NUR 378 Exam 2 V2 | NUR 378
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 2) |
Concordia
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which
of the following is considered a rapid-acting insulin?
A. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
B. Insulin Lispro-Protamine
C. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
D. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
E. Insulin Aspart (Novolog)
Correct Answer: E
Insulin Aspart is a rapid-acting insulin that should be administered 5 to 15 minutes before
meals. It has an onset of 15 minutes and peaks in about 1 to 3 hours. The nurse must
ensure that the patient’s meal tray is present before administration to prevent
hypoglycemia.
2. A patient is prescribed Metformin (Glucophage). Which laboratory value is most critical for
the nurse to evaluate before administration?
A. Serum Potassium
,B. Serum Sodium
C. Hemoglobin A1C
D. Serum Creatinine
Correct Answer: D
Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, so impaired renal function increases the
risk of lactic acidosis. A serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dL in men or 1.4 mg/dL in
women usually contraindicates its use. Monitoring renal function ensures the medication is
safe for the patient’s metabolic state.
3. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse should include which
instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack.
D. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued.
Correct Answer: B
Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to
60 minutes before breakfast. It should be taken at the same time every day to maintain
steady therapeutic blood levels. Patients should also avoid taking calcium or iron
supplements within 4 hours of this dose.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse effect is
most concerning and requires immediate notification to the provider?
A. Weight gain
B. Drowsiness
C. Mild nausea
D. Sore throat and fever
Correct Answer: D
Sore throat and fever are clinical signs of agranulocytosis, a rare but life-threatening side
effect of PTU. The nurse must monitor the patient’s complete blood count (CBC) to check
for a drop in white blood cell counts. Immediate intervention is required to prevent severe
infection or sepsis.
5. Which statement by a patient indicates a correct understanding of Glucagon administration
for emergency hypoglycemia?
A. I will use this daily to keep my sugar stable.
B. I need to wait 1 hour after taking this before I eat.
C. I should take this with my morning dose of insulin.
D. This should be given if I am unconscious and cannot swallow.
Correct Answer: D
Pharmacology in Nursing | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NUR378 Exam 2) |
Concordia
1. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which
of the following is considered a rapid-acting insulin?
A. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
B. Insulin Lispro-Protamine
C. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
D. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
E. Insulin Aspart (Novolog)
Correct Answer: E
Insulin Aspart is a rapid-acting insulin that should be administered 5 to 15 minutes before
meals. It has an onset of 15 minutes and peaks in about 1 to 3 hours. The nurse must
ensure that the patient’s meal tray is present before administration to prevent
hypoglycemia.
2. A patient is prescribed Metformin (Glucophage). Which laboratory value is most critical for
the nurse to evaluate before administration?
A. Serum Potassium
,B. Serum Sodium
C. Hemoglobin A1C
D. Serum Creatinine
Correct Answer: D
Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, so impaired renal function increases the
risk of lactic acidosis. A serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dL in men or 1.4 mg/dL in
women usually contraindicates its use. Monitoring renal function ensures the medication is
safe for the patient’s metabolic state.
3. When teaching a patient about Levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse should include which
instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a full meal.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack.
D. Take the medication only when feeling fatigued.
Correct Answer: B
Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to
60 minutes before breakfast. It should be taken at the same time every day to maintain
steady therapeutic blood levels. Patients should also avoid taking calcium or iron
supplements within 4 hours of this dose.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which adverse effect is
most concerning and requires immediate notification to the provider?
A. Weight gain
B. Drowsiness
C. Mild nausea
D. Sore throat and fever
Correct Answer: D
Sore throat and fever are clinical signs of agranulocytosis, a rare but life-threatening side
effect of PTU. The nurse must monitor the patient’s complete blood count (CBC) to check
for a drop in white blood cell counts. Immediate intervention is required to prevent severe
infection or sepsis.
5. Which statement by a patient indicates a correct understanding of Glucagon administration
for emergency hypoglycemia?
A. I will use this daily to keep my sugar stable.
B. I need to wait 1 hour after taking this before I eat.
C. I should take this with my morning dose of insulin.
D. This should be given if I am unconscious and cannot swallow.
Correct Answer: D
