NURS 6521 EXAM 3: ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027 :
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Glargine (Lantus). What is the primary
pharmacokinetic characteristic of this insulin that the nurse practitioner should emphasize?
A. It has a peak effect occurring 4 to 6 hours after administration.
B. It should be mixed with short-acting insulin to reduce the number of injections.
C. It provides a steady, basal level of insulin over 24 hours without a peak.
D. It is administered only when the patient’s blood glucose exceeds 200 mg/dL.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting insulin designed to provide a
continuous basal rate of insulin for approximately 24 hours. Unlike NPH or regular insulin,
it does not have a distinct peak, which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following laboratory values must be closely monitored in a patient taking
Metformin (Glucophage) to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum Potassium levels
,B. Platelet count
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is
impaired (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2), the drug can accumulate, significantly increasing
the risk of lactic acidosis.
3. A patient with chronic asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Which
instruction is most important to reduce the risk of local adverse effects?
A. Take a deep breath and hold it for 30 seconds after inhalation.
B. Use a spacer and rinse the mouth with water after each use.
C. Avoid using the inhaler within one hour of eating.
D. Use the ICS only during an acute asthma attack.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rinsing the mouth and using a spacer helps prevent
oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia, common side effects of inhaled
corticosteroids.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which statement by
the patient indicates a correct understanding of the administration timing?
A. I will take it on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
B. I should take this medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
C. I will take my medication right before I go to bed.
D. I can take it along with my calcium and iron supplements.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, calcium, and
iron. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure consistent
absorption.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and is prescribed
Omeprazole (Prilosec). What is the mechanism of action of this drug?
A. It neutralizes existing stomach acid through a chemical reaction.
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells, reducing acid secretion.
C. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: C
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027 :
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Glargine (Lantus). What is the primary
pharmacokinetic characteristic of this insulin that the nurse practitioner should emphasize?
A. It has a peak effect occurring 4 to 6 hours after administration.
B. It should be mixed with short-acting insulin to reduce the number of injections.
C. It provides a steady, basal level of insulin over 24 hours without a peak.
D. It is administered only when the patient’s blood glucose exceeds 200 mg/dL.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting insulin designed to provide a
continuous basal rate of insulin for approximately 24 hours. Unlike NPH or regular insulin,
it does not have a distinct peak, which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following laboratory values must be closely monitored in a patient taking
Metformin (Glucophage) to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum Potassium levels
,B. Platelet count
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. If renal function is
impaired (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2), the drug can accumulate, significantly increasing
the risk of lactic acidosis.
3. A patient with chronic asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Which
instruction is most important to reduce the risk of local adverse effects?
A. Take a deep breath and hold it for 30 seconds after inhalation.
B. Use a spacer and rinse the mouth with water after each use.
C. Avoid using the inhaler within one hour of eating.
D. Use the ICS only during an acute asthma attack.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rinsing the mouth and using a spacer helps prevent
oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia, common side effects of inhaled
corticosteroids.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which statement by
the patient indicates a correct understanding of the administration timing?
A. I will take it on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
B. I should take this medication with a full meal to increase absorption.
C. I will take my medication right before I go to bed.
D. I can take it along with my calcium and iron supplements.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, calcium, and
iron. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure consistent
absorption.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and is prescribed
Omeprazole (Prilosec). What is the mechanism of action of this drug?
A. It neutralizes existing stomach acid through a chemical reaction.
B. It blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells, reducing acid secretion.
C. It irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system.
D. It forms a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa.
Answer: C
