NURS 6521N WEEK 9 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS: WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro (Humalog). What is the most
critical instruction regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Administer immediately before eating or within 15 minutes of a meal.
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
D. Administer once daily at the same time every morning regardless of food.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15
minutes. It must be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which lab value is the most important to monitor in a patient receiving long-term
Metformin (Glucophage) therapy to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
C. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
,D. Serum Amylase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with significant renal
impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min) due to the high risk of lactic acidosis.
3. A pregnant patient in her first trimester is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which
medication is preferred for treatment during this period?
A. Methimazole
B. Levothyroxine
C. Radioactive Iodine (I-131)
D. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PTU is preferred in the first trimester of pregnancy because
Methimazole is associated with birth defects like aplasia cutis.
4. A patient is prescribed Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. Which administration
instruction is vital to prevent esophageal erosion?
A. Take with 6-8 ounces of plain water and remain upright for 30 minutes.
B. Take the medication and lie down for at least 30 minutes.
C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
D. Crush the tablet if it is too difficult to swallow.
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bisphosphonates like Alendronate can cause severe esophagitis;
remaining upright and using plain water helps ensure the drug reaches the stomach
quickly.
5. A patient taking Pioglitazone (Actos) reports sudden weight gain and shortness of breath.
The NP should suspect which adverse effect?
A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Heart failure exacerbation
C. Renal failure
D. Lactic acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone cause fluid retention, which
can precipitate or worsen congestive heart failure.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Exenatide (Byetta) in managing Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion
B. Inhibition of the DPP-4 enzyme
C. Blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the proximal renal tubules
D. Increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS: WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro (Humalog). What is the most
critical instruction regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
B. Administer immediately before eating or within 15 minutes of a meal.
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
D. Administer once daily at the same time every morning regardless of food.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15
minutes. It must be administered in close proximity to a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which lab value is the most important to monitor in a patient receiving long-term
Metformin (Glucophage) therapy to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
C. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
,D. Serum Amylase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with significant renal
impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min) due to the high risk of lactic acidosis.
3. A pregnant patient in her first trimester is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which
medication is preferred for treatment during this period?
A. Methimazole
B. Levothyroxine
C. Radioactive Iodine (I-131)
D. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PTU is preferred in the first trimester of pregnancy because
Methimazole is associated with birth defects like aplasia cutis.
4. A patient is prescribed Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. Which administration
instruction is vital to prevent esophageal erosion?
A. Take with 6-8 ounces of plain water and remain upright for 30 minutes.
B. Take the medication and lie down for at least 30 minutes.
C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
D. Crush the tablet if it is too difficult to swallow.
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bisphosphonates like Alendronate can cause severe esophagitis;
remaining upright and using plain water helps ensure the drug reaches the stomach
quickly.
5. A patient taking Pioglitazone (Actos) reports sudden weight gain and shortness of breath.
The NP should suspect which adverse effect?
A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Heart failure exacerbation
C. Renal failure
D. Lactic acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone cause fluid retention, which
can precipitate or worsen congestive heart failure.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Exenatide (Byetta) in managing Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion
B. Inhibition of the DPP-4 enzyme
C. Blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the proximal renal tubules
D. Increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue
