PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Ch 41 - (answer)Diuretics
The nurse knows that diuretics mostly affect which function of the kidneys? - (answer)Cleansing and
maintenance of extracellular fluid volume
Most diuretics block sodium and chloride reabsorption, thus affecting the maintenance of extracellular
fluid volume.
The nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after administering furosemide
[Lasix]? - (answer)Decreased blood pressure
High-ceiling loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are the most effective diuretic agents. They produce
more loss of fluid and electrolytes than any others. A sudden loss of fluid can result in decreased blood
pressure. When blood pressure drops, the pulse probably will increase rather than decrease. Lasix
should not affect respirations or temperature. The nurse should also closely monitor the patient's
potassium level.
The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the patient's most recent laboratory
results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L; potassium, 3.2 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen,
15 mg/dL. What is the nurse's best action? - (answer)Hold the Lasix and notify the physician.
The nurse's best action is to hold the Lasix and notify the physician. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide,
can cause significant potassium loss. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. The remaining
electrolyte levels are normal. Administering the Lasix could result in a critically low potassium level.
Effects of low potassium include cardiac dysrhythmias. Placing a patient on a cardiac monitor requires a
physician's order and would warrant further assessment first, such as taking vital signs and asking the
patient whether he or she is having any cardiac-related symptoms. Collecting a 24-hour urine specimen
is not appropriate in this case.
,PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect after administering hydrochlorothiazide
[HydroDIURIL] and digoxin [Lanoxin] to a patient? - (answer)Digoxin toxicity
Digoxin levels have an inverse relationship with potassium levels. Because hydrochlorothiazide can
lower potassium levels, combined use of hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin poses a risk for elevated
digoxin levels and ensuing digoxin toxicity.
The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who needs a diuretic. Which agent is likely to be
chosen, because it has been shown to greatly reduce mortality in patients with heart failure? -
(answer)Spironolactone [Aldactone]
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat both hypertension and edema. It is a
preferred drug in heart failure, because it has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect, reducing
mortality in patients with heart failure.
The nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for spironolactone [Aldactone]. Which
statement by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective? - (answer)"I will call my doctor if I
begin having menstrual irregularities."
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing, aldosterone-blocking diuretic. As such, it can cause endocrine
effects, such as gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, impotence, hirsutism, and deepening of the
voice. Patients taking spironolactone should avoid salt substitutes because they contain potassium, and
high-potassium foods should be avoided with this drug. Ideally, all diuretics should be taken in the
morning to prevent nocturia.
The healthcare provider orders furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg IV twice daily. The medication available is
furosemide [Lasix] 10 mg/mL. How many mL will the nurse administer with each dose? - (answer)2 mL
,PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
The healthcare provider has ordered 20 mg of furosemide [Lasix], which is available in 10 mg/mL.
Multiply 10 mg/mL by 2 to equal 20 mg/2 mL. The nurse will administer 2 mL of furosemide to equal 20
mg with each dose.
The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that
hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition? - (answer)Hypertension
The primary indication for hydrochlorothiazide is hypertension, a condition for which thiazides are often
the drugs of first choice. Hydrochlorothiazides are used for the other conditions, but the primary
indication is hypertension.
The healthcare provider orders mannitol 72 gm infusion over 24 hours. The nurse plans to set the
infusion pump for how many grams per hour? - (answer)3 gm
To infuse 72 grams over 24 hours, divide 72 by 24 for the total per hour. 72 divided by 24 equals 3 grams
per hour.
Which of the following statements about mannitol [Osmitrol] are correct? (Select all that apply.) -
(answer)-Mannitol cannot be given orally.
-Mannitol can cause edema.
-Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
Mannitol does not diffuse across the GI epithelium and cannot be transported by the uptake systems
that absorb dietary sugars. Accordingly, to reach the circulation, the drug must be given parenterally.
Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes and persists 6 to 8 hours. Mannitol can leave the vascular system at
all capillary beds except those of the brain. When the drug exits capillaries, it draws water along, causing
edema. Mannitol is use in prophylaxis of renal failure. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, not a loop
diuretic.
, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Ch 43 - (answer)Review of Hemodynamics
Which hemodynamic system serves as a reservoir for circulating blood? - (answer)Veins
Most of the circulating blood is in the veins, venules, and venous sinuses. The venous system serves as a
reservoir for circulating blood.
Complete the equation: Cardiac output = Volume of blood ejected at each heartbeat × ____. -
(answer)Heart rate
The amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat is known as the stroke volume. To determine the
cardiac output, multiply the stroke volume by the number of beats per minute.
Which physiologic mechanism helps to ensure venous return despite low pressure in the venules? -
(answer)Negative pressure in the right atrium
The three mechanisms that help ensure venous return are negative pressure in the right atrium,
constriction of veins, and the combination of venous valves and contraction of skeletal muscles.
Which condition do the natriuretic peptides serve to protect the cardiovascular system? -
(answer)Volume overload
Natriuretic peptides protect the cardiovascular system in the event of volume overload. They work by
reducing blood volume and promoting the dilation of arterioles and veins.
AND ANSWERS
Ch 41 - (answer)Diuretics
The nurse knows that diuretics mostly affect which function of the kidneys? - (answer)Cleansing and
maintenance of extracellular fluid volume
Most diuretics block sodium and chloride reabsorption, thus affecting the maintenance of extracellular
fluid volume.
The nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after administering furosemide
[Lasix]? - (answer)Decreased blood pressure
High-ceiling loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are the most effective diuretic agents. They produce
more loss of fluid and electrolytes than any others. A sudden loss of fluid can result in decreased blood
pressure. When blood pressure drops, the pulse probably will increase rather than decrease. Lasix
should not affect respirations or temperature. The nurse should also closely monitor the patient's
potassium level.
The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the patient's most recent laboratory
results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L; potassium, 3.2 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen,
15 mg/dL. What is the nurse's best action? - (answer)Hold the Lasix and notify the physician.
The nurse's best action is to hold the Lasix and notify the physician. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide,
can cause significant potassium loss. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. The remaining
electrolyte levels are normal. Administering the Lasix could result in a critically low potassium level.
Effects of low potassium include cardiac dysrhythmias. Placing a patient on a cardiac monitor requires a
physician's order and would warrant further assessment first, such as taking vital signs and asking the
patient whether he or she is having any cardiac-related symptoms. Collecting a 24-hour urine specimen
is not appropriate in this case.
,PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect after administering hydrochlorothiazide
[HydroDIURIL] and digoxin [Lanoxin] to a patient? - (answer)Digoxin toxicity
Digoxin levels have an inverse relationship with potassium levels. Because hydrochlorothiazide can
lower potassium levels, combined use of hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin poses a risk for elevated
digoxin levels and ensuing digoxin toxicity.
The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who needs a diuretic. Which agent is likely to be
chosen, because it has been shown to greatly reduce mortality in patients with heart failure? -
(answer)Spironolactone [Aldactone]
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat both hypertension and edema. It is a
preferred drug in heart failure, because it has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect, reducing
mortality in patients with heart failure.
The nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for spironolactone [Aldactone]. Which
statement by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective? - (answer)"I will call my doctor if I
begin having menstrual irregularities."
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing, aldosterone-blocking diuretic. As such, it can cause endocrine
effects, such as gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, impotence, hirsutism, and deepening of the
voice. Patients taking spironolactone should avoid salt substitutes because they contain potassium, and
high-potassium foods should be avoided with this drug. Ideally, all diuretics should be taken in the
morning to prevent nocturia.
The healthcare provider orders furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg IV twice daily. The medication available is
furosemide [Lasix] 10 mg/mL. How many mL will the nurse administer with each dose? - (answer)2 mL
,PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
The healthcare provider has ordered 20 mg of furosemide [Lasix], which is available in 10 mg/mL.
Multiply 10 mg/mL by 2 to equal 20 mg/2 mL. The nurse will administer 2 mL of furosemide to equal 20
mg with each dose.
The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that
hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition? - (answer)Hypertension
The primary indication for hydrochlorothiazide is hypertension, a condition for which thiazides are often
the drugs of first choice. Hydrochlorothiazides are used for the other conditions, but the primary
indication is hypertension.
The healthcare provider orders mannitol 72 gm infusion over 24 hours. The nurse plans to set the
infusion pump for how many grams per hour? - (answer)3 gm
To infuse 72 grams over 24 hours, divide 72 by 24 for the total per hour. 72 divided by 24 equals 3 grams
per hour.
Which of the following statements about mannitol [Osmitrol] are correct? (Select all that apply.) -
(answer)-Mannitol cannot be given orally.
-Mannitol can cause edema.
-Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
Mannitol does not diffuse across the GI epithelium and cannot be transported by the uptake systems
that absorb dietary sugars. Accordingly, to reach the circulation, the drug must be given parenterally.
Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes and persists 6 to 8 hours. Mannitol can leave the vascular system at
all capillary beds except those of the brain. When the drug exits capillaries, it draws water along, causing
edema. Mannitol is use in prophylaxis of renal failure. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, not a loop
diuretic.
, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY MID SEMESTER EXAM PRACTICE 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Ch 43 - (answer)Review of Hemodynamics
Which hemodynamic system serves as a reservoir for circulating blood? - (answer)Veins
Most of the circulating blood is in the veins, venules, and venous sinuses. The venous system serves as a
reservoir for circulating blood.
Complete the equation: Cardiac output = Volume of blood ejected at each heartbeat × ____. -
(answer)Heart rate
The amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat is known as the stroke volume. To determine the
cardiac output, multiply the stroke volume by the number of beats per minute.
Which physiologic mechanism helps to ensure venous return despite low pressure in the venules? -
(answer)Negative pressure in the right atrium
The three mechanisms that help ensure venous return are negative pressure in the right atrium,
constriction of veins, and the combination of venous valves and contraction of skeletal muscles.
Which condition do the natriuretic peptides serve to protect the cardiovascular system? -
(answer)Volume overload
Natriuretic peptides protect the cardiovascular system in the event of volume overload. They work by
reducing blood volume and promoting the dilation of arterioles and veins.
