NURS 251 Module 7 Exam V3 | NURS 251
Module 7 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 7 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed insulin lispro (Humalog) to be administered before breakfast. Which
timeframe should the nurse instruct the patient to eat to prevent hypoglycemia?
A. Within 1 hour after injection
B. Immediately before the injection
C. 30 to 45 minutes after injection
D. Within 15 minutes after injection
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It is critical
for the patient to consume a meal within this timeframe to prevent a sudden drop in blood
glucose. Failure to eat promptly after administration can lead to severe hypoglycemic
episodes due to the rapid peak of the medication.
2. The nurse is reviewing the history of a patient scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast who is taking metformin (Glucophage). Which action is the highest priority?
A. Increase the metformin dose for 24 hours.
B. Hold the metformin 48 hours after the procedure.
,C. Administer the metformin with a full glass of water.
D. Administer the metformin as scheduled.
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin must be held prior to and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast media. The interaction between metformin and contrast can
significantly increase the risk of acute renal failure. This condition can subsequently lead to
life-threatening lactic acidosis in the patient.
3. A patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine (Synthroid).
What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. Stop the medication once symptoms improve.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
D. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and other medications can interfere with the
absorption of the hormone replacement. Patients must also be informed that this therapy is
usually lifelong and should not be discontinued abruptly.
, 4. A patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is being
prepared for discharge. Which instruction is most important?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you develop a fever.
B. Double the dose if you miss a day.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
D. Avoid skipping doses and do not stop the drug abruptly.
Answer: D
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids can lead to an adrenal crisis because the
body’s natural production of cortisol is suppressed. The medication must be tapered slowly
under medical supervision to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal function. Patients
should also be taught to wear a medical alert bracelet indicating their steroid use.
5. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving
desmopressin (DDAVP) for diabetes insipidus?
A. Serum glucose
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum sodium
D. Serum potassium
Answer: C
Module 7 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 7 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed insulin lispro (Humalog) to be administered before breakfast. Which
timeframe should the nurse instruct the patient to eat to prevent hypoglycemia?
A. Within 1 hour after injection
B. Immediately before the injection
C. 30 to 45 minutes after injection
D. Within 15 minutes after injection
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It is critical
for the patient to consume a meal within this timeframe to prevent a sudden drop in blood
glucose. Failure to eat promptly after administration can lead to severe hypoglycemic
episodes due to the rapid peak of the medication.
2. The nurse is reviewing the history of a patient scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous
contrast who is taking metformin (Glucophage). Which action is the highest priority?
A. Increase the metformin dose for 24 hours.
B. Hold the metformin 48 hours after the procedure.
,C. Administer the metformin with a full glass of water.
D. Administer the metformin as scheduled.
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin must be held prior to and for 48 hours after procedures involving
iodine-based contrast media. The interaction between metformin and contrast can
significantly increase the risk of acute renal failure. This condition can subsequently lead to
life-threatening lactic acidosis in the patient.
3. A patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine (Synthroid).
What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
B. Stop the medication once symptoms improve.
C. Take the medication with a full meal to avoid GI upset.
D. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia.
Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30
to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food and other medications can interfere with the
absorption of the hormone replacement. Patients must also be informed that this therapy is
usually lifelong and should not be discontinued abruptly.
, 4. A patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is being
prepared for discharge. Which instruction is most important?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you develop a fever.
B. Double the dose if you miss a day.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
D. Avoid skipping doses and do not stop the drug abruptly.
Answer: D
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids can lead to an adrenal crisis because the
body’s natural production of cortisol is suppressed. The medication must be tapered slowly
under medical supervision to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal function. Patients
should also be taught to wear a medical alert bracelet indicating their steroid use.
5. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving
desmopressin (DDAVP) for diabetes insipidus?
A. Serum glucose
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum sodium
D. Serum potassium
Answer: C
