NU 641 Exam 2 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology - Exam 2 Questions
and Answers and Explanations | Latest - Regis
1. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the
primary physiological cause of this adverse effect?
A. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
B. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
C. Increased levels of Angiotensin II
D. Direct irritation of the bronchial mucosa
Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its
accumulation in the respiratory tract, which triggers a dry cough in some patients.
2. Which lab value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving a
maintenance dose of Warfarin (Coumadin)?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Serum creatinine
C. Platelet count
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Answer: D
,Explanation: The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of Warfarin therapy.
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which electrolyte
imbalance significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the affinity of Digoxin for the Na+/K+ ATPase pump,
significantly increasing the risk of toxicity.
4. Metformin is contraindicated in patients with a glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) below what level due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. 30 mL/min/1.73m²
B. 45 mL/min/1.73m²
C. 60 mL/min/1.73m²
D. 15 mL/min/1.73m²
Answer: A
Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30
mL/min/1.73m² to avoid the accumulation of the drug and subsequent lactic acidosis.
,5. Why should non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol, be avoided in
patients with asthma?
A. They cause excessive mucus production
B. They block Beta-2 receptors leading to bronchoconstriction
C. They inhibit the effect of inhaled corticosteroids
D. They stimulate alpha receptors in the lungs
Answer: B
Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers antagonize both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors;
blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause life-threatening bronchospasm in
asthmatics.
6. What is the most serious potential adverse effect of HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors (Statins)?
A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Rhabdomyolysis
C. Hyperuricemia
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B
Explanation: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe breakdown of muscle tissue that can
lead to acute renal failure when taking statins.
, 7. What is the specific pharmacological antidote for unfractionated heparin
overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Idarucizumab
C. Fresh frozen plasma
D. Protamine sulfate
Answer: D
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is a basic protein that neutralizes the acidic heparin
molecule via ionic bonding.
8. How should a patient be instructed to take Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for
optimal absorption?
A. With a high-fiber breakfast
B. Immediately before bedtime with a snack
C. On an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. With orange juice to increase acidity
Answer: C
Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, so it must be taken on an
empty stomach early in the morning.
and Answers and Explanations | Latest - Regis
1. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the
primary physiological cause of this adverse effect?
A. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
B. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
C. Increased levels of Angiotensin II
D. Direct irritation of the bronchial mucosa
Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its
accumulation in the respiratory tract, which triggers a dry cough in some patients.
2. Which lab value is most critical to monitor for a patient receiving a
maintenance dose of Warfarin (Coumadin)?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Serum creatinine
C. Platelet count
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Answer: D
,Explanation: The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of Warfarin therapy.
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which electrolyte
imbalance significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the affinity of Digoxin for the Na+/K+ ATPase pump,
significantly increasing the risk of toxicity.
4. Metformin is contraindicated in patients with a glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) below what level due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. 30 mL/min/1.73m²
B. 45 mL/min/1.73m²
C. 60 mL/min/1.73m²
D. 15 mL/min/1.73m²
Answer: A
Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30
mL/min/1.73m² to avoid the accumulation of the drug and subsequent lactic acidosis.
,5. Why should non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol, be avoided in
patients with asthma?
A. They cause excessive mucus production
B. They block Beta-2 receptors leading to bronchoconstriction
C. They inhibit the effect of inhaled corticosteroids
D. They stimulate alpha receptors in the lungs
Answer: B
Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers antagonize both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors;
blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause life-threatening bronchospasm in
asthmatics.
6. What is the most serious potential adverse effect of HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors (Statins)?
A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Rhabdomyolysis
C. Hyperuricemia
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B
Explanation: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe breakdown of muscle tissue that can
lead to acute renal failure when taking statins.
, 7. What is the specific pharmacological antidote for unfractionated heparin
overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Idarucizumab
C. Fresh frozen plasma
D. Protamine sulfate
Answer: D
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is a basic protein that neutralizes the acidic heparin
molecule via ionic bonding.
8. How should a patient be instructed to take Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for
optimal absorption?
A. With a high-fiber breakfast
B. Immediately before bedtime with a snack
C. On an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast
D. With orange juice to increase acidity
Answer: C
Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food, so it must be taken on an
empty stomach early in the morning.
