NUR 2474 Pharm Exam 2
NCLEX Questions / NUR 2474
Exam 2: Pharmacology for
Professional Nursing Exam 2
(Latest 2023 / 2025) Rasmussen
A nurse is
... [Show More] teaching a patient who will begin taking verapamil (Calan) for hypertension about the drug's side effects. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a."I may become constipated, so I should increase fluids and fiber."
b."I may experience a rapid heart rate as a result of taking this drug."
c."I may have swelling of my hands and feet, but this will subside."
d."I may need to increase my digoxin dose while taking this drug." - CORRECT ANSWER-a."I may become constipated, so I should increase fluids and fiber."
A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum. The nurse caring for this patient will expect to administer which drug?
a.Furosemide (Lasix)
b.Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
c.Mannitol (Osmitrol)
d.Spironolactone (Aldactone) - CORRECT ANSWER-
a.Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is needed. This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and pulmonary edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema, because their diuretic effects are less rapid. Mannitol is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be discontinued immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur.
A patient who is taking digoxin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure. The prescriber has ordered furosemide (Lasix). The nurse notes an irregular heart rate of 86 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 130/82 mm Hg. The nurse auscultates crackles in both lungs. Which laboratory value causes the nurse the most concern?
a.Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL
b.Oxygen saturation of 90%
c.Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
d.Sodium level of 140 mEq/L - CORRECT ANSWER-
c.Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
This patient has an irregular, rapid heartbeat that might be caused by a dysrhythmia. This patient's serum potassium level is low, which can trigger fatal dysrhythmias, especially in patients taking digoxin. Furosemide contributes to loss of potassium through its effects on the distal nephron. Potassium-sparing diuretics often are used in conjunction with furosemide to prevent this complication. This patient's serum glucose and sodium levels are normal and of no concern at this point, although they can be affected by furosemide. The oxygen saturation is somewhat low and needs to be monitored, although it may improve with diuresis.
A patient has 2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities bilaterally. Auscultation of the lungs reveals crackles bilaterally, and the serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. Which diuretic agent ordered by the prescriber should the nurse question? [Show Less]