase
C. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. Serum potassium levels
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can cause lactic acidosis if
renal function is impaired. The nurse must monitor GFR or Creatinine levels to ensure the
patient can safely clear the medication. If the GFR is below 30 mL/min, the medication is
generally contraindicated.
2. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro for mealtime coverage. How long before eating should
the patient administer this medication?
A. 30 to 45 minutes
B. 60 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 15 minutes
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. It should be administered immediately before or right after a meal to prevent
hypoglycemia. Patients must ensure that their meal is present and ready to be consumed
before injection.
3. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking Alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk to increase absorption.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed.
D. Chew the tablet thoroughly to ensure rapid action.
Answer: B
,Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that carries a high risk of esophageal irritation
and ulceration. Remaining upright and taking the drug with a full glass of plain water helps
the medication pass quickly into the stomach. Patients should not consume any food or
other medications for at least 30 minutes following administration.
4. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is taking Levodopa/Carbidopa. What is the primary
purpose of the Carbidopa component?
A. To directly stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.
B. To prevent the peripheral breakdown of levodopa.
C. To cross the blood-brain barrier and increase serotonin.
D. To decrease the production of acetylcholine in the basal ganglia.
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa has no therapeutic effect on its own but inhibits the enzyme dopa-
decarboxylase in the periphery. This ensures that more levodopa reaches the brain before
being converted to dopamine. By preventing peripheral conversion, carbidopa also reduces
systemic side effects like nausea and tachycardia.
5. A patient is being treated for hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine. Which assessment
finding suggests the dose is too high?
A. Bradycardia and cold intolerance
B. Weight gain and lethargy
C. Tachycardia and insomnia
D. Constipation and dry skin
Answer: C
Rationale: Excessive doses of Levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism,
such as a rapid heart rate and difficulty sleeping. Patients should be taught to monitor their
pulse and report palpitations to their healthcare provider. The medication mimics
endogenous thyroid hormone, so overdose results in a hypermetabolic state.
6. A patient with a history of heart disease is experiencing a migraine. Why is Sumatriptan
contraindicated for this patient?
A. It causes systemic vasoconstriction.
B. It causes significant bradycardia.
C. It increases the risk of gastric bleeding.
D. It causes profound respiratory depression.
Answer: A
, Rationale: Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that works by constricting
intracranial blood vessels. However, it can also cause coronary vasospasm and systemic
vasoconstriction. Therefore, it is strictly contraindicated in patients with coronary artery
disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
7. A nurse is monitoring a patient taking Phenytoin for tonic-clonic seizures. Which side effect
is commonly associated with long-term use of this drug?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Urinary retention
C. Excessive salivation
D. Weight loss
Answer: A
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of the gums, is a well-known side effect of
long-term Phenytoin therapy. Patients should be encouraged to maintain meticulous oral
hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. The nurse should also monitor the serum
therapeutic range, which is typically 10 to 20 mcg/mL.
8. A patient is prescribed Sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to take this medication?
A. One hour before meals and at bedtime.
B. With a large meal to prevent GI upset.
C. Immediately following a meal.
D. Only when symptoms of heartburn occur.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick, paste-like
substance that coats the ulcer site. It requires an acidic environment to activate and must
be present before food enters the stomach. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the
protective barrier is established to prevent further irritation by food and acid.
9. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. If IV
access is unavailable, which medication should be administered?
A. Regular insulin
B. Metformin
C. Glucagon
D. Acarbose
Answer: C
