PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 2 V1 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Tachycardia
D. Drowsiness
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2
receptors. While it is selective for the lungs, it can also stimulate beta-1 receptors in the
heart, leading to an increased heart rate. Patients often report palpitations or feeling jittery
after administration.
2. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
,Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize the anticoagulant
effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with the strongly acidic heparin
molecule. This reversal is critical in cases of severe bleeding or surgical emergencies.
3. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum potassium
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: C
Rationale: Low potassium levels increase the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium
and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. The nurse
must ensure potassium is within the normal range to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
Monitoring electrolyte balance is a standard safety protocol for patients on cardiac
glycosides.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
B. Blocking calcium channels
, C. Antagonizing beta-adrenergic receptors
D. Increasing sodium reabsorption
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the
lungs. This prevents the production of angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. By
reducing angiotensin II, these drugs lower blood pressure and decrease the workload on
the heart.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking enteric-coated aspirin. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. I can crush this pill if I have trouble swallowing.
B. I should take this on an empty stomach for better absorption.
C. I should not crush or chew this medication.
D. This coating makes the drug work faster.
Answer: C
Rationale: Enteric coating is designed to protect the stomach lining by ensuring the drug
dissolves in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Crushing or chewing the tablet
destroys this protective barrier and can lead to gastric irritation. Nurses must emphasize
that sustained-release or coated medications must remain intact.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Tachycardia
D. Drowsiness
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2
receptors. While it is selective for the lungs, it can also stimulate beta-1 receptors in the
heart, leading to an increased heart rate. Patients often report palpitations or feeling jittery
after administration.
2. Which medication is considered the antidote for an overdose of heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
,Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize the anticoagulant
effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with the strongly acidic heparin
molecule. This reversal is critical in cases of severe bleeding or surgical emergencies.
3. A patient is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum potassium
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: C
Rationale: Low potassium levels increase the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium
and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. The nurse
must ensure potassium is within the normal range to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
Monitoring electrolyte balance is a standard safety protocol for patients on cardiac
glycosides.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
B. Blocking calcium channels
, C. Antagonizing beta-adrenergic receptors
D. Increasing sodium reabsorption
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the
lungs. This prevents the production of angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. By
reducing angiotensin II, these drugs lower blood pressure and decrease the workload on
the heart.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about taking enteric-coated aspirin. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. I can crush this pill if I have trouble swallowing.
B. I should take this on an empty stomach for better absorption.
C. I should not crush or chew this medication.
D. This coating makes the drug work faster.
Answer: C
Rationale: Enteric coating is designed to protect the stomach lining by ensuring the drug
dissolves in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Crushing or chewing the tablet
destroys this protective barrier and can lead to gastric irritation. Nurses must emphasize
that sustained-release or coated medications must remain intact.
