Pharmacology Exam 3 Practice
Questions
1 A patient has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The nurse
teaches the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which reason?
a To relieve exertional angina
b To prevent palpitations
c To prevent the occurrence of angina
d To stop an episode of angina correct answers c To prevent the occurrence of angina
2 A nurse with adequate knowledge about the administration of intravenous
nitroglycerin will recognize that which statement is correct?
a The intravenous form is given by IV push injection.
b Because the intravenous forms are short-lived, the dosing must be every 2 hours.
c Intravenous nitroglycerin must be protected from exposure to light through use of
special tubing.
d Intravenous nitroglycerin can be given via gravity drip infusions. correct answers c
Intravenous nitroglycerin must be protected from exposure to light through use of
special tubing.
3 Which statement by the patient reflects the need for additional patient education about
the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (Cardizem)?
a "I can take this drug to stop an attack of angina."
b "I understand that food and antacids alter the absorption of this oral drug."
c "When the long-acting forms are taken, the drug cannot be crushed."
d "This drug may cause my blood pressure to drop, so I need to be careful when getting
up." correct answers a "I can take this drug to stop an attack of angina."
4 While assessing a patient with angina who is to start beta blocker therapy, the nurse
is aware that the presence of which condition may be a problem if these drugs are
used?
a Hypertension
b Essential tremors
c Exertional angina
d Asthma correct answers d Asthma
5 A 68-year-old man has been taking the nitrate isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) for 2 years
for angina. He recently has been experiencing erectile dysfunction and wants a
, prescription for sildenafil (Viagra). Which response would the nurse most likely hear
from the prescriber?
a "He will have to be switched to isosorbide mononitrate if he wants to take sildenafil."
b "Taking sildenafil with the nitrate may result in severe hypotension, so a
contraindication exists."
c "I'll write a prescription, but if he uses it, he needs to stop taking the isosorbide for one
dose."
d "These drugs are compatible with each other, and so I'll write a prescription." correct
answers b "Taking sildenafil with the nitrate may result in severe hypotension, so a
contraindication exists."
6 The nurse is reviewing drug interactions with a male patient who has a prescription for
isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) as treatment for angina symptoms. Which substances listed
below could potentially result in a drug interaction? (Select all that apply.)
a A glass of wine
b Thyroid replacement hormone
c tadalafil (Cialis), an erectile dysfunction drug
d metformin (Glucophage), an antidiabetic drug
e carvedilol (Coreg), a beta blocker correct answers a, c, e
a A glass of wine
c tadalafil (Cialis), an erectile dysfunction drug
e carvedilol (Coreg), a beta blocker
7. The order reads, "Give metoprolol (Lopressor) 300 mg/day PO in 2 divided doses."
The tablets are available in 50-mg strength. How many tablets will the patient receive
per dose? correct answers 3 tablets per dose (150 mg per dose)
Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching for a patient with a
transdermal nitroglycerin patch?
A. "Apply the patch to a nonhairy, nonirritated area of the upper torso or arms."
B. "Apply the patch to the same site each day to maintain consistent drug absorption."
C. "If you get a headache, remove the patch for 4 hours and then reapply."
D. "If you get chest pain, apply a second patch right next to the first patch." correct
answers A. "Apply the patch to a nonhairy, nonirritated area of the upper torso or arms."
Correct
A nitroglycerin patch should be applied to a nonhairy, nonirritated area for the best and
most consistent absorption rates. Sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation, and
the drug should be continued if headache occurs because tolerance will develop.
Sublingual nitroglycerin should be used to treat chest pain.
Nitrates relieve angina pain by reducing preload. How would the nurse explain the term
preload to a patient?
A. It is the blood volume within the heart.
Questions
1 A patient has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The nurse
teaches the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which reason?
a To relieve exertional angina
b To prevent palpitations
c To prevent the occurrence of angina
d To stop an episode of angina correct answers c To prevent the occurrence of angina
2 A nurse with adequate knowledge about the administration of intravenous
nitroglycerin will recognize that which statement is correct?
a The intravenous form is given by IV push injection.
b Because the intravenous forms are short-lived, the dosing must be every 2 hours.
c Intravenous nitroglycerin must be protected from exposure to light through use of
special tubing.
d Intravenous nitroglycerin can be given via gravity drip infusions. correct answers c
Intravenous nitroglycerin must be protected from exposure to light through use of
special tubing.
3 Which statement by the patient reflects the need for additional patient education about
the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (Cardizem)?
a "I can take this drug to stop an attack of angina."
b "I understand that food and antacids alter the absorption of this oral drug."
c "When the long-acting forms are taken, the drug cannot be crushed."
d "This drug may cause my blood pressure to drop, so I need to be careful when getting
up." correct answers a "I can take this drug to stop an attack of angina."
4 While assessing a patient with angina who is to start beta blocker therapy, the nurse
is aware that the presence of which condition may be a problem if these drugs are
used?
a Hypertension
b Essential tremors
c Exertional angina
d Asthma correct answers d Asthma
5 A 68-year-old man has been taking the nitrate isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) for 2 years
for angina. He recently has been experiencing erectile dysfunction and wants a
, prescription for sildenafil (Viagra). Which response would the nurse most likely hear
from the prescriber?
a "He will have to be switched to isosorbide mononitrate if he wants to take sildenafil."
b "Taking sildenafil with the nitrate may result in severe hypotension, so a
contraindication exists."
c "I'll write a prescription, but if he uses it, he needs to stop taking the isosorbide for one
dose."
d "These drugs are compatible with each other, and so I'll write a prescription." correct
answers b "Taking sildenafil with the nitrate may result in severe hypotension, so a
contraindication exists."
6 The nurse is reviewing drug interactions with a male patient who has a prescription for
isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) as treatment for angina symptoms. Which substances listed
below could potentially result in a drug interaction? (Select all that apply.)
a A glass of wine
b Thyroid replacement hormone
c tadalafil (Cialis), an erectile dysfunction drug
d metformin (Glucophage), an antidiabetic drug
e carvedilol (Coreg), a beta blocker correct answers a, c, e
a A glass of wine
c tadalafil (Cialis), an erectile dysfunction drug
e carvedilol (Coreg), a beta blocker
7. The order reads, "Give metoprolol (Lopressor) 300 mg/day PO in 2 divided doses."
The tablets are available in 50-mg strength. How many tablets will the patient receive
per dose? correct answers 3 tablets per dose (150 mg per dose)
Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching for a patient with a
transdermal nitroglycerin patch?
A. "Apply the patch to a nonhairy, nonirritated area of the upper torso or arms."
B. "Apply the patch to the same site each day to maintain consistent drug absorption."
C. "If you get a headache, remove the patch for 4 hours and then reapply."
D. "If you get chest pain, apply a second patch right next to the first patch." correct
answers A. "Apply the patch to a nonhairy, nonirritated area of the upper torso or arms."
Correct
A nitroglycerin patch should be applied to a nonhairy, nonirritated area for the best and
most consistent absorption rates. Sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation, and
the drug should be continued if headache occurs because tolerance will develop.
Sublingual nitroglycerin should be used to treat chest pain.
Nitrates relieve angina pain by reducing preload. How would the nurse explain the term
preload to a patient?
A. It is the blood volume within the heart.
