NSG124 Pharmacology - Exam 3 2026/2027
Comprehensive Review | CNS & Special Topics
| 250+ Verified Q&A | Graded A | Herzing
University
Subtitle: Focused Pharmacotherapeutics & Medication Safety | Exam 3 Scope |
2026/2027 Standards
Herzing University | Department of Nursing | NSG 124 Pharmacology - Exam 3
Instructions: Time: 80 minutes. This exam evaluates pharmacology knowledge for
Exam 3 content. Apply medication safety, pharmacologic principles, and the nursing
process as per 2026/2027 standards. Select the SINGLE BEST answer.
1. A 58-year-old client receiving lisinopril 10 mg daily for hypertension is found to
have a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.0). Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Administer the dose and schedule a follow-up potassium level in one week.
B. Reduce the dose to 5 mg and recheck the level tomorrow.
*C. Hold the lisinopril and notify the provider of the potassium level. <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. Give the dose with a glass of orange juice to promote potassium excretion.
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block aldosterone → potassium retention → hyperkalemia
(>5.5). Level 6.2 is dangerous; hold drug, notify provider, prepare to give
kayexalate/insulin-glucose per order. Distractors delay care or worsen K⁺.
, 2. The nurse is reviewing a new prescription for losartan 50 mg PO daily. Which
pre-administration assessment is essential?
A. Apical pulse for 1 full minute
B. Serum sodium level
*C. Serum creatinine and BUN <-- GRADE A ANSWER
D. Liver enzymes only
Rationale: ARBs (losartan) can reduce renal perfusion; baseline and periodic renal
function labs are required. Hypotension risk exists, but renal status is priority before first
dose.
3. A client on metoprolol 25 mg BID reports waking with “cold hands and feet” and a
heart rate of 48 bpm. The nurse’s first action is to:
A. Reassure the patient that this is expected.
B. Encourage warm fluids.
*C. Hold the next dose and assess vital signs every 15 minutes. <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. Administer the dose and document.
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease HR and peripheral perfusion; HR <50 and symptoms
warrant holding dose and monitoring for excessive bradycardia or hypotension per 2026
AHA/ASA guidelines.
4. Which statement by a client taking amlodipine 5 mg daily indicates
understanding of self-management?
A. “I will take my pulse every day and call if it is below 60.”
B. “I will stop the medicine if I develop ankle swelling.”
*C. “I will rise slowly from lying or sitting to avoid dizziness.” <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. “I should avoid all dairy products while on this drug.”
Rationale: Calcium-channel blockers cause vasodilation → orthostatic hypotension;
teaching includes slow position changes. Peripheral edema is common but doesn’t
require self-discontinuation.
5. Furosemide 40 mg IV is ordered for a patient with +2 pedal edema. Prior to
administration, the nurse should verify which laboratory value?
Comprehensive Review | CNS & Special Topics
| 250+ Verified Q&A | Graded A | Herzing
University
Subtitle: Focused Pharmacotherapeutics & Medication Safety | Exam 3 Scope |
2026/2027 Standards
Herzing University | Department of Nursing | NSG 124 Pharmacology - Exam 3
Instructions: Time: 80 minutes. This exam evaluates pharmacology knowledge for
Exam 3 content. Apply medication safety, pharmacologic principles, and the nursing
process as per 2026/2027 standards. Select the SINGLE BEST answer.
1. A 58-year-old client receiving lisinopril 10 mg daily for hypertension is found to
have a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.0). Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Administer the dose and schedule a follow-up potassium level in one week.
B. Reduce the dose to 5 mg and recheck the level tomorrow.
*C. Hold the lisinopril and notify the provider of the potassium level. <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. Give the dose with a glass of orange juice to promote potassium excretion.
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block aldosterone → potassium retention → hyperkalemia
(>5.5). Level 6.2 is dangerous; hold drug, notify provider, prepare to give
kayexalate/insulin-glucose per order. Distractors delay care or worsen K⁺.
, 2. The nurse is reviewing a new prescription for losartan 50 mg PO daily. Which
pre-administration assessment is essential?
A. Apical pulse for 1 full minute
B. Serum sodium level
*C. Serum creatinine and BUN <-- GRADE A ANSWER
D. Liver enzymes only
Rationale: ARBs (losartan) can reduce renal perfusion; baseline and periodic renal
function labs are required. Hypotension risk exists, but renal status is priority before first
dose.
3. A client on metoprolol 25 mg BID reports waking with “cold hands and feet” and a
heart rate of 48 bpm. The nurse’s first action is to:
A. Reassure the patient that this is expected.
B. Encourage warm fluids.
*C. Hold the next dose and assess vital signs every 15 minutes. <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. Administer the dose and document.
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease HR and peripheral perfusion; HR <50 and symptoms
warrant holding dose and monitoring for excessive bradycardia or hypotension per 2026
AHA/ASA guidelines.
4. Which statement by a client taking amlodipine 5 mg daily indicates
understanding of self-management?
A. “I will take my pulse every day and call if it is below 60.”
B. “I will stop the medicine if I develop ankle swelling.”
*C. “I will rise slowly from lying or sitting to avoid dizziness.” <-- GRADE A
ANSWER
D. “I should avoid all dairy products while on this drug.”
Rationale: Calcium-channel blockers cause vasodilation → orthostatic hypotension;
teaching includes slow position changes. Peripheral edema is common but doesn’t
require self-discontinuation.
5. Furosemide 40 mg IV is ordered for a patient with +2 pedal edema. Prior to
administration, the nurse should verify which laboratory value?
