NURS 5334 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a medication that inhibits the Na+/K+-
ATPase pump. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent
toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin inhibits the Na+/K+-ATPase pump. Hypokalemia
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding
sites on the pump.
2. Which pharmacological property describes the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the blood?
A. Distribution
,B. Absorption
C. Metabolism
D. Excretion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process of a drug moving from the
administration site to the systemic circulation.
3. A patient is taking Warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following lab values is most critical
for monitoring the therapeutic effect and safety of this drug?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin monitoring is done via PT/INR to ensure the clotting
time is within the therapeutic range (usually 2.0 to 3.0).
4. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a dry, hacking cough. What is the physiological
mechanism responsible for this side effect?
A. Increased prostaglandin synthesis
B. Inhibition of aldosterone
, C. Direct irritation of the bronchial mucosa
D. Accumulation of bradykinin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its
accumulation in the lungs, which causes a dry cough in some patients.
5. When prescribing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins), which baseline lab test is most
important to obtain due to potential serious adverse effects?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
C. Serum Sodium
D. Liver function tests (LFTs)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity and myopathy; therefore,
baseline liver function tests are essential before starting therapy.
6. Which antibiotic is associated with a high risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults
or those taking corticosteroids?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Doxycycline
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a medication that inhibits the Na+/K+-
ATPase pump. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent
toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin inhibits the Na+/K+-ATPase pump. Hypokalemia
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding
sites on the pump.
2. Which pharmacological property describes the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the blood?
A. Distribution
,B. Absorption
C. Metabolism
D. Excretion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process of a drug moving from the
administration site to the systemic circulation.
3. A patient is taking Warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following lab values is most critical
for monitoring the therapeutic effect and safety of this drug?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin monitoring is done via PT/INR to ensure the clotting
time is within the therapeutic range (usually 2.0 to 3.0).
4. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a dry, hacking cough. What is the physiological
mechanism responsible for this side effect?
A. Increased prostaglandin synthesis
B. Inhibition of aldosterone
, C. Direct irritation of the bronchial mucosa
D. Accumulation of bradykinin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its
accumulation in the lungs, which causes a dry cough in some patients.
5. When prescribing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins), which baseline lab test is most
important to obtain due to potential serious adverse effects?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
C. Serum Sodium
D. Liver function tests (LFTs)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity and myopathy; therefore,
baseline liver function tests are essential before starting therapy.
6. Which antibiotic is associated with a high risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults
or those taking corticosteroids?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Doxycycline
