D441 Pharmacology Exam 3 Practice Questions 2026 |WGU
1. A patient is receiving Digoxin for heart failure. Which finding would most
likely indicate digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased heart rate
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset, bradycardia,
and visual disturbances like yellow or green halos around lights.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely for a patient receiving a
Heparin infusion?
A. PT/INR
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count only
D. Serum creatinine
Answer: B
Rationale: aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of heparin therapy.
,3. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
B. Directly inhibiting thrombin
C. Blocking the action of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
D. Preventing platelet aggregation
Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin works by interfering with the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X).
4. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor like Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry
cough. What is the most likely cause?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Secondary lung infection
D. Congestive heart failure exacerbation
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can accumulate in
the lungs and cause a dry, hacking cough.
5. Which of the following is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers
like Verapamil?
A. Diarrhea
B. Constipation
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers, particularly
Verapamil, due to the slowing of GI smooth muscle contraction.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which dietary instruction is most
important?
A. Increase intake of bananas and spinach
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Consume more citrus fruits
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes (which
often contain potassium) can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.
7. Which medication is the drug of choice for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
8. What is a major risk associated with the administration of HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors (Statins)?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Pulmonary fibrosis
C. Rhabdomyolysis
D. Ototoxicity
Answer: C
Rationale: Statins carry a risk of muscle breakdown known as rhabdomyolysis, which can
lead to renal failure.
1. A patient is receiving Digoxin for heart failure. Which finding would most
likely indicate digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased heart rate
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset, bradycardia,
and visual disturbances like yellow or green halos around lights.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely for a patient receiving a
Heparin infusion?
A. PT/INR
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count only
D. Serum creatinine
Answer: B
Rationale: aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and
safety of heparin therapy.
,3. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
B. Directly inhibiting thrombin
C. Blocking the action of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
D. Preventing platelet aggregation
Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin works by interfering with the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X).
4. A patient taking an ACE inhibitor like Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry
cough. What is the most likely cause?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Secondary lung infection
D. Congestive heart failure exacerbation
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can accumulate in
the lungs and cause a dry, hacking cough.
5. Which of the following is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers
like Verapamil?
A. Diarrhea
B. Constipation
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers, particularly
Verapamil, due to the slowing of GI smooth muscle contraction.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which dietary instruction is most
important?
A. Increase intake of bananas and spinach
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Consume more citrus fruits
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes (which
often contain potassium) can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.
7. Which medication is the drug of choice for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
8. What is a major risk associated with the administration of HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors (Statins)?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Pulmonary fibrosis
C. Rhabdomyolysis
D. Ototoxicity
Answer: C
Rationale: Statins carry a risk of muscle breakdown known as rhabdomyolysis, which can
lead to renal failure.
