NUR 354 Exam 3: Pharmacology II V1 - Arizona College
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which assessment finding is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving Furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Serum sodium levels
C. White blood cell count
D. Platelet count
Ans: A
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with water and
sodium. Hypokalemia is a common and potentially dangerous side effect of this medication. The nurse
must monitor for muscle weakness or cardiac arrhythmias related to low potassium. Electrolyte panels
should be reviewed frequently during therapy. Educating the patient on potassium-rich foods is also a
key nursing intervention.
2. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor?
A. aPTT
B. HgbA1c
C. INR
D. Creatinine
Ans: C
,Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard test used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin. Therapeutic levels are generally between 2.0 and 3.0 for most clinical
indications. If the INR is too high, the patient is at an increased risk for bleeding. Conversely, an INR that
is too low increases the risk of clot formation. The nurse must adjust the dose based on these laboratory
results as ordered.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Albuterol (Proventil)?
A. Decreasing inflammation in the airways
B. Blocking histamine receptors
C. Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle
D. Thinning respiratory secretions
Ans: C
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that acts directly on the lungs. It causes
bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. This medication is primarily used as
a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks. Onset of action is very rapid, providing immediate relief for the
patient. Common side effects include tachycardia and tremors due to its stimulatory properties.
4. Which medication is the antidote for a Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Ans: C
, Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent used for Heparin-induced anticoagulation. It
works by binding to Heparin and forming a stable salt that lacks anticoagulant activity. Nurses must
monitor the patient closely for hypotension during the administration of this antidote. Vitamin K is used
for Warfarin reversal, while Naloxone is for opioids. Quick administration can prevent life-threatening
hemorrhage in emergency situations.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What should the
nurse administer if IV access is unavailable?
A. Oral glucose gel
B. Subcutaneous insulin
C. Regular juice
D. Glucagon IM
Ans: D
Explanation: Glucagon is indicated for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia when the
patient cannot swallow. It stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose for release into the
bloodstream. This medication can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in an outpatient or
inpatient setting. The nurse should place the patient on their side to prevent aspiration if vomiting
occurs. Once the patient is conscious, they should consume complex carbohydrates to maintain glucose
levels.
6. Which education point is most important for a patient starting Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack
B. Stop the medication once energy levels improve
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which assessment finding is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient receiving Furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Serum sodium levels
C. White blood cell count
D. Platelet count
Ans: A
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with water and
sodium. Hypokalemia is a common and potentially dangerous side effect of this medication. The nurse
must monitor for muscle weakness or cardiac arrhythmias related to low potassium. Electrolyte panels
should be reviewed frequently during therapy. Educating the patient on potassium-rich foods is also a
key nursing intervention.
2. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor?
A. aPTT
B. HgbA1c
C. INR
D. Creatinine
Ans: C
,Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard test used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin. Therapeutic levels are generally between 2.0 and 3.0 for most clinical
indications. If the INR is too high, the patient is at an increased risk for bleeding. Conversely, an INR that
is too low increases the risk of clot formation. The nurse must adjust the dose based on these laboratory
results as ordered.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Albuterol (Proventil)?
A. Decreasing inflammation in the airways
B. Blocking histamine receptors
C. Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle
D. Thinning respiratory secretions
Ans: C
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that acts directly on the lungs. It causes
bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. This medication is primarily used as
a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks. Onset of action is very rapid, providing immediate relief for the
patient. Common side effects include tachycardia and tremors due to its stimulatory properties.
4. Which medication is the antidote for a Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Ans: C
, Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent used for Heparin-induced anticoagulation. It
works by binding to Heparin and forming a stable salt that lacks anticoagulant activity. Nurses must
monitor the patient closely for hypotension during the administration of this antidote. Vitamin K is used
for Warfarin reversal, while Naloxone is for opioids. Quick administration can prevent life-threatening
hemorrhage in emergency situations.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What should the
nurse administer if IV access is unavailable?
A. Oral glucose gel
B. Subcutaneous insulin
C. Regular juice
D. Glucagon IM
Ans: D
Explanation: Glucagon is indicated for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia when the
patient cannot swallow. It stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose for release into the
bloodstream. This medication can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in an outpatient or
inpatient setting. The nurse should place the patient on their side to prevent aspiration if vomiting
occurs. Once the patient is conscious, they should consume complex carbohydrates to maintain glucose
levels.
6. Which education point is most important for a patient starting Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium snack
B. Stop the medication once energy levels improve
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
