BIO 290 Exam 3 Actual Exam V1 | BIO 290 Pharmacology (BIO290
Exam 3) | Joyce University
1. A patient is prescribed Omeprazole for the treatment of GERD. Which statement best
describes the mechanism of action of this medication?
A. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system.
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells to reduce acid production.
C. It neutralizes gastric acid already present in the stomach.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: A
Rationale: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by irreversibly inhibiting the
H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells. This action blocks the final
common pathway of acid secretion, providing more potent acid suppression than H2
blockers. Patients should be educated to take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before their
first meal of the day.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro insulin to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. When
should the nurse instruct the patient to eat?
A. Immediately before going to sleep.
B. Exactly 30 to 60 minutes after the injection.
C. Within 15 minutes of the injection.
D. Two hours after the injection has been given.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. Because of this rapid onset, the patient must have food available and consume it
within 15 minutes to prevent hypoglycemia. Administering it too early without food intake
poses a significant safety risk for the patient.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine. Which instruction is essential
for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication at the same time every morning on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
C. Discontinue the medication once symptoms of fatigue improve.
D. Increase intake of calcium-rich foods at the time of dosing.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is highly affected by food and other medications,
particularly those containing minerals like calcium or iron. Taking it on an empty stomach,
usually 30-60 minutes before breakfast, ensures consistent therapeutic levels. The patient
must understand that this is typically a lifelong therapy and should not be stopped
abruptly.
4. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient receiving
Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Prothrombin Time (PT)
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal impairment, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Monitoring the GFR or serum
creatinine is essential to ensure the patient can safely clear the drug. The medication is
typically contraindicated if the GFR falls below 30 mL/min.
5. A patient is taking Phenytoin for seizure control. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor for and report?
A. Excessive weight gain
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Increased urinary frequency
D. Hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, is a common side effect of
long-term Phenytoin use. Patients should be taught the importance of meticulous oral
hygiene and regular dental checkups to manage this condition. Other serious side effects
include skin rashes and neurological symptoms like ataxia if levels become toxic.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about Alendronate for osteoporosis. What instruction should
be emphasized to prevent esophageal ulceration?
A. Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after administration.
B. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Take the medication with a glass of milk.
, D. Take the medication right before bedtime.
Answer: A
Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe esophagitis and
esophageal erosions if it remains in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Patients must
remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes and take the pill with a full glass
of plain water. This ensures the medication passes quickly into the stomach to minimize
irritation.
7. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed Levodopa-Carbidopa. What is the primary
purpose of combining these two drugs?
A. Carbidopa increases the transport of Levodopa across the blood-brain barrier.
B. Levodopa prevents the central side effects of Carbidopa.
C. Carbidopa prevents the peripheral metabolism of Levodopa.
D. The combination prevents the development of vitamin B6 deficiency.
Answer: C
Rationale: Levodopa is converted to dopamine, but most of it is broken down in the
periphery before reaching the brain. Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase in
the periphery, allowing more Levodopa to reach the central nervous system. This
combination reduces peripheral side effects like nausea and allows for a lower dose of
Levodopa.
8. A patient is taking Glucocorticoids for an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following is a
symptom of abrupt withdrawal from this medication?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Weight gain and moon face
C. Fluid volume excess
D. Adrenal insufficiency (Adrenal Crisis)
Answer: D
Rationale: Exogenous glucocorticoids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis, causing the adrenal glands to stop producing natural cortisol. If the medication is
stopped abruptly, the body cannot resume cortisol production immediately, leading to a
life-threatening adrenal crisis. Tapering the dose slowly allows the adrenal glands to regain
their function safely.
9. A patient is prescribed Sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse schedule
the administration of this drug?
A. With meals to enhance absorption.
Exam 3) | Joyce University
1. A patient is prescribed Omeprazole for the treatment of GERD. Which statement best
describes the mechanism of action of this medication?
A. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system.
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells to reduce acid production.
C. It neutralizes gastric acid already present in the stomach.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: A
Rationale: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by irreversibly inhibiting the
H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells. This action blocks the final
common pathway of acid secretion, providing more potent acid suppression than H2
blockers. Patients should be educated to take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before their
first meal of the day.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Lispro insulin to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. When
should the nurse instruct the patient to eat?
A. Immediately before going to sleep.
B. Exactly 30 to 60 minutes after the injection.
C. Within 15 minutes of the injection.
D. Two hours after the injection has been given.
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to 30
minutes. Because of this rapid onset, the patient must have food available and consume it
within 15 minutes to prevent hypoglycemia. Administering it too early without food intake
poses a significant safety risk for the patient.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine. Which instruction is essential
for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication at the same time every morning on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
C. Discontinue the medication once symptoms of fatigue improve.
D. Increase intake of calcium-rich foods at the time of dosing.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is highly affected by food and other medications,
particularly those containing minerals like calcium or iron. Taking it on an empty stomach,
usually 30-60 minutes before breakfast, ensures consistent therapeutic levels. The patient
must understand that this is typically a lifelong therapy and should not be stopped
abruptly.
4. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor in a patient receiving
Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Prothrombin Time (PT)
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal impairment, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Monitoring the GFR or serum
creatinine is essential to ensure the patient can safely clear the drug. The medication is
typically contraindicated if the GFR falls below 30 mL/min.
5. A patient is taking Phenytoin for seizure control. Which adverse effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor for and report?
A. Excessive weight gain
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Increased urinary frequency
D. Hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, is a common side effect of
long-term Phenytoin use. Patients should be taught the importance of meticulous oral
hygiene and regular dental checkups to manage this condition. Other serious side effects
include skin rashes and neurological symptoms like ataxia if levels become toxic.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about Alendronate for osteoporosis. What instruction should
be emphasized to prevent esophageal ulceration?
A. Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after administration.
B. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Take the medication with a glass of milk.
, D. Take the medication right before bedtime.
Answer: A
Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe esophagitis and
esophageal erosions if it remains in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Patients must
remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes and take the pill with a full glass
of plain water. This ensures the medication passes quickly into the stomach to minimize
irritation.
7. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed Levodopa-Carbidopa. What is the primary
purpose of combining these two drugs?
A. Carbidopa increases the transport of Levodopa across the blood-brain barrier.
B. Levodopa prevents the central side effects of Carbidopa.
C. Carbidopa prevents the peripheral metabolism of Levodopa.
D. The combination prevents the development of vitamin B6 deficiency.
Answer: C
Rationale: Levodopa is converted to dopamine, but most of it is broken down in the
periphery before reaching the brain. Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase in
the periphery, allowing more Levodopa to reach the central nervous system. This
combination reduces peripheral side effects like nausea and allows for a lower dose of
Levodopa.
8. A patient is taking Glucocorticoids for an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following is a
symptom of abrupt withdrawal from this medication?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Weight gain and moon face
C. Fluid volume excess
D. Adrenal insufficiency (Adrenal Crisis)
Answer: D
Rationale: Exogenous glucocorticoids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis, causing the adrenal glands to stop producing natural cortisol. If the medication is
stopped abruptly, the body cannot resume cortisol production immediately, leading to a
life-threatening adrenal crisis. Tapering the dose slowly allows the adrenal glands to regain
their function safely.
9. A patient is prescribed Sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse schedule
the administration of this drug?
A. With meals to enhance absorption.
