PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 3 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with acute asthma exacerbation is prescribed Albuterol via nebulizer. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Drowsiness
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 agonist that stimulates the heart’s beta-
1 receptors in addition to the lungs. This stimulation often results in tachycardia,
palpitations, and tremors. The nurse must monitor the heart rate to ensure it does not
reach dangerous levels during treatment.
2. When should a patient be instructed to take their prescribed Omeprazole (Prilosec)?
A. At bedtime
B. Immediately after lunch
C. Only when they feel heartburn symptoms
D. 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
,Answer: D
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole are most effective when taken
on an empty stomach before the first meal of the day. This timing allows the medication to
inhibit the proton pumps when they are most active following a meal. Patients should be
taught that consistent daily use is necessary for therapeutic effect.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine every morning on an empty stomach.
B. I will report any chest pain or palpitations to my doctor immediately.
C. I can stop taking this medication once my energy levels return to normal.
D. It might take several weeks for me to feel the full effects of this drug.
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism is typically lifelong and should not
be discontinued even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication will result in the
return of hypothyroid symptoms and potential complications like myxedema coma.
Patients must understand that the drug replaces a hormone their body can no longer
produce sufficiently.
4. Which type of insulin has the fastest onset of action?
A. Regular Insulin
B. Insulin Lispro
, C. NPH Insulin
D. Insulin Glargine
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes.
Because of this fast onset, the patient must have their meal ready to eat immediately after
administration. Failure to eat shortly after injection can lead to severe hypoglycemia.
5. A patient is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which medication must be
held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Glyburide
C. Pioglitazone
D. Acarbose
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held before and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast media to prevent renal failure. Contrast can impair kidney function,
leading to an accumulation of Metformin and a high risk of lactic acidosis. The nurse should
verify renal function tests like creatinine before restarting the medication.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with acute asthma exacerbation is prescribed Albuterol via nebulizer. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Drowsiness
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 agonist that stimulates the heart’s beta-
1 receptors in addition to the lungs. This stimulation often results in tachycardia,
palpitations, and tremors. The nurse must monitor the heart rate to ensure it does not
reach dangerous levels during treatment.
2. When should a patient be instructed to take their prescribed Omeprazole (Prilosec)?
A. At bedtime
B. Immediately after lunch
C. Only when they feel heartburn symptoms
D. 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
,Answer: D
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole are most effective when taken
on an empty stomach before the first meal of the day. This timing allows the medication to
inhibit the proton pumps when they are most active following a meal. Patients should be
taught that consistent daily use is necessary for therapeutic effect.
3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medicine every morning on an empty stomach.
B. I will report any chest pain or palpitations to my doctor immediately.
C. I can stop taking this medication once my energy levels return to normal.
D. It might take several weeks for me to feel the full effects of this drug.
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism is typically lifelong and should not
be discontinued even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication will result in the
return of hypothyroid symptoms and potential complications like myxedema coma.
Patients must understand that the drug replaces a hormone their body can no longer
produce sufficiently.
4. Which type of insulin has the fastest onset of action?
A. Regular Insulin
B. Insulin Lispro
, C. NPH Insulin
D. Insulin Glargine
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes.
Because of this fast onset, the patient must have their meal ready to eat immediately after
administration. Failure to eat shortly after injection can lead to severe hypoglycemia.
5. A patient is scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast. Which medication must be
held for 48 hours after the procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Glyburide
C. Pioglitazone
D. Acarbose
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held before and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast media to prevent renal failure. Contrast can impair kidney function,
leading to an accumulation of Metformin and a high risk of lactic acidosis. The nurse should
verify renal function tests like creatinine before restarting the medication.
