Advanced Pharmacology NSG 533 Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
EP is a 38-year-old female patient that comes in for diabetes education and
management. She was diagnosed 12 years ago and states lately she is not able to
control her diet although she continues a 1600 calorie diet with appropriate daily
carbohydrate intake (per dietitian prescription) and walks 40 minutes every day of the
week. She states compliance with all medications. She denies any history of
hypoglycemia despite being able to identify signs and symptoms and describe
appropriate treatment strategies.
PMH: T2DM, HTN, obesity, depression, s/p thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer
FmHx: Noncontributory
SHx: (−) Smoking, alcohol use, past marijuana use while in high school
Medications: Metformin 850 mg tid, glipizide 20 mg bid, lisinopril 20 mg daily, sertraline
100 mg daily, multivitamin daily
Vitals: BP 128/82 mg Hg; P 72 beats/min; BMI 31 m/kg2
Laboratory test results: Na 134 mEq/L, K 5.4 mEq/L, Cl 106 mEq/L, BUN Ans:
Exenatide - Exenatide (Bydureon) once weekly has been able to demonstrate weight
loss and decrease A1C% by 0.7% to 1.2% in clinical trials; however it is contraindicated
for EP due to the self-reported history of thyroid cancer.
Dapagliflozin - Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is contraindicated in this patient due to
hyperkalemia which could be made worse by this drug. The package insert does not
indicate a specific potassium concentration cut off to no longer use this medication;
however, there are better choices in this patient.
Sitagliptin - Sitagliptin (Januvia) is able to obtain an A1C goal of less than 7% based on
clinical trials and currently the patient does not have any cautionary objective
measures to not use this medication. DPP-IV inhibitors are weight neutral. DPP-IV
inhibitors can be used in patients taking sulfonylureas; however, it may be
recommended to reduce or stop the sulfonylurea dose.
,Acarbose - Acarbose (Precose) is not recommended for initial management and is
associated with significant GI side effects. More information would be needed
regarding fasting and post-prandial numbers. In addition, adding acarbose would only
lower A1c by 0.8% at best and therefore would not achieve the desired A1C goal of
<7%
JR is a 68-year-old African American man with a new diagnosis of T2DM. He was
classified as having prediabetes (at risk for developing diabetes) 5 years before the
diagnosis and has a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. JR's blood pressure was
150/92 mm Hg. His laboratory results revealed an A1C of 8.1%, normal cholesterol
panel, and normal renal/hepatic function were noted with today's laboratory test
results.
Past medical history: Hypertension (diagnosed 4 y ago) Hyperlipidemia (diagnosed 2 y
ago) Pancreatitis (idiopathic) (acute hospitalization 3 y ago)
Family history: Type 2 diabetes
Medication: HCTZ 25 mg daily, simvastatin 10 mg daily
Allergies: SMZ/TMP
Vitals: BP: 150/92 mm Hg P: 78 beats/min RR: 12 rpm Waist Circumference: 46 in
Weight: 267 lb Height: 5 ′ 6 ″ BMI: 43.1 kg/m 2
Despite improvements in the past six weeks due to lifestyle changes and exercise, drug
therapy is to be started for JR's diabet Ans: Metformin is the drug of choice
recommended for most patients with diabetes in addition to lifestyle modifications
assuming no contraindications or intolerabilities are present upon evaluation.
Metformin has also shown to provide positive weight neutral/loss effects in obese
patients. It is crucial to know the renal status of patients commencing metformin
therapy to limit the risk of lactic acidosis (JR is without contraindication).
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
,Since his entry A1C is >7.5%, dual therapy is indicated. There are several potential
choices. The second step can be a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, it can be a glucagon-
like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it can be a TZD, it can be a sulfonylurea agent,
it can be a SGLT2 inhibitor, or it could be basal insulin. Anything next can be tried
depending on what suits the circumstance
DPP4 inhibitors are weight neutral bet relatively benign side effect profile. Sitagliptin
has been associated with case reports of pancreatitis, so this specific agent should be
avoided. $$$
GLP-1 analog and has data to support an A1C reduction necessary to gain glycemic
control and may assist with weight loss goals for this patient. New information
suggests these agents may provide benefits in those with ASCVD. JR has a past history
of pancreatitis and GLP-1 analogs are not recommended due to this contraindication
TZDs have data to support an A1C reduction necessary to gain glycemic control, but
are associated with weight gain, negative effects on lipids and increased risk of fracture.
Until recently, TZDs have also been linked to increased CV events and use has fallen
out of favor
Sulfonylureas provide excellent A1C lowering, but are also associated with weight gain.
They also have the potential to cause hypoglycemia, so patient education is crucial.
Because of his allergies to "sulfa", use would be contr
A patient with type 1 diabetes reports taking propranolol for hypertension. What
concern does this information present for the provider? Ans: A patient with Type 1
DM is insulin dependent for glucose control and at high risk for hypoglycemic episodes.
Propanolol causes prolonged hypoglycemic episodes. Needs to switch to ACE or ARB.
A provider teaches a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a
new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement by the patient indicates a need
for further teaching?
a. "I should not take heartburn medication without consulting my provider first."
b. "I should report insomnia, tremors, and an increased heart rate to my provider."
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
, c. "If I take a multivitamin with iron, I should take it 4 hours after the levothyroxine."
d. "If I take calcium supplements, I may need to decrease my dose of levothyroxine."
Ans: D. Calcium may reduce levothyroxine absorption. Further education is needed if
the patient feels she can take half of a prescribed medication.
MC has undiagnosed multiple gastric ulcers. Shortly after consuming a large meal and
alcohol he experiences significant GI distress. He takes an OTC heartburn remedy.
Within a minute or two he develops what he will later describe as "belching, nausea
and a bad bloated feeling". Several of the ulcers began to bleed and he becomes
profoundly hypotensive from the blood loss and is taken to the ED. Endoscopy
confirms multiple bleeds; the endoscopist remarks that it appears as if the lesions had
been literally stretched apart causing additional tissue damage. What did the patient
most likely take (i.e. what was the OTC remedy)? Ans: I would accept Alka-Selzer. I
contains NaHCO3 (as well as ASA). In the presence of HCL it Liberates CO2, that can
cause gastric distention, belching and nausea. The reaction is fairly swift allowing little
time for dissipation. Tums, its primary ingredient calcium carbonate which when taken
cause a reaction with the stomach acid such as production of carbon dioxide gas which
can cause bloating and the stomach to stretch to tear the ulcers open.
On your way to this examination, you experience the vulnerable feeling that an attack
of acute diarrhea is imminent! If you stop at a drug store, which anti-diarrheal drugs
could you buy without a prescription even though it is chemically related to the strong
opioid analgesic meperidine (but acts only on the peripheral opioid receptor)? Ans:
Loperamide
JA has multiple medical problems and is taking several drugs including theophylline,
warfarin and phenytoin. His conditions were well controlled, but recently he started to
experience some GI distress for which of his "well intentioned friends" gave him some
medication. He presents to you with toxic effects of all his other medications and
plasma levels of those medications elevated. What was most likely the medication he
took? Ans: Cimetidine
What lifestyle modifications should be recommended? Ans: -losing weight if
overweight
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
Detailed Verified Answers
EP is a 38-year-old female patient that comes in for diabetes education and
management. She was diagnosed 12 years ago and states lately she is not able to
control her diet although she continues a 1600 calorie diet with appropriate daily
carbohydrate intake (per dietitian prescription) and walks 40 minutes every day of the
week. She states compliance with all medications. She denies any history of
hypoglycemia despite being able to identify signs and symptoms and describe
appropriate treatment strategies.
PMH: T2DM, HTN, obesity, depression, s/p thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer
FmHx: Noncontributory
SHx: (−) Smoking, alcohol use, past marijuana use while in high school
Medications: Metformin 850 mg tid, glipizide 20 mg bid, lisinopril 20 mg daily, sertraline
100 mg daily, multivitamin daily
Vitals: BP 128/82 mg Hg; P 72 beats/min; BMI 31 m/kg2
Laboratory test results: Na 134 mEq/L, K 5.4 mEq/L, Cl 106 mEq/L, BUN Ans:
Exenatide - Exenatide (Bydureon) once weekly has been able to demonstrate weight
loss and decrease A1C% by 0.7% to 1.2% in clinical trials; however it is contraindicated
for EP due to the self-reported history of thyroid cancer.
Dapagliflozin - Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is contraindicated in this patient due to
hyperkalemia which could be made worse by this drug. The package insert does not
indicate a specific potassium concentration cut off to no longer use this medication;
however, there are better choices in this patient.
Sitagliptin - Sitagliptin (Januvia) is able to obtain an A1C goal of less than 7% based on
clinical trials and currently the patient does not have any cautionary objective
measures to not use this medication. DPP-IV inhibitors are weight neutral. DPP-IV
inhibitors can be used in patients taking sulfonylureas; however, it may be
recommended to reduce or stop the sulfonylurea dose.
,Acarbose - Acarbose (Precose) is not recommended for initial management and is
associated with significant GI side effects. More information would be needed
regarding fasting and post-prandial numbers. In addition, adding acarbose would only
lower A1c by 0.8% at best and therefore would not achieve the desired A1C goal of
<7%
JR is a 68-year-old African American man with a new diagnosis of T2DM. He was
classified as having prediabetes (at risk for developing diabetes) 5 years before the
diagnosis and has a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. JR's blood pressure was
150/92 mm Hg. His laboratory results revealed an A1C of 8.1%, normal cholesterol
panel, and normal renal/hepatic function were noted with today's laboratory test
results.
Past medical history: Hypertension (diagnosed 4 y ago) Hyperlipidemia (diagnosed 2 y
ago) Pancreatitis (idiopathic) (acute hospitalization 3 y ago)
Family history: Type 2 diabetes
Medication: HCTZ 25 mg daily, simvastatin 10 mg daily
Allergies: SMZ/TMP
Vitals: BP: 150/92 mm Hg P: 78 beats/min RR: 12 rpm Waist Circumference: 46 in
Weight: 267 lb Height: 5 ′ 6 ″ BMI: 43.1 kg/m 2
Despite improvements in the past six weeks due to lifestyle changes and exercise, drug
therapy is to be started for JR's diabet Ans: Metformin is the drug of choice
recommended for most patients with diabetes in addition to lifestyle modifications
assuming no contraindications or intolerabilities are present upon evaluation.
Metformin has also shown to provide positive weight neutral/loss effects in obese
patients. It is crucial to know the renal status of patients commencing metformin
therapy to limit the risk of lactic acidosis (JR is without contraindication).
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
,Since his entry A1C is >7.5%, dual therapy is indicated. There are several potential
choices. The second step can be a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, it can be a glucagon-
like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it can be a TZD, it can be a sulfonylurea agent,
it can be a SGLT2 inhibitor, or it could be basal insulin. Anything next can be tried
depending on what suits the circumstance
DPP4 inhibitors are weight neutral bet relatively benign side effect profile. Sitagliptin
has been associated with case reports of pancreatitis, so this specific agent should be
avoided. $$$
GLP-1 analog and has data to support an A1C reduction necessary to gain glycemic
control and may assist with weight loss goals for this patient. New information
suggests these agents may provide benefits in those with ASCVD. JR has a past history
of pancreatitis and GLP-1 analogs are not recommended due to this contraindication
TZDs have data to support an A1C reduction necessary to gain glycemic control, but
are associated with weight gain, negative effects on lipids and increased risk of fracture.
Until recently, TZDs have also been linked to increased CV events and use has fallen
out of favor
Sulfonylureas provide excellent A1C lowering, but are also associated with weight gain.
They also have the potential to cause hypoglycemia, so patient education is crucial.
Because of his allergies to "sulfa", use would be contr
A patient with type 1 diabetes reports taking propranolol for hypertension. What
concern does this information present for the provider? Ans: A patient with Type 1
DM is insulin dependent for glucose control and at high risk for hypoglycemic episodes.
Propanolol causes prolonged hypoglycemic episodes. Needs to switch to ACE or ARB.
A provider teaches a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a
new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement by the patient indicates a need
for further teaching?
a. "I should not take heartburn medication without consulting my provider first."
b. "I should report insomnia, tremors, and an increased heart rate to my provider."
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
, c. "If I take a multivitamin with iron, I should take it 4 hours after the levothyroxine."
d. "If I take calcium supplements, I may need to decrease my dose of levothyroxine."
Ans: D. Calcium may reduce levothyroxine absorption. Further education is needed if
the patient feels she can take half of a prescribed medication.
MC has undiagnosed multiple gastric ulcers. Shortly after consuming a large meal and
alcohol he experiences significant GI distress. He takes an OTC heartburn remedy.
Within a minute or two he develops what he will later describe as "belching, nausea
and a bad bloated feeling". Several of the ulcers began to bleed and he becomes
profoundly hypotensive from the blood loss and is taken to the ED. Endoscopy
confirms multiple bleeds; the endoscopist remarks that it appears as if the lesions had
been literally stretched apart causing additional tissue damage. What did the patient
most likely take (i.e. what was the OTC remedy)? Ans: I would accept Alka-Selzer. I
contains NaHCO3 (as well as ASA). In the presence of HCL it Liberates CO2, that can
cause gastric distention, belching and nausea. The reaction is fairly swift allowing little
time for dissipation. Tums, its primary ingredient calcium carbonate which when taken
cause a reaction with the stomach acid such as production of carbon dioxide gas which
can cause bloating and the stomach to stretch to tear the ulcers open.
On your way to this examination, you experience the vulnerable feeling that an attack
of acute diarrhea is imminent! If you stop at a drug store, which anti-diarrheal drugs
could you buy without a prescription even though it is chemically related to the strong
opioid analgesic meperidine (but acts only on the peripheral opioid receptor)? Ans:
Loperamide
JA has multiple medical problems and is taking several drugs including theophylline,
warfarin and phenytoin. His conditions were well controlled, but recently he started to
experience some GI distress for which of his "well intentioned friends" gave him some
medication. He presents to you with toxic effects of all his other medications and
plasma levels of those medications elevated. What was most likely the medication he
took? Ans: Cimetidine
What lifestyle modifications should be recommended? Ans: -losing weight if
overweight
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
