NUR612/NUR612 Exam 2 V3 | Advance
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which generation of cephalosporins is most likely to cross the blood-brain barrier for
treating meningitis?
A. Third-generation
B. Second-generation
C. First-generation
D. Fourth-generation
Answer: A
Rationale: Third-generation cephalosporins like ceftriaxone have excellent penetration
into the cerebrospinal fluid. They are frequently used to treat central nervous system
infections such as bacterial meningitis. In contrast, earlier generations do not reach
therapeutic concentrations in the brain.
2. When prescribing an ACE inhibitor, which electrolyte abnormality is a common concern?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which
leads to a reduction in aldosterone secretion. Since aldosterone promotes potassium
excretion, its reduction can lead to the retention of potassium in the blood. Patients should
be monitored regularly for elevated potassium levels, especially if they have renal
impairment.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in the treatment of Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
B. Increasing glucose excretion in the urine
C. Binding to alpha-glucosidase in the intestine
D. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin works primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver and
increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike sulfonylureas, it does not
stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. This mechanism significantly reduces the
risk of hypoglycemia compared to other antidiabetic agents.
4. Which teaching point is essential for a patient starting Alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking.
, C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed.
D. Dissolve the tablet in orange juice for better absorption.
Answer: B
Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe esophageal irritation
and ulceration. Patients must stay upright and avoid eating or drinking anything other than
water for 30 minutes to ensure the drug passes into the stomach. Taking it with anything
other than plain water significantly impairs absorption.
5. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value is used to monitor the therapeutic
effectiveness and safety of this drug?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum Creatinine
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used to
monitor patients on Warfarin therapy. It ensures consistency across different laboratories
and helps determine if the dose needs adjustment. The target INR for most patients is
between 2.0 and 3.0.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which generation of cephalosporins is most likely to cross the blood-brain barrier for
treating meningitis?
A. Third-generation
B. Second-generation
C. First-generation
D. Fourth-generation
Answer: A
Rationale: Third-generation cephalosporins like ceftriaxone have excellent penetration
into the cerebrospinal fluid. They are frequently used to treat central nervous system
infections such as bacterial meningitis. In contrast, earlier generations do not reach
therapeutic concentrations in the brain.
2. When prescribing an ACE inhibitor, which electrolyte abnormality is a common concern?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which
leads to a reduction in aldosterone secretion. Since aldosterone promotes potassium
excretion, its reduction can lead to the retention of potassium in the blood. Patients should
be monitored regularly for elevated potassium levels, especially if they have renal
impairment.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Metformin in the treatment of Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
B. Increasing glucose excretion in the urine
C. Binding to alpha-glucosidase in the intestine
D. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin works primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver and
increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike sulfonylureas, it does not
stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. This mechanism significantly reduces the
risk of hypoglycemia compared to other antidiabetic agents.
4. Which teaching point is essential for a patient starting Alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking.
, C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed.
D. Dissolve the tablet in orange juice for better absorption.
Answer: B
Rationale: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe esophageal irritation
and ulceration. Patients must stay upright and avoid eating or drinking anything other than
water for 30 minutes to ensure the drug passes into the stomach. Taking it with anything
other than plain water significantly impairs absorption.
5. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value is used to monitor the therapeutic
effectiveness and safety of this drug?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Serum Creatinine
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used to
monitor patients on Warfarin therapy. It ensures consistency across different laboratories
and helps determine if the dose needs adjustment. The target INR for most patients is
between 2.0 and 3.0.
