Download PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM REVIEW!!!! EXAM WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS QUESTIONS | 100% CORRECT and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM REVIEW!!!! EXAM WITH
100% CORRECT ANSWERS QUESTIONS | 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | VERIFIED | LATEST 2025/2026 VERSION
A patient about to receive his morning dose of digoxin has an apical pulse of 70 beats per minute. What will the nurse do?
A. Administer the dose.
B. Administer the dose and notify the physician.
C. Check the radial pulse for 1 full minute.
D. Withhold the dose and notify the - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Administer the dose.
In assessing a patient before administration of a cardiac glycoside, the nurse knows that what condition can predispose a patient to digitalis toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Hypokalemia; control ventricular response to atrial fibrillation and a derived from foxglove. Digoxin is the only available cardiac glycoside---positive inotropic---inhibits sodium potassium pump (adenosine tripphophatase) Sodium and calcium rise. Cholinergic stimulation via the vagus nerve of Parasympathetic nervous system. ---Negative chronotropic---Negative Dromotropic effect
While assessing a patient who is receiving intravenous digitalis, the nurse recognizes that the drug has a negative chronotropic effect. How would this drug effect be evident in the patient?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Decreased conduction
D. Increased ectopic beats - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Decreased heart rate
A patient has been taking digoxin at home but has taken an accidental overdose and has developed toxicity. He has been admitted to the telemetry unit where the physician has ordered digoxin immune Fab (Digibind). The patient asks the nurse why the medication is ordered. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "It works faster than digoxin."
B. "It is safer than digoxin and can be taken orally."
C. "It helps to convert the irregular heart rhythm to a more normal rhythm."
D. "This drug is an antidote to digoxin and will help to lower the blood levels." - CORRECT ANSWERS D. "This drug is an antidote to digoxin and will help to lower the blood levels." (severe bradycardia, advanced heart block, ventricularr tachycardia, fibrillation, and hyperkalemia); available in parental form. Clinical signs and symptoms are monitored NOT serum levels----used for systolic heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
- A patient has been placed on a milrinone infusion as part of the therapy for end-stage heart failure. What risks involved with this drug will the nurse keep in mind while assessing this patient during the infusion?
A. Hypertension
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Cardiac dysrhythmias (contraindictated with ventricular tachycardia, and fibrillation) used for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Available in Oral and injection form.
- A patient with atrial fibrillation was started on digoxin, and 1 week later a digoxin level was drawn. Which result is within normal therapeutic levels for digoxin?
A. 0.4 ng/mL
B. 0.7 ng/mL
C. 2.1 ng/mL
D. 2.6 ng/mL or higher - CORRECT ANSWERS B. 0.7 ng/mL (normal 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL
D. conduction of electrical impulses across the heart. - CORRECT ANSWERS C. force of cardiac contraction. (increase cAMP) positive inotropic (by more calcium available in SR)effect and vasodilation, (inodilators)---positive chornotropic effect); USED IN ICU; ADVERSE EFFECT...thrombocytopenia, dysrhythmia, ventricular, hypotension and angina, hypokalemia, tremor.
- The nurse notes in a patient's medical record that nesiritide has been ordered. Based on this order, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest
C. Systolic heart failure
D. Long-term treatment of heart failure. - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY:
- When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, which clinical situation would necessitate the use of digoxin immune Fab (Digibind)? Select all that apply.
A. The patient reports seeing colorful halos around lights.
B. The patient's serum potassium level is above 5 mEq/L.
C. The patient is experiencing nausea and anorexia.
D. The patient is experiencing severe sinus bradycardia that does not respond to cardiac pacing.
E. The patient has taken an overdose of greater than 10 mg of digoxin. - CORRECT ANSWERS B. The patient's serum potassium level is above 5 mEq/L.
D. The patient is experiencing severe sinus bradycardia that does not respond to cardiac pacing. (E) might be right as well a person taking 10mg of digoxin is a indication of toxicity...page 340 states life threatening digoxin overdose in adults and 4 mg in children)
- Which drug classes are considered first-line treatment for heart failure? Select all that apply.
A. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
B. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
C. Digoxin (cardiac glycoside)
D. Beta-blockers
E. Nesiritide (Natrecor), the B-type natriuretic peptide - CORRECT ANSWERS ACE
ARBS
Beta-blockers
loop diuretics
1.When administering topical nitroglycerin ointment, the nurse should use which technique?
A. The ointment should be applied on the chest over the heart.
B. The ointment should be used only in the case of a mild angina episode.
C. The old ointment should be removed before new ointment is applied.
D. The ointment should be massaged gently into the skin, then covered with plastic wrap. - CORRECT ANSWERS C. The old ointment should be removed before new ointment is applied.
2.The nurse is giving intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted because of an acute myocardial infarction. Which statement is true regarding the administration of the intravenous form of this medication?
A. Specific nonpolyvinylchloride (non-PVC) plastic intravenous bags and tubing must be used.
B. It is stable for only 24 hours after preparation.
C. It can be given in infusions with other medications.
D. The solution will be slightly colored green or blue. - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Specific nonpolyvinylchloride (non-PVC) plastic intravenous bags and tubing must be used.
3.A 53-year-old man has been admitted for evaluation of chest pain. He has been diagnosed with angina and will be given a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. When teaching the patient how to use sublingual nitroglycerin, what instruction should the nurse include?
B. To increase the effect of the drug, take it with grapefruit juice.
C. If the adverse effects of chest pain, fainting, or dyspnea occur, discontinue the medication immediately.
D. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids will help prevent the constipation that may occur. - CORRECT ANSWERS D. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids will help prevent the constipation that may occur.........CCBs: phenylalkylamins, benzothiazepines, and dihydroridines (verapril, dilitiazem, amlodipine)
7.When applying transdermal nitroglycerin patches, how will the nurse instruct the patient?
A. "Use any nonhairy area on the body."
B. "Use only the chest area for application sites."
C. "Temporarily remove the patch if you go swimming."
D. "Apply the patch to the same site consistently." - CORRECT ANSWERS A. "Use any nonhairy area on the body.
8.A patient has been taking a beta-blocker for 4 weeks as part of his antianginal therapy. He also has type II diabetes and hyperthyroidism. When discussing possible adverse effects, the nurse should include which information?
A. "Watch for unusual weight loss."
B. "Monitor your pulse for increased heart rate."
C. "Use the hot tub and sauna at the gym as long as time is limited to 15 minutes."
D. "Monitor your blood glucose levels for possible hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia." - CORRECT ANSWERS D. "Monitor your blood glucose levels for possible hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia."...BBs (-LOL), atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, and propranolol.
9.What action is recommended to help reduce the tolerance to transdermal nitroglycerin therapy that commonly develops?
A. Omit a dose once a week.
B. Leave the patch on for 2 days at a time.
C. Cut the patch in half for a week until the tolerance subsides.
D. Remove the patch at bedtime, then apply a new one in the morning. - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Remove the patch at bedtime, then apply a new one in the morning.
10.While assessing a patient who is taking a beta-blocker for angina, the nurse knows to monitor for which adverse effect?
A. Nervousness
B. Hypertension
C. Bradycardia
D. Dry cough - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Bradycardia (blocks beta 1 and beta 2 receptors) other adverse effects: negative chronotropic, decrease cardiac output, and negative dromotropic effect, beta 2: bronchoconstriction, increased airway resistence (asthma and COPD), cardiac rhytm, decrease renin release.
Select all that apply:
1.A patient is experiencing chest pain while playing tennis. He has a bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin with him. Which of the actions are appropriate for the patient to take at this time? Select all that apply.
A. Stop the activity and lie down or sit down.
B. Call 911 immediately.
C. Call 911 if the pain is not relieved after taking 1 sublingual tablet.
D. Call 911 if the pain is not relieved after taking 3 sublingual tablets in 15 minutes.
E. Place a tablet under the tongue.
F. Place a tablet in the space between the gum and cheek.
G. Take another sublingual tablet if chest pain is not relieved after 5 minutes, up to three, total. - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Stop the activity and lie down or sit down
C. Call 911 if the pain is not relieved after taking 1 sublingual tablet.
E. Place a tablet under the tongue.
F. Place a tablet in the space between the gum and cheek.
A. Cardiac output and vascular resistance
B. Heart rate and peripheral resistance
C. Blood volume and renal blood flow
D. Myocardial contractility and arteriolar constriction - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Cardiac output and vascular resistance
- When counseling a male patient about the possible adverse effects of antihypertensive drugs, the nurse should discuss which potential problem?
A. Impotence
B. Bradycardia
C. Increased libido
D. Increased weight - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Impotence
- Antihypertensive drug therapy for a newly diagnosed, stage 1 hypertensive African American patient would most likely include which drug or drug classes?
A. Vasodilators alone
B. ACE inhibitors alone
C. Calcium channel blockers with thiazide diuretic
D. Beta-blockers with thiazide diuretic - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Calcium channel blockers with thiazide diuretic
- The nurse is creating a plan of care for a patient with a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which is a potential nursing diagnosis for the patient taking antihypertensive medications?
A. Diarrhea
B. Sexual dysfunction
C. Stress urinary incontinence
D. Impaired memory - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Sexual dysfunction
- A patient's blood pressure elevates to 210/150 mm Hg, and a hypertensive emergency is obvious. He is transferred to the intensive care unit and started on a sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) drip to be titrated per his response. With this medication, the nurse knows that the maximum dose of this drug should be infused for how long?
A. 10 minutes
B. 30 minutes
C. 1 hour
D. 24 hours - CORRECT ANSWERS A. 10 minutes
- A patient with primary hypertension is prescribed drug therapy for the first time. The patient asks how long drug therapy will be needed. Which answer by the nurse is the most correct response?
A. "This therapy should take about 3 months."
B. "This therapy should take about a year."
C. "This therapy should go on until your symptoms disappear."
D. "Therapy for high blood pressure is usually life-long." - CORRECT ANSWERS D. "Therapy for high blood pressure is usually life-long."
- A patient who has been taking antihypertensive drugs for a few months complains of having a persistent dry cough. The nurse knows that this cough is an adverse effect of which class of antihypertensive drugs?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
C. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)
D. Calcium channel blockers - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors other adverse effects are: fatigue, dizziness, mood changes, and headaches. Dry non productive cough which is reversible when stopping ACE therapy. has a first dose hypotension effect
- Which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
D. Nitrates - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (iburprohen can reduce the effect of ACE and predispose the pt. with acute renal failure); other adverse effects: potassium levels above 5 mEq/L because they promote hyperkalemia, lactating women, children, bilateral renal disease); rash, pruritus, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytosis, and agranulocytosis.
- When teaching a patient about antihypertensive drug therapy, which statement by the nurse is correct? Select all that apply.
A. "You should try to have your blood pressure checked once a week and keep track of the readings."
B. "If you notice that the symptoms have gone away, you should be able to stop taking the drug."
C. "An exercise program may be helpful in treating hypertension, but let's check with your doctor first."
D. "If you experience severe side effects, stop the medicine and let us know at your next office visit."
E. "Most over-the-counter decongestants are compatible with antihypertensive drugs."
f. "please continue the medication, even if you are feeling better" - CORRECT ANSWERS "You should try to have your blood pressure checked once a week and keep track of the readings."
C. "An exercise program may be helpful in treating hypertension, but let's check with your doctor first."
D. "If you experience severe side effects, stop the medicine and let us know at your next office visit."f. "please continue the medication, even if you are feeling better"
- When monitoring a patient who has diabetes and is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for edema, the nurse monitors for which possible adverse effect?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Elevated blood glucose
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Drowsiness - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Elevated Blood glucose and glycosuria in diabetics
The nurse should monitor a patient for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia if the patient is taking which of the following diuretics?
A. hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
B. furosemide (Lasix)
C. metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
D. spironolactone (Aldactone) - CORRECT ANSWERS D. spironolactone (Aldactone); synthetic steriod blocks aldosterone receptors...hyperkalemia common complication, it is a potassium sparing diuretic. Most commonly prescribed for children. only oral form and a pregnancy D drug.
Mannitol (Osmitrol) has been ordered for a patient with acute renal failure. The nurse knows to administer this drug using which procedure?
A. Intravenously, through a filter
B. By rapid intravenous bolus
C. By mouth in a single morning dose
D. Through a gravity intravenous drip with standard tubing - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Intravenously, through a filter; Osmotic diuretic; can crystalized in cold temperatures and IV only, and it is stored in a warmer in pharmacy. Pregnancy C drug
Furosemide (Lasix) is prescribed for a patient who is about to be discharged, and the nurse provides instructions to the patient about the medication. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A. "Keep a weekly journal or log of your weight."
B. "Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, fresh vegetables, and dates."
C. "If you experience weight gain, such as five or more pounds a week, be sure to tell your physician during your next routine visit."
D. "Be sure to change your position slowly and rise slowly after sitting or lying so as to prevent dizziness and possible fainting because of blood pressure changes." - CORRECT ANSWERS D. "Be sure to change your position slowly and rise slowly after sitting or lying so as to prevent dizziness and possible fainting because of blood pressure changes."
- When reviewing the mechanisms of action of diuretics, the nurse knows that which statement is true about the loop diuretics?
A. They work by inhibiting aldosterone.
B. They are very potent, having a diuretic effect that lasts at least 6 hours.
C. They are particularly useful when rapid diuresis is desired because their onset of action is rapid.
- A patient is started on a diuretic for antihypertensive therapy. The nurse expects that a drug in which of the following classes is likely to be used initially?
A. Loop diuretics
B. Osmotic diuretics
C. Thiazide diuretics
D. Vasodilators - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Thiazide diuretics (chlorohiazide,hydrochlorohiazide, and bendroflumthiazide, chlorthalidone, indapamide, and metolazone)
- A patient in the neurologic intensive care unit is being treated for cerebral edema and is given which type of drug to reduce intracranial pressure?
A. Loop diuretics
B. Osmotic diuretics
C. Thiazide diuretics
D. Vasodilators - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Osmotic diuretics
- A 79-year-old patient is taking a diuretic for treatment of hypertension. This patient is very independent and wants to continue to live at home, despite his diagnosis of mild heart failure. The nurse will know that which teaching point is important for this patient?
A. He should take the diuretic with his evening meal.
B. He should skip the diuretic dose if he plans to leave the house.
C. If he feels dizzy while on this medication, he should stop taking it and take potassium supplements instead.
D. He should take extra precautions when standing up because of possible orthostatic hypotension and resulting injury from falls. - CORRECT ANSWERS D. He should take extra precautions when standing up because of possible orthostatic hypotension and resulting injury from falls.
- A patient on diuretic therapy calls the clinic because he's had the flu, with "terrible vomiting and diarrhea," and he has not kept anything down for 2 days. He feels weak and extremely tired. What will the nurse advise this patient?
A. "It's important to try to stay on your prescribed medication. Try to take it with sips of water."
B. "Stop taking the diuretic for a few days, then restart it when you feel better."
C. "You will need an increased dosage of the diuretic because of your illness. Let me speak to the physician."
D. "Please come into the clinic for an evaluation to make sure there are no complications." - CORRECT ANSWERS D. "Please come into the clinic for an evaluation to make sure there are no complications."
Select all that apply:
- When assessing a patient who is receiving a loop diuretic, the nurse looks for the manifestations of potassium deficiency, which would include which symptoms? Select all that apply.
A. Dyspnea
B. Constipation
C. Tinnitus
D. Muscle weakness
E. Leg cramps
F. Lethargy - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Muscle weakness
E. Leg cramps
F. Lethargy
. Nicotinic acid is prescribed for a patient with elevated lipid levels. The nurse informs the patient that which adverse effects may occur with this medication?
A. Pruritus, cutaneous flushing
B. Tinnitus, urine with a burnt odor
C. Myalgia, fatigue
D. Blurred vision, headaches - CORRECT ANSWERS Pruritus, cutaneous flushing
C. Vitamin C deficiency
D. Liver dysfunction - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Liver dysfunction
- When reviewing patients' histories, the nurse recognizes that which of the following patients would be likely candidates for drug therapy for cholesterol reduction?
A. A patient who has two risk factors and a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 100 mg/dL, without coronary heart disease
B. A patient who has coronary heart disease and an LDL level of 100 mg/dL
C. A patient who has one risk factor, an LDL level of 170 mg/dL, and no history of coronary heart disease
D. A patient who has coronary heart disease and an LDL level of 165 mg/dL - CORRECT ANSWERS B. A patient who has coronary heart disease and an LDL level of 100 mg/dL
A patient tells the nurse that he likes to eat large amounts of garlic for its cardiovascular benefits. The nurse reviews his medication history, and notes that which drug would have a potential interaction with the garlic?
A. acetaminophen (Tylenol)
B. warfarin (Coumadin)
C. digoxin (Lanoxin)
D. phenytoin (Dilantin) - CORRECT ANSWERS B. warfarin (Coumadin)
- A patient with risk factors for coronary artery disease asks the nurse about the "good cholesterol" laboratory values. The nurse knows that this term refers to which of the following?
A. Chylomicrons
B. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
C. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
D. Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) - CORRECT ANSWERS C. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
- A patient who has recently started therapy on a statin drug asks the nurse how long it will take until he sees an effect on his serum cholesterol. Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?
A. "Blood levels return to normal within a week of beginning therapy."
B. "It takes several weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels."
C. "It takes at least 6 months to see a change in cholesterol levels."
D. "You will need to take this medication for almost a year to see significant results." - CORRECT ANSWERS B. "It takes several weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels."
- The nurse should monitor for muscle pain and possible myopathy when a patient is taking which class of antilipemic drugs?
A. Bile acid sequestrants
B. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
C. Fibric acid derivatives
D. Niacin - CORRECT ANSWERS B. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
- When teaching a patient who is beginning antilipemic therapy about possible drug-food interactions, the nurse should discuss which food?
A. Oatmeal
B. Grapefruit juice
C. Licorice
D. Dairy products - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Grapefruit juice
- The nurse is conducting a class about antilipemic drugs. The newer antilipemic drug ezetimibe (Zetia) works by which mechanism?
A. Preventing resorption of bile acids from the small intestines
B. Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
C. Activating lipase, which breaks down cholesterol
