NURS 1150 EXAM 3 – NURSE
PHARMACOLOGY I QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 VERIFIED
1. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which finding should the
nurse identify as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Sudden onset of hypertension
C. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
D. Tachycardia with a heart rate of 110 bpm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset
(nausea, vomiting) and visual changes like yellow-green halos or blurred vision.
Bradycardia is common, not tachycardia.
2. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to expect the peak effect of this medication?
A. 2 to 4 hours after administration
B. 4 to 12 hours after administration
C. 15 to 30 minutes after administration
,D. 30 to 90 minutes after administration
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15-30 minutes
and a peak of 30-90 minutes.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client with a history of DVT. Which
laboratory value must be monitored to ensure the safety and efficacy of the dosage?
A. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored using PT/INR. aPTT is used for
monitoring heparin therapy.
4. A client is prescribed captopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the client to
notify the provider immediately if they develop which common side effect?
A. Weight gain of 2 lbs in 24 hours
B. Increased appetite
C. Orange-colored urine
D. Persistent dry cough
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors like captopril commonly cause a persistent dry
cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin.
5. A patient is receiving heparin via continuous IV infusion. The nurse notes the patient’s aPTT
is 110 seconds (Reference range 30-40 seconds). Which medication should the nurse have
readily available?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist for heparin reversal
in cases of overdose or toxicity.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for angina. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will store the tablets in their original dark glass bottle.
B. I will swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
C. If the first tablet doesn’t work, I’ll take a second one after 5 minutes.
D. I should sit down before taking the medication because it can cause dizziness.
PHARMACOLOGY I QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 VERIFIED
1. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which finding should the
nurse identify as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Sudden onset of hypertension
C. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
D. Tachycardia with a heart rate of 110 bpm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset
(nausea, vomiting) and visual changes like yellow-green halos or blurred vision.
Bradycardia is common, not tachycardia.
2. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to expect the peak effect of this medication?
A. 2 to 4 hours after administration
B. 4 to 12 hours after administration
C. 15 to 30 minutes after administration
,D. 30 to 90 minutes after administration
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15-30 minutes
and a peak of 30-90 minutes.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client with a history of DVT. Which
laboratory value must be monitored to ensure the safety and efficacy of the dosage?
A. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored using PT/INR. aPTT is used for
monitoring heparin therapy.
4. A client is prescribed captopril for hypertension. The nurse should instruct the client to
notify the provider immediately if they develop which common side effect?
A. Weight gain of 2 lbs in 24 hours
B. Increased appetite
C. Orange-colored urine
D. Persistent dry cough
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors like captopril commonly cause a persistent dry
cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin.
5. A patient is receiving heparin via continuous IV infusion. The nurse notes the patient’s aPTT
is 110 seconds (Reference range 30-40 seconds). Which medication should the nurse have
readily available?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist for heparin reversal
in cases of overdose or toxicity.
6. A nurse is teaching a patient about nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for angina. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will store the tablets in their original dark glass bottle.
B. I will swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
C. If the first tablet doesn’t work, I’ll take a second one after 5 minutes.
D. I should sit down before taking the medication because it can cause dizziness.
