BIO 290 Exam 3 Actual Exam V2 | BIO 290 Pharmacology
(BIO290 Exam 3) | Joyce University
Section 1: Endocrine Pharmacology
Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
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.
Question 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
Correct Answer: D. 15 minutes
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking
the dose.
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent the peripheral breakdown of levodopa.
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.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia and insomnia
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: A. It causes systemic vasoconstriction.
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.
Question 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
(BIO290 Exam 3) | Joyce University
Section 1: Endocrine Pharmacology
Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
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.
Question 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
Correct Answer: D. 15 minutes
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking
the dose.
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent the peripheral breakdown of levodopa.
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.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia and insomnia
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.
Question 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.
Correct Answer: A. It causes systemic vasoconstriction.
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.
Question 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
