GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance should the
nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for
binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Yellowing of the skin
B. Increased appetite
C. Dry, persistent cough
D. Constipation
Answer: C
Rationale: A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril due to the
accumulation of bradykinin. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (C)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
3. Which medication is considered a loop diuretic and requires monitoring for ototoxicity?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Furosemide
C. Spironolactone
D. Triamterene
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause ototoxicity, especially when administered intravenously
at high doses. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient on Warfarin therapy has an INR of 5.5 and is experiencing minor bleeding. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antidote used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin. Recognizing
this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient
education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Heparin?
A. Dissolves existing fibrin clots in the bloodstream
B. Prevents the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
C. Directly blocks the GP IIb/IIIa receptors on platelets
D. Inhibits the activation of thrombin by binding to antithrombin III
Answer: D
Rationale: Heparin works by binding to antithrombin III, which then inactivates thrombin and factor Xa,
preventing clot formation. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
6. A patient is instructed on how to take sublingual Nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
B. I can take up to three tablets, five minutes apart.
C. I should sit down before taking the tablet.
D. If the pain persists after the first dose, I should call 911.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sublingual Nitroglycerin must be dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption; swallowing it
reduces its effectiveness due to first-pass metabolism. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance should the
nurse monitor most closely to prevent digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for
binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Yellowing of the skin
B. Increased appetite
C. Dry, persistent cough
D. Constipation
Answer: C
Rationale: A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril due to the
accumulation of bradykinin. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (C)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
3. Which medication is considered a loop diuretic and requires monitoring for ototoxicity?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Furosemide
C. Spironolactone
D. Triamterene
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause ototoxicity, especially when administered intravenously
at high doses. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 2 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient on Warfarin therapy has an INR of 5.5 and is experiencing minor bleeding. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Glucagon
C. Vitamin K
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin K is the specific antidote used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin. Recognizing
this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient
education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Heparin?
A. Dissolves existing fibrin clots in the bloodstream
B. Prevents the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
C. Directly blocks the GP IIb/IIIa receptors on platelets
D. Inhibits the activation of thrombin by binding to antithrombin III
Answer: D
Rationale: Heparin works by binding to antithrombin III, which then inactivates thrombin and factor Xa,
preventing clot formation. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
6. A patient is instructed on how to take sublingual Nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
B. I can take up to three tablets, five minutes apart.
C. I should sit down before taking the tablet.
D. If the pain persists after the first dose, I should call 911.
Answer: A
Rationale: Sublingual Nitroglycerin must be dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption; swallowing it
reduces its effectiveness due to first-pass metabolism. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
