MedCa Certification Practice Pharmacology Section Q & A w/ Rationales 2026 (Complete And Verified Study material) (27pages) LEARNEXAMS

1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril, an angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The nurse should monitor the patient for

which of the following adverse effects of this drug?

a) Hyperkalemia*

b) Hypoglycemia

c) Hyponatremia

d) Hypocalcemia

Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia by inhibiting the secretion of

aldosterone, which regulates potassium excretion. Hypoglycemia,

hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia are not common side effects of ACE

inhibitors.

2. A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin, a biguanide

antidiabetic agent. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the

following substances while taking this drug?

a) Alcohol*

b) Caffeine

c) Grapefruit juice

d) Milk

Rationale: Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious

complication of metformin therapy. Caffeine, grapefruit juice, and milk do not

interact significantly with metformin.

3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed

albuterol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator. The nurse should teach

the patient to report which of the following signs of toxicity or overdose of this

drug?

a) Tremors*

b) Bradycardia

c) Constipation