NUR612/NUR612 Exam 3 V3 | Advance
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality should
the provider monitor most closely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril block the conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, leading to decreased aldosterone secretion. This reduction in aldosterone
can cause the kidneys to retain potassium rather than excreting it. Regular monitoring of
serum potassium levels is essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with
hyperkalemia.
2. A patient reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights and experiencing nausea. Which
medication is most likely causing these symptoms?
A. Furosemide
B. Digoxin
,C. Amiodarone
D. Warfarin
Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting often precede these visual
changes. Providers must check digoxin levels and electrolytes, specifically potassium, as
hypokalemia can exacerbate toxicity.
3. Which medication is considered the primary antidote for a patient experiencing a life-
threatening hemorrhage while on Warfarin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Idarucizumab
C. Vitamin K
D. Flumazenil
Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting
factors. Administering Vitamin K bypasses this inhibition to restore coagulation function. In
emergency settings, fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate may also be
used alongside Vitamin K.
, 4. When administering intravenous Heparin, which laboratory value is used to adjust the
infusion rate?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: C
Rationale: The aPTT measures the efficacy of the intrinsic and common pathways of
coagulation, which Heparin influences. Standard protocols involve adjusting the heparin
drip rate based on the patient’s aPTT relative to a baseline. Continuous monitoring is
required to maintain the patient within the therapeutic range and minimize bleeding risks.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
beta-blockers would be the safest choice?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Nadolol
D. Carvedilol
Answer: B
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality should
the provider monitor most closely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril block the conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, leading to decreased aldosterone secretion. This reduction in aldosterone
can cause the kidneys to retain potassium rather than excreting it. Regular monitoring of
serum potassium levels is essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with
hyperkalemia.
2. A patient reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights and experiencing nausea. Which
medication is most likely causing these symptoms?
A. Furosemide
B. Digoxin
,C. Amiodarone
D. Warfarin
Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting often precede these visual
changes. Providers must check digoxin levels and electrolytes, specifically potassium, as
hypokalemia can exacerbate toxicity.
3. Which medication is considered the primary antidote for a patient experiencing a life-
threatening hemorrhage while on Warfarin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Idarucizumab
C. Vitamin K
D. Flumazenil
Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting
factors. Administering Vitamin K bypasses this inhibition to restore coagulation function. In
emergency settings, fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate may also be
used alongside Vitamin K.
, 4. When administering intravenous Heparin, which laboratory value is used to adjust the
infusion rate?
A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
D. Platelet count
Answer: C
Rationale: The aPTT measures the efficacy of the intrinsic and common pathways of
coagulation, which Heparin influences. Standard protocols involve adjusting the heparin
drip rate based on the patient’s aPTT relative to a baseline. Continuous monitoring is
required to maintain the patient within the therapeutic range and minimize bleeding risks.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following
beta-blockers would be the safest choice?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Nadolol
D. Carvedilol
Answer: B
