BIOD 351 Module 6 Exam: Endocrine & GI Pharmacology 2026/2027
UPDATE
1. Which type of insulin is considered ‘rapid-acting’ and is typically administered
15 minutes before a meal?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Insulin Lispro
C. Insulin NPH
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes,
whereas Glargine is long-acting and NPH is intermediate.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in the treatment of
Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity
B. Increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
C. Delays the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Increases glucose excretion through the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is a biguanide that works by decreasing the amount of glucose
produced by the liver and making muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.
,3. A patient taking aluminum hydroxide for acid reflux complains of a common
side effect. Which of the following is most likely?
A. Diarrhea
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Constipation
Answer: D
Rationale: Aluminum-based antacids are well known for causing constipation, while
magnesium-based ones typically cause diarrhea.
4. Which medication is the first-line treatment for hypothyroidism?
A. Methimazole
B. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
C. Radioactive Iodine
D. Levothyroxine
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine (T4) is the synthetic form of thyroid hormone and the drug of
choice for replacement therapy in hypothyroidism.
5. Metoclopramide (Reglan) is categorized as which type of gastrointestinal
drug?
A. Prokinetic agent
B. Proton pump inhibitor
C. H2 receptor antagonist
D. Bulk-forming laxative
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that enhances gastric motility and
emptying by blocking dopamine receptors.
, 6. What is the peak action time for NPH insulin?
A. 1-2 hours
B. 4-12 hours
C. 18-24 hours
D. No peak
Answer: B
Rationale: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that typically peaks between 4 and 12
hours after administration.
7. When is the most appropriate time for a patient to take Levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a snack
B. 30-60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach
C. Immediately after a high-fiber breakfast
D. With lunch to prevent stomach upset
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure
optimal absorption and avoid interference from food.
8. Which of the following laxatives works by lowering surface tension to allow
water and fats to penetrate the stool?
A. Docusate sodium (Colace)
B. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
C. Psyllium (Metamucil)
D. Magnesium hydroxide
Answer: A
Rationale: Docusate sodium is a surfactant (stool softener) that helps water and fats
incorporate into the stool, making it easier to pass.
UPDATE
1. Which type of insulin is considered ‘rapid-acting’ and is typically administered
15 minutes before a meal?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Insulin Lispro
C. Insulin NPH
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes,
whereas Glargine is long-acting and NPH is intermediate.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in the treatment of
Type 2 Diabetes?
A. Decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity
B. Increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
C. Delays the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
D. Increases glucose excretion through the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is a biguanide that works by decreasing the amount of glucose
produced by the liver and making muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.
,3. A patient taking aluminum hydroxide for acid reflux complains of a common
side effect. Which of the following is most likely?
A. Diarrhea
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Constipation
Answer: D
Rationale: Aluminum-based antacids are well known for causing constipation, while
magnesium-based ones typically cause diarrhea.
4. Which medication is the first-line treatment for hypothyroidism?
A. Methimazole
B. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
C. Radioactive Iodine
D. Levothyroxine
Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine (T4) is the synthetic form of thyroid hormone and the drug of
choice for replacement therapy in hypothyroidism.
5. Metoclopramide (Reglan) is categorized as which type of gastrointestinal
drug?
A. Prokinetic agent
B. Proton pump inhibitor
C. H2 receptor antagonist
D. Bulk-forming laxative
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that enhances gastric motility and
emptying by blocking dopamine receptors.
, 6. What is the peak action time for NPH insulin?
A. 1-2 hours
B. 4-12 hours
C. 18-24 hours
D. No peak
Answer: B
Rationale: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that typically peaks between 4 and 12
hours after administration.
7. When is the most appropriate time for a patient to take Levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a snack
B. 30-60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach
C. Immediately after a high-fiber breakfast
D. With lunch to prevent stomach upset
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure
optimal absorption and avoid interference from food.
8. Which of the following laxatives works by lowering surface tension to allow
water and fats to penetrate the stool?
A. Docusate sodium (Colace)
B. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
C. Psyllium (Metamucil)
D. Magnesium hydroxide
Answer: A
Rationale: Docusate sodium is a surfactant (stool softener) that helps water and fats
incorporate into the stool, making it easier to pass.
