FILE 200 COMPLEX PRACTICE ITEMS
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NU 627 Advanced Pharmacology: Exam 4 Practice Test
1. A 64-year-old male with a history of severe chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF)
presents with acute bronchospasm. The nurse practitioner
considers prescribing a bronchodilator but must recall the
pharmacological mechanisms that affect cardiac output. Which of
the following autonomic nervous system agents would be the most
appropriate choice to minimize cardiac stimulation while achieving
effective bronchodilation?
A. Isoproterenol
B. Epinephrine
C. Ipratropium bromide
D. Propranolol
Correct Answer Rationale: Ipratropium bromide is an
anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic receptors in
bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation without the
direct beta-1 adrenergic cardiac stimulation associated with
agents like isoproterenol or epinephrine, making it safer for
patients with concurrent CHF.
2. A 45-year-old female patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety
disorder is prescribed buspirone. During a follow-up visit, she asks
why she cannot take this medication as a needed "prn" dose for
acute panic attacks, similar to how her friend takes alprazolam.
The clinician explains the mechanism of action of buspirone based
on which of the following timelines and receptor interactions?
A. It acts immediately as a GABA-A receptor agonist.
B. It is a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist
requiring 2 to 4 weeks for therapeutic effect.
C. It works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors within hours of
, administration.
D. It rapidly increases norepinephrine synaptic availability to
suppress acute panic.
Correct Answer Rationale: Buspirone functions as a partial
agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, it
lacks immediate anticonvulsant or muscle relaxant properties
and requires scheduled, continuous dosing over 2 to 4 weeks to
achieve therapeutic anxiolytic effects.
3. A 58-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and an
estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 42 mL/min/1.73m²
requires an adjustment to their glycemic regimen. The clinician
evaluates adding an SGLT2 inhibitor. What is the primary
hemodynamic mechanism of this drug class, and how does it alter
renal physiology?
A. It inhibits the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, increasing renal blood
flow.
B. It inhibits glucose reabsorption in the proximal
convoluted tubule, inducing osmotic diuresis and
lowering intraglomerular pressure.
C. It blocks the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system directly
within the distal tubule.
D. It enhances insulin sensitivity in the loop of Henle, accelerating
glucose excretion.
Correct Answer Rationale: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2
(SGLT2) inhibitors work specifically in the proximal convoluted
tubule to block glucose and sodium reabsorption. This leads to
glucosuria, osmotic diuresis, and reduced pre-
load/intraglomerular pressure, offering cardiorenal protection.
4. A 32-year-old pregnant patient in her second trimester presents
with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clinician must initiate
anticoagulation therapy immediately. Which of the following
anticoagulants is considered safe to prescribe during pregnancy
due to its inability to cross the placental barrier?
A. Warfarin
B. Enoxaparin
C. Dabigatran
D. Rivaroxaban
Correct Answer Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparins
(LMWH) like enoxaparin do not cross the placenta and are the
, preferred anticoagulants for treating thromboembolism during
pregnancy. Warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are
contraindicated due to teratogenicity and fetal bleeding risks.
5. A 72-year-old female patient is being treated with digoxin for atrial
fibrillation. She presents to the clinic complaining of nausea,
blurred vision with a yellowish-green halo around lights, and
generalized fatigue. Her lab results show a serum potassium level
of 3.1 mEq/L. Which statement best explains the impact of
hypokalemia on digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia increases digoxin binding to the Na+/K+
ATPase pump, intensifying its therapeutic and toxic
effects.
B. Low potassium levels accelerate the hepatic clearance of
digoxin, reducing its effectiveness.
C. Hypokalemia directly deactivates digoxin molecules in the
systemic circulation.
D. Low potassium prevents digoxin from crossing the blood-brain
barrier, masking neurological symptoms.
Correct Answer Rationale: Digoxin competes with potassium for
binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. When potassium
levels are low (hypokalemia), more binding sites are available for
digoxin, which increases its pharmacodynamic action and
significantly raises the risk of life-threatening toxicity.
6. A 50-year-old male patient is initiated on amiodarone therapy for
the management of recurrent, refractory ventricular tachycardia.
The advanced practice nurse must counsel the patient regarding
long-term monitoring due to the drug’s extensive tissue
distribution and adverse effect profile. Which baseline and periodic
diagnostic evaluations are mandatory for this patient?
A. Complete blood count and serum amylase every 3 months.
B. Renal ultrasound and serum creatinine every 6 months.
C. Pulmonary function tests, thyroid panels, and liver
function enzymes.
D. Electroencephalogram and routine bone density scans.
Correct Answer Rationale: Amiodarone contains high iodine
content and can cause severe pulmonary toxicity (fibrosis),
thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism), and
hepatotoxicity. Baseline and periodic pulmonary function tests,
thyroid panels, and LFTs are essential.
, 7. A 29-year-old female patient with a history of severe migraines
presents seeking a prescription for an acute abortive agent. She
mentions that she is actively trying to conceive. Which of the
following migraine therapies is strictly contraindicated during
pregnancy due to its powerful oxytocic properties and risk of fetal
distress?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Sumatriptan
C. Ergotamine tartrate
D. Magnesium oxide
Correct Answer Rationale: Ergotamine tartrate possesses
prominent oxytocic properties that can induce uterine
contractions, compromise uteroplacental blood flow, and lead to
abortion or fetal distress. It is absolutely contraindicated during
pregnancy.
8. A clinician is reviewing the lab results of a 60-year-old patient who
has been taking high-dose atorvastatin for six months. The patient
complains of diffuse, bilateral muscle pain and weakness,
particularly in the thighs. The serum creatine kinase (CK) level is
elevated to 12 times the upper limit of normal. What is the
immediate, evidence-based management strategy for this patient?
A. Decrease the atorvastatin dose by half and schedule a follow-up
in one month.
B. Discontinue the atorvastatin immediately and monitor
renal function and CK levels closely.
C. Change the medication to simvastatin at an equivalent dose.
D. Maintain the statin dose and add a high-dose vitamin D
supplement.
Correct Answer Rationale: A CK elevation greater than 10 times
the upper limit of normal paired with diffuse muscle pain
indicates rhabdomyolysis or severe statin-induced myopathy. The
statin must be stopped immediately to avoid acute kidney injury
from myoglobinuria.
9. A 68-year-old male patient with severe osteoarthritis is prescribed
celecoxib for pain management. The patient has a documented
history of coronary artery disease and a myocardial infarction two
years ago. Why does celecoxib pose a specific cardiovascular risk
compared to non-selective NSAIDs?
A. It causes severe, irreversible vasodilation of peripheral