NSG 124 Exam 3 Actual Exam V1 | NSG 124 Pharmacology (NSG124
Exam 3) | Herzing University PDF
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Only when blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
C. At bedtime with a snack
D. 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal
Answer: D
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action within 15 minutes. It is
critical that the patient eats shortly after administration to prevent sudden hypoglycemia.
Nursing education focuses on ‘meal in sight’ to ensure safety and effectiveness of the
therapy.
2. Which lab value is most critical for the nurse to monitor in a patient taking Metformin
(Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin can interact with iodine-containing contrast media to cause acute
renal failure and lactic acidosis. Serum creatinine should be monitored to ensure adequate
kidney function before and after the procedure. Metformin is typically held for 48 hours
following the use of contrast dye.
3. A nurse is teaching a patient about Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. I should wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast.
C. I will need to have my blood tested regularly to check my levels.
D. If I feel a bit tired, I can take an extra dose to boost my energy.
Answer: D
,Rationale: Levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index, and patients should never
adjust their dose without medical supervision. Taking extra doses can lead to symptoms of
hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations and tremors. Consistency in timing and follow-up lab
work are essential components of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
4. Which of the following medications is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for acute
bronchospasm?
A. Salmeterol (Serevent)
B. Albuterol (Proventil)
C. Tiotropium (Spiriva)
D. Fluticasone (Flovent)
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid relief of
airway constriction. It is the drug of choice for acute asthma attacks or exercise-induced
bronchospasm. Long-acting agonists and corticosteroids are used for maintenance therapy
rather than immediate relief.
5. A patient using a Beclomethasone (QVAR) inhaler should be instructed to perform which
action after each use?
A. Avoid drinking water for at least one hour
B. Check their pulse for 1 full minute
C. Rinse their mouth with water and spit it out
D. Clean the inhaler with soap and hot water
Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can cause localized
immunosuppression in the oral cavity. Rinsing the mouth helps prevent the development of
oropharyngeal candidiasis, commonly known as thrush. This is a vital patient safety
teaching point for all inhaled steroid users.
6. The nurse is preparing to administer Glucagon to a patient. In which clinical situation is this
medication appropriate?
A. A patient with a blood sugar of 300 mg/dL
B. A patient needing long-term glucose control
C. An unconscious patient with severe hypoglycemia
D. A patient with type 2 diabetes before a meal
Answer: C
, Rationale: Glucagon is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the
patient is unable to take oral glucose. It works by stimulating the liver to convert stored
glycogen into glucose. Nursing priority involves monitoring for the return of consciousness
and providing complex carbohydrates once the patient is awake.
7. Which medication acts by forming a protective barrier over a gastric ulcer to promote
healing?
A. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
B. Sucralfate (Carafate)
C. Famotidine (Pepcid)
D. Calcium Carbonate (Tums)
Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that creates a physical ‘bandage’ over an
ulcerated area. It should be taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals and at
bedtime. Because it can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, it should be
administered at least 2 hours apart from other medications.
8. A patient is taking Prednisone for a chronic inflammatory condition. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Weight loss
Answer: B
Rationale: Corticosteroids like prednisone frequently cause an increase in blood glucose
levels through gluconeogenesis. Diabetic patients may require an increase in insulin or oral
hypoglycemic doses while on steroid therapy. Other common side effects include weight
gain, fluid retention, and increased risk of infection.
9. What is the primary mechanism of action for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like
Omeprazole?
A. Neutralizing existing stomach acid
B. Killing H. pylori bacteria directly
C. Stimulating the production of protective mucus
D. Blocking the final step of acid secretion
Answer: D
Exam 3) | Herzing University PDF
1. A patient is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the nurse instruct the
patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Only when blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL
C. At bedtime with a snack
D. 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal
Answer: D
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action within 15 minutes. It is
critical that the patient eats shortly after administration to prevent sudden hypoglycemia.
Nursing education focuses on ‘meal in sight’ to ensure safety and effectiveness of the
therapy.
2. Which lab value is most critical for the nurse to monitor in a patient taking Metformin
(Glucophage) who is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Platelet count
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin can interact with iodine-containing contrast media to cause acute
renal failure and lactic acidosis. Serum creatinine should be monitored to ensure adequate
kidney function before and after the procedure. Metformin is typically held for 48 hours
following the use of contrast dye.
3. A nurse is teaching a patient about Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. I should wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast.
C. I will need to have my blood tested regularly to check my levels.
D. If I feel a bit tired, I can take an extra dose to boost my energy.
Answer: D
,Rationale: Levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index, and patients should never
adjust their dose without medical supervision. Taking extra doses can lead to symptoms of
hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations and tremors. Consistency in timing and follow-up lab
work are essential components of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
4. Which of the following medications is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for acute
bronchospasm?
A. Salmeterol (Serevent)
B. Albuterol (Proventil)
C. Tiotropium (Spiriva)
D. Fluticasone (Flovent)
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid relief of
airway constriction. It is the drug of choice for acute asthma attacks or exercise-induced
bronchospasm. Long-acting agonists and corticosteroids are used for maintenance therapy
rather than immediate relief.
5. A patient using a Beclomethasone (QVAR) inhaler should be instructed to perform which
action after each use?
A. Avoid drinking water for at least one hour
B. Check their pulse for 1 full minute
C. Rinse their mouth with water and spit it out
D. Clean the inhaler with soap and hot water
Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can cause localized
immunosuppression in the oral cavity. Rinsing the mouth helps prevent the development of
oropharyngeal candidiasis, commonly known as thrush. This is a vital patient safety
teaching point for all inhaled steroid users.
6. The nurse is preparing to administer Glucagon to a patient. In which clinical situation is this
medication appropriate?
A. A patient with a blood sugar of 300 mg/dL
B. A patient needing long-term glucose control
C. An unconscious patient with severe hypoglycemia
D. A patient with type 2 diabetes before a meal
Answer: C
, Rationale: Glucagon is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the
patient is unable to take oral glucose. It works by stimulating the liver to convert stored
glycogen into glucose. Nursing priority involves monitoring for the return of consciousness
and providing complex carbohydrates once the patient is awake.
7. Which medication acts by forming a protective barrier over a gastric ulcer to promote
healing?
A. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
B. Sucralfate (Carafate)
C. Famotidine (Pepcid)
D. Calcium Carbonate (Tums)
Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that creates a physical ‘bandage’ over an
ulcerated area. It should be taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals and at
bedtime. Because it can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, it should be
administered at least 2 hours apart from other medications.
8. A patient is taking Prednisone for a chronic inflammatory condition. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Weight loss
Answer: B
Rationale: Corticosteroids like prednisone frequently cause an increase in blood glucose
levels through gluconeogenesis. Diabetic patients may require an increase in insulin or oral
hypoglycemic doses while on steroid therapy. Other common side effects include weight
gain, fluid retention, and increased risk of infection.
9. What is the primary mechanism of action for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like
Omeprazole?
A. Neutralizing existing stomach acid
B. Killing H. pylori bacteria directly
C. Stimulating the production of protective mucus
D. Blocking the final step of acid secretion
Answer: D
