NR 566 FINAL EXAM ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
2026/2027 | 2 Latest Versions | 210+ Q&A | Care of Family | A
Grade | Pass Guaranteed
VERSION 1 - 105 QUESTIONS
V1-A: Cardiovascular & Anticoagulation Pharmacology (Q1-20)
Q1. A 58-year-old male with newly diagnosed hypertension has type 2 diabetes and
microalbuminuria. Which antihypertensive class is first-line and provides renal
protection?
A. Thiazide diuretic
B. Beta-blocker
C. ACE inhibitor
D. Calcium channel blocker
C. ACE inhibitor [CORRECT]
Rationale: ACE inhibitors are first-line for hypertension with diabetes and
microalbuminuria because they reduce intraglomerular pressure, slow diabetic
nephropathy progression, and lower cardiovascular risk. Thiazides and CCBs are
alternative or add-on agents but lack the same renoprotective evidence. Beta-blockers
mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
Correct Answer: C
Q2. A 67-year-old with atrial fibrillation and a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4 is started on
apixaban. What is the correct dosing?
A. 2.5 mg BID if the patient meets 2 of 3 criteria (age ≥80, weight ≤60 kg, creatinine ≥1.5
mg/dL)
B. 5 mg BID for all patients regardless of characteristics
C. 2.5 mg daily regardless of risk factors
D. 10 mg BID for high-risk patients
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A. 2.5 mg BID if the patient meets 2 of 3 criteria (age ≥80, weight ≤60 kg,
creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL) [CORRECT]
Rationale: Apixaban 5 mg BID is standard; dose reduction to 2.5 mg BID requires ≥2 of
3 criteria: age ≥80, weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Ten mg BID is not an
approved dose, and daily dosing is incorrect for apixaban.
Correct Answer: A
Q3. A patient on warfarin with an INR of 6.5 presents with minor epistaxis but is
hemodynamically stable. What is the appropriate management?
A. Vitamin K 10 mg IV and fresh frozen plasma immediately
B. Hold warfarin, give vitamin K 2.5-5 mg PO, and recheck INR in 24 hours
C. Continue warfarin and transfuse platelets
D. Administer 4-factor PCC (Kcentra) 50 units/kg
B. Hold warfarin, give vitamin K 2.5-5 mg PO, and recheck INR in 24 hours
[CORRECT]
Rationale: For INR 4.5-10 with minor bleeding, hold warfarin and give low-dose oral
vitamin K (2.5-5 mg). IV vitamin K and PCC are reserved for serious bleeding or INR
>10. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for warfarin reversal.
Correct Answer: B
Q4. A 72-year-old with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, EF 30%)
and hypertension is on lisinopril and metoprolol succinate. Which additional agent has
mortality benefit in HFrEF?
A. Amlodipine
B. Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate
C. Spironolactone
D. Doxazosin
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C. Spironolactone [CORRECT]
Rationale: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone) reduce
mortality in HFrEF (EF ≤35%). Amlodipine has neutral mortality data in HFrEF.
Hydralazine/isosorbide is for African Americans with persistent symptoms or ACEI
intolerance. Doxazosin is not indicated for HFrEF.
Correct Answer: C
Q5. A patient on simvastatin 40 mg develops myalgia and CK elevation to 2,500 U/L.
What is the next step?
A. Continue simvastatin and add coenzyme Q10
B. Stop simvastatin immediately; consider lower-intensity statin or alternative class
after resolution
C. Reduce simvastatin to 20 mg and monitor
D. Switch to gemfibrozil
B. Stop simvastatin immediately; consider lower-intensity statin or alternative
class after resolution [CORRECT]
Rationale: CK >10× ULN or symptomatic myopathy with CK elevation requires statin
discontinuation. Rechallenge with lower dose or alternative statin may be considered
after resolution. Gemfibrozil increases statin myopathy risk and is not a substitute.
Coenzyme Q10 evidence is insufficient.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A 55-year-old with hypertension and gout has recurrent gout flares on
hydrochlorothiazide. Which antihypertensive alternative is preferred?
A. Chlorthalidone
B. Losartan
C. Atenolol
D. Clonidine
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B. Losartan [CORRECT]
Rationale: Losartan is uricosuric and lowers serum uric acid, making it preferred in
hypertensive patients with gout. Thiazides (including chlorthalidone) raise uric acid
and worsen gout. Atenolol and clonidine do not affect uric acid but are not first-line for
uncomplicated hypertension.
Correct Answer: B
Q7. A patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and severe renal impairment (CrCl 15
mL/min) requires anticoagulation. Which DOAC is appropriate?
A. Rivaroxaban 15 mg daily
B. Apixaban 5 mg BID (or 2.5 mg BID if dose reduction criteria met)
C. Dabigatran 150 mg BID
D. Edoxaban 60 mg daily
B. Apixaban 5 mg BID (or 2.5 mg BID if dose reduction criteria met) [CORRECT]
Rationale: Apixaban is the preferred DOAC in severe renal impairment (CrCl 15-29)
because it has the least renal clearance (25%) and is FDA-approved down to CrCl 15.
Rivaroxaban and edoxaban have significant renal clearance and are contraindicated or
not recommended at CrCl 15. Dabigatran is 80% renally cleared and contraindicated.
Correct Answer: B
Q8. A 62-year-old with stable angina and COPD is started on a beta-blocker. Which
agent is preferred for patients with reactive airway disease?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol succinate
C. Nadolol
D. Sotalol
B. Metoprolol succinate [CORRECT]