NUR 378 Pharmacology – Exam 3 (2025),
Concordia University St. Paul – Complete 100+
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
1. A patient taking digoxin has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What
is the priority concern?
Answer: Increased risk of digoxin toxicity.
Rationale: Low potassium enhances digoxin binding, increasing the risk of
bradycardia and arrhythmias.
2. A patient on lisinopril develops swelling of the lips. What
condition is suspected?
Answer: Angioedema.
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause life-threatening angioedema requiring
immediate discontinuation.
3. Which side effect is most associated with amlodipine?
Answer: Peripheral edema.
Rationale: Calcium-channel blockers dilate peripheral vessels, increasing
capillary leakage.
4. Which assessment indicates furosemide is effective?
Answer: Clear lung sounds and decreased edema.
Rationale: Loop diuretics remove fluid, improving heart failure symptoms.
5. A patient on warfarin has an INR of 5.4. What should the nurse
do?
Answer: Hold the dose and notify the provider.
Rationale: INR >4 significantly increases bleeding risk.
6. When giving digoxin, what must be checked first?
Concordia University St. Paul – Complete 100+
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
1. A patient taking digoxin has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What
is the priority concern?
Answer: Increased risk of digoxin toxicity.
Rationale: Low potassium enhances digoxin binding, increasing the risk of
bradycardia and arrhythmias.
2. A patient on lisinopril develops swelling of the lips. What
condition is suspected?
Answer: Angioedema.
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause life-threatening angioedema requiring
immediate discontinuation.
3. Which side effect is most associated with amlodipine?
Answer: Peripheral edema.
Rationale: Calcium-channel blockers dilate peripheral vessels, increasing
capillary leakage.
4. Which assessment indicates furosemide is effective?
Answer: Clear lung sounds and decreased edema.
Rationale: Loop diuretics remove fluid, improving heart failure symptoms.
5. A patient on warfarin has an INR of 5.4. What should the nurse
do?
Answer: Hold the dose and notify the provider.
Rationale: INR >4 significantly increases bleeding risk.
6. When giving digoxin, what must be checked first?
