Final Exam: NUR 2474 NUR2474

Final Exam: NUR 2474 / NUR2474

(Latest Update 2025 / 2026) Pharmacology for Professional Nursing | Test Questions with Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A - Rasmussen

Question:

A hospitalized patient complains of acute chest pain. The nurse administers a 0.3 mg sublingual nitroglycerin tablet, but the patient continues to complain of pain. Vital signs remain stable. What is the nurse's next step?

• Apply a nitroglycerin transdermal patch.
• Continue dosing at 10-minute intervals.
• Give a second dose of nitroglycerin in 5 minutes.
• Request an order for intravenous nitroglycerin.

Answer:

• Give a second dose of nitroglycerin in 5 minutes.

*After one dose and a 5 minute wait period, you call 9-1-1 (if applicable) and give the second dose. This can be repeated for a third time with stable vitals. 1 / 4

Question:

A patient who has begun using transdermal nitroglycerin for angina reports occasional periods of tachycardia. The nurse will expect the prescriber to

order:

• digoxin (Lanoxin) to slow the heart rate.
• immediate discontinuation of the nitroglycerin.
• periods of rest when the heart rate increases.
• verapamil as an adjunct to nitroglycerin therapy.

Answer:

• verapamil as an adjunct to nitroglycerin therapy.

*Nitroglycerin lowers blood pressure by reducing venous return and dilating the arterioles. The lowered blood pressure activates the baroreceptor reflex, causing reflex tachycardia, which can increase cardiac demand and negate the therapeutic effects of nitroglycerin. Treatment with a beta blocker or verapamil suppresses the heart to slow the rate.

Question:

A patient with angina who uses sublingual nitroglycerin tells the nurse that the episodes are increasing in frequency and usually occur when the patient walks the dog. The patient reports needing almost daily doses of the nitroglycerin and states that one tablet usually provides complete relief. What will the nurse do?

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• Contact the provider to suggest ordering a transdermal patch for this

patient.

• Question the patient about consumption of grapefruit juice.c. Suggest that

the patient limit walking the dog to shorter distances less frequently.

• Suggest that the patient take two tablets of nitroglycerin each time,

because the symptoms are increasing in frequency.

Answer:

• Contact the provider to suggest ordering a transdermal patch for this

patient.

*this suggests a worsening of the condition, potentially indicating the need for longer-acting or continuous nitroglycerin therapy.

Question:

A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks how calcium channel blockers relieve pain. The nurse

will explain that CCBs:

• help relax peripheral arterioles to reduce afterload.
• improve coronary artery perfusion.
• increase the heart rate to improve myocardial contractility. d. increase the

QT interval.

Answer:

• help relax peripheral arterioles to reduce afterload.
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*Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) work by blocking the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells in blood vessels and the heart that helps relax peripheral arterioles, leading to vasodilation.

Question:

A patient with stable exertional angina has been receiving a beta blocker.Before giving the drug, the nurse notes a resting heart rate of 55 beats per minute. Which is an appropriate nursing action?

• Administer the drug as ordered, because this is a desired effect.
• Withhold the dose and notify the provider of the heart rate.
• Request an order for a lower dose of the medication.
• Request an order to change to another antianginal medication.

Answer:

• Withhold the dose and notify the provider of the heart rate.

*less than 60 bpm or systolic less than 100, hold beta-blocker and notify provider.

Question:

A nurse provides teaching to a patient with angina who also has type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma, and hypertension. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

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