NURS 251 Module 7 Exam V2 | NURS 251
Module 7 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 7 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed insulin lispro. When should the nurse instruct
the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. 15 minutes before or with a meal
C. Immediately after eating a meal
D. At bedtime on an empty stomach
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. It is designed to mimic the body’s natural insulin response to a meal. The patient
must have food immediately available to prevent rapid-onset hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of insulin glargine (Lantus)?
A. It is administered intravenously during ketoacidosis
B. It can be mixed with regular insulin in the same syringe
C. It is peakless and provides a steady blood level for 24 hours
D. It has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours
,Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin that does not have a pronounced
peak. This characteristic helps maintain consistent blood glucose levels over a 24-hour
period. It should never be mixed with other insulins because the pH change can cause
precipitation.
3. A patient is started on metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. What is the most important
laboratory value for the nurse to monitor to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum potassium
B. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
C. Serum creatinine
D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is impaired, as
indicated by elevated serum creatinine, the drug can accumulate and lead to life-
threatening lactic acidosis. Monitoring renal function is a critical safety intervention for
patients on Biguanides.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of sulfonylureas, such as glyburide?
A. Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
B. Stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells
, C. Inhibiting hepatic glucose production
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
Answer: B
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by binding to receptors on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate
the secretion of endogenous insulin. Because they trigger insulin release regardless of
glucose levels, they carry a significant risk of hypoglycemia. They are only effective in
patients who still have functioning beta cells.
5. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium breakfast
B. Take the medication at night to improve absorption
C. Double the dose if a daily dose is missed
D. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning at least 30 to 60 minutes before
food to ensure optimal absorption. Food and supplements containing calcium or iron can
significantly impair its bioavailability. Consistency in administration time is vital for
maintaining steady-state thyroid levels.
Module 7 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 7 Exam)
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed insulin lispro. When should the nurse instruct
the patient to administer this medication?
A. 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. 15 minutes before or with a meal
C. Immediately after eating a meal
D. At bedtime on an empty stomach
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of approximately 15
minutes. It is designed to mimic the body’s natural insulin response to a meal. The patient
must have food immediately available to prevent rapid-onset hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of insulin glargine (Lantus)?
A. It is administered intravenously during ketoacidosis
B. It can be mixed with regular insulin in the same syringe
C. It is peakless and provides a steady blood level for 24 hours
D. It has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours
,Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin that does not have a pronounced
peak. This characteristic helps maintain consistent blood glucose levels over a 24-hour
period. It should never be mixed with other insulins because the pH change can cause
precipitation.
3. A patient is started on metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. What is the most important
laboratory value for the nurse to monitor to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum potassium
B. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
C. Serum creatinine
D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is impaired, as
indicated by elevated serum creatinine, the drug can accumulate and lead to life-
threatening lactic acidosis. Monitoring renal function is a critical safety intervention for
patients on Biguanides.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of sulfonylureas, such as glyburide?
A. Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
B. Stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells
, C. Inhibiting hepatic glucose production
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
Answer: B
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by binding to receptors on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate
the secretion of endogenous insulin. Because they trigger insulin release regardless of
glucose levels, they carry a significant risk of hypoglycemia. They are only effective in
patients who still have functioning beta cells.
5. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the
nurse provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a high-calcium breakfast
B. Take the medication at night to improve absorption
C. Double the dose if a daily dose is missed
D. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning at least 30 to 60 minutes before
food to ensure optimal absorption. Food and supplements containing calcium or iron can
significantly impair its bioavailability. Consistency in administration time is vital for
maintaining steady-state thyroid levels.
