Advanced Pharmacology Exam 9 Practice 2026 UPDATED
ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should
the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Occasional headache
C. Mild nausea
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the
accumulation of bradykinin.
2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. PTT
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is the standard for monitoring the
effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
,3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document this as a normal side effect
B. Assess for signs of Digoxin toxicity
C. Administer the next scheduled dose
D. Increase potassium intake
Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are classic signs of Digoxin
toxicity and require immediate assessment.
4. What is the mechanism of action of Spironolactone?
A. Inhibition of the Na-K-Cl symporter in the loop of Henle
B. Blocking of aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule
C. Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase
D. Activation of Beta-1 receptors
Answer: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts by antagonizing
aldosterone receptors.
5. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute asthma
attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Theophylline
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid bronchodilation
during acute symptoms.
, 6. A patient is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. What is a common
gastrointestinal side effect?
A. Constipation
B. Dry mouth
C. Increased thirst
D. Diarrhea
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes GI upset, including diarrhea and abdominal
cramping, especially during the initiation of therapy.
7. What is the reversal agent for Heparin overdose?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Flumazenil
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine Sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize the anticoagulant
effects of Heparin.
8. Which teaching point is essential for a patient prescribed Alendronate for
osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication right before bed
B. Take with a full glass of milk
C. Sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking
D. Crush the tablet if it is hard to swallow
Answer: C
Rationale: To prevent esophageal irritation and erosion, patients must remain upright for
30 minutes after taking bisphosphonates.
ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should
the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Occasional headache
C. Mild nausea
D. Increased appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the
accumulation of bradykinin.
2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. PTT
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is the standard for monitoring the
effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
,3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document this as a normal side effect
B. Assess for signs of Digoxin toxicity
C. Administer the next scheduled dose
D. Increase potassium intake
Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, are classic signs of Digoxin
toxicity and require immediate assessment.
4. What is the mechanism of action of Spironolactone?
A. Inhibition of the Na-K-Cl symporter in the loop of Henle
B. Blocking of aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule
C. Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase
D. Activation of Beta-1 receptors
Answer: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts by antagonizing
aldosterone receptors.
5. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute asthma
attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Theophylline
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid bronchodilation
during acute symptoms.
, 6. A patient is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. What is a common
gastrointestinal side effect?
A. Constipation
B. Dry mouth
C. Increased thirst
D. Diarrhea
Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin frequently causes GI upset, including diarrhea and abdominal
cramping, especially during the initiation of therapy.
7. What is the reversal agent for Heparin overdose?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Flumazenil
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine Sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize the anticoagulant
effects of Heparin.
8. Which teaching point is essential for a patient prescribed Alendronate for
osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication right before bed
B. Take with a full glass of milk
C. Sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking
D. Crush the tablet if it is hard to swallow
Answer: C
Rationale: To prevent esophageal irritation and erosion, patients must remain upright for
30 minutes after taking bisphosphonates.
