,NURS 6521 Week 8 Quiz | Advanced Pharmacology (2026) Q&A |
Walden University
1. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of action of combined
oral contraceptives?
A) Preventing ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release
B) Killing sperm in the vaginal tract
C) Blocking fallopian tubes mechanically
D) Destroying the endometrium permanently
Correct Answer: Preventing ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release
Rationale: Combined oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin that suppress
gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing
hormone, preventing ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus and thin the
endometrium. They do not kill sperm directly, block fallopian tubes, or destroy the
endometrium.
2. A patient taking combined oral contraceptives should be counseled about which
serious adverse effect?
A) Venous thromboembolism
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: Venous thromboembolism
,Rationale: Estrogen-containing contraceptives increase the risk of venous
thromboembolism, particularly in smokers over 35, obese patients, and those with
clotting disorders. Patients should be aware of leg pain, swelling, and shortness of
breath. Hyperkalemia, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia are not typical.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication to combined oral contraceptive use?
A) Migraine with aura
B) Mild acne
C) Dysmenorrhea
D) Irregular menses
Correct Answer: Migraine with aura
Rationale: Migraine with aura is a contraindication to combined oral contraceptives due
to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Mild acne, dysmenorrhea, and irregular menses
are not contraindications and may actually improve with use. Progestin-only pills may
be safer in migraine with aura.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of progestin-only pills?
A) Thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium
B) Preventing ovulation primarily by suppressing FSH
C) Blocking estrogen receptors
D) Destroying ovarian follicles
Correct Answer: Thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium
, Rationale: Progestin-only pills primarily thicken cervical mucus to impede sperm and
thin the endometrium to prevent implantation. Ovulation is inconsistently suppressed.
They do not block estrogen receptors or destroy follicles. They are an option for
patients who cannot take estrogen.
5. A patient using a transdermal contraceptive patch should be advised to:
A) Apply a new patch weekly for three weeks, then a patch-free week
B) Apply a new patch daily
C) Change the patch every two weeks
D) Use the patch only during the luteal phase
Correct Answer: Apply a new patch weekly for three weeks, then a patch-free week
Rationale: The transdermal patch is applied weekly for three consecutive weeks,
followed by a patch-free week to allow withdrawal bleeding. It is not changed daily or
every two weeks. It is used continuously during the active phase, not only during the
luteal phase.
6. Which of the following is a common adverse effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate
depot injection?
A) Irregular bleeding and weight gain
B) Hypertension and tachycardia
C) Hyperkalemia and renal failure
D) Bradycardia and heart block
Walden University
1. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of action of combined
oral contraceptives?
A) Preventing ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release
B) Killing sperm in the vaginal tract
C) Blocking fallopian tubes mechanically
D) Destroying the endometrium permanently
Correct Answer: Preventing ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release
Rationale: Combined oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin that suppress
gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing
hormone, preventing ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus and thin the
endometrium. They do not kill sperm directly, block fallopian tubes, or destroy the
endometrium.
2. A patient taking combined oral contraceptives should be counseled about which
serious adverse effect?
A) Venous thromboembolism
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: Venous thromboembolism
,Rationale: Estrogen-containing contraceptives increase the risk of venous
thromboembolism, particularly in smokers over 35, obese patients, and those with
clotting disorders. Patients should be aware of leg pain, swelling, and shortness of
breath. Hyperkalemia, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia are not typical.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication to combined oral contraceptive use?
A) Migraine with aura
B) Mild acne
C) Dysmenorrhea
D) Irregular menses
Correct Answer: Migraine with aura
Rationale: Migraine with aura is a contraindication to combined oral contraceptives due
to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Mild acne, dysmenorrhea, and irregular menses
are not contraindications and may actually improve with use. Progestin-only pills may
be safer in migraine with aura.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of progestin-only pills?
A) Thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium
B) Preventing ovulation primarily by suppressing FSH
C) Blocking estrogen receptors
D) Destroying ovarian follicles
Correct Answer: Thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium
, Rationale: Progestin-only pills primarily thicken cervical mucus to impede sperm and
thin the endometrium to prevent implantation. Ovulation is inconsistently suppressed.
They do not block estrogen receptors or destroy follicles. They are an option for
patients who cannot take estrogen.
5. A patient using a transdermal contraceptive patch should be advised to:
A) Apply a new patch weekly for three weeks, then a patch-free week
B) Apply a new patch daily
C) Change the patch every two weeks
D) Use the patch only during the luteal phase
Correct Answer: Apply a new patch weekly for three weeks, then a patch-free week
Rationale: The transdermal patch is applied weekly for three consecutive weeks,
followed by a patch-free week to allow withdrawal bleeding. It is not changed daily or
every two weeks. It is used continuously during the active phase, not only during the
luteal phase.
6. Which of the following is a common adverse effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate
depot injection?
A) Irregular bleeding and weight gain
B) Hypertension and tachycardia
C) Hyperkalemia and renal failure
D) Bradycardia and heart block
