Assessment B Exam Medication Safety,
Therapeutic Actions, Adverse Effects,
Nursing Considerations, and Patient
Education Questions Answers and
Verified Rationales
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with
heart failure. Which assessment finding requires withholding
the medication?
A. Blood pressure 132/78 mm Hg
B. Apical pulse 54/min
C. Respiratory rate 18/min
D. Temperature 37°C (98.6°F)
Answer: B. Apical pulse 54/min
Rationale: Digoxin slows heart rate. An apical pulse below
60/min in adults is generally an indication to withhold the
medication and notify the provider.
,2. Which laboratory value should the nurse review before
administering furosemide?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Potassium
C. Platelet count
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases
potassium excretion, placing clients at risk for hypokalemia.
3. A client taking warfarin should immediately report which
finding?
A. Increased appetite
B. Black, tarry stools
C. Dry mouth
D. Mild fatigue
Answer: B. Black, tarry stools
Rationale: Black stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a
serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy.
,4. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client
prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets?
A. Swallow the tablet immediately.
B. Store the tablets in the original dark container.
C. Refrigerate after opening.
D. Take with milk.
Answer: B. Store the tablets in the original dark container.
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is sensitive to light and moisture and
should remain in its original container to preserve potency.
5. Which medication is classified as an angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor?
A. Losartan
B. Lisinopril
C. Metoprolol
D. Diltiazem
Answer: B. Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril belongs to the ACE inhibitor class and is
commonly prescribed for hypertension and heart failure.
6. A nurse should monitor for which adverse effect in a client
receiving morphine?
, A. Hypertension
B. Respiratory depression
C. Hyperactivity
D. Polyuria
Answer: B. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most significant adverse
effect associated with opioid medications.
7. Which medication requires monitoring of serum lithium
levels?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium carbonate
C. Diazepam
D. Haloperidol
Answer: B. Lithium carbonate
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range and requires
routine serum level monitoring to prevent toxicity.
8. Which finding suggests lithium toxicity?
A. Mild thirst
B. Fine hand tremor