P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NR 565 Final Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 | Advanced
Pharmacology | Verified Practice
Test & Study Guide (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
111 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 111 verified questions with correct answers and detailed rationales focused on
advanced pharmacology. Each question is paired with an explanation of the underlying pharmacological
principles, making it suitable for exam preparation, comprehensive review, and certification readiness.
CONTENTS
01 • Diabetes Management 02 • Thyroid Disorders 03 • Asthma and COPD
04 • Smoking Cessation 05 • Tuberculosis Treatment 06
• Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
07 • Immunizations 08 • Medication Examples
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 111
Page 1
,Criteria for dx DM
CORRECT ANSWER
Fasting plasma glucose greater than 126
Random plasma glucose greater than 200
Oral glucose tolerance test greater than 200
HgA1c at or greater than 6.5%
RATIONALE
Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus relies on specific glycemic thresholds that indicate impaired glucose regulation, including elevated fasting
plasma glucose, random plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test results, and HbA1c levels, which reflect chronic hyperglycemia. These
criteria are essential for distinguishing diabetes from normal glucose metabolism and ensuring timely intervention.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 111
What drug class should be considered for DM before insulin
CORRECT ANSWER
Biguanide (Metformin)
RATIONALE
Biguanides, particularly metformin, enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease hepatic glucose production, making them the first-line
pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes management. This approach effectively targets the underlying insulin resistance characteristic of the
disease before progressing to insulin therapy.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 111
Action of Insulin
CORRECT ANSWER
Synthesized in pancreas, primary metabolic action is anabolic. Promotes conservation of energy and buildup of energy stores like
glycogen.
RATIONALE
Insulin, produced by pancreatic beta cells, functions as an anabolic hormone that facilitates glucose uptake and storage, primarily as glycogen
in liver and muscle tissues, thereby promoting energy conservation and storage. This action is critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis
and supporting metabolic processes.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 111
Page 2
,MOA Sulfonylureas
CORRECT ANSWER
by stimulating release of insulin from pancreatic islets. If pancreas is not capable of insulin synthesis, they will not be effective. thus,
cannot use on DM1 only DM2
RATIONALE
Sulfonylureas function by promoting insulin secretion from functioning pancreatic beta cells, making them ineffective in Type 1 diabetes where
insulin production is absent. Their mechanism underscores the importance of pancreatic functionality for therapeutic efficacy in managing
Type 2 diabetes.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 111
Glinides MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
by stimulating release of insulin from pancreatic islets. If pancreas is not capable of insulin synthesis, they will not be effective. thus,
cannot use on DM1 only DM2
RATIONALE
Glinides enhance insulin secretion from functioning pancreatic beta cells by binding to ATP-sensitive potassium channels, thus lowering
blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, their efficacy is absent in type 1 diabetes due to the lack of insulin production
capacity. This mechanism underscores their specific applicability to patients with preserved pancreatic function.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 111
Thiazolidinediones (TZD) MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
Decrease glucose levels primarily by decreasing insulin resistance
RATIONALE
Thiazolidinediones enhance insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, particularly muscle and adipose tissue, by activating peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), which improves glucose uptake and utilization. This action effectively lowers blood glucose
levels by reducing insulin resistance.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 111
Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
blocks reabsorption of filtered glucose and creates glucose urea. Action is primary useful in DM2 when trying to improve glycemic
control
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the renal proximal tubules leads to increased urinary glucose excretion, thereby lowering blood
glucose levels, which is particularly beneficial in managing hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This mechanism enhances glycemic
control by reducing the glucose load in the bloodstream.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 111
dipeptidy peptidase 4 inhibitors (gliptins) (DPP-4) MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
promote glycemic control by enhancing actions of incretin hormones. It modestly decreases A1c
RATIONALE
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors enhance glycemic control by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which leads to increased levels of incretin
hormones that stimulate insulin secretion and decrease glucagon release, thereby aiding in the regulation of blood glucose levels. This
mechanism results in a modest reduction in hemoglobin A1c, reflecting improved long-term glycemic management.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 111
Incretin hormone
CORRECT ANSWER
gut peptide secreted after nutrient intake and stimulates insulin production. Together with hyperglycemia, glucose dependent insulin
tropic polypeptide and GLP-1 are known as the incretin hormones from upper and lower gut. Together they are responsible for incretin
effect which is a 2-3 fold higher insulin secretory response vs oral or IV glucose.
Note people with DM2 the incretin effect is diminished or no longer present.
RATIONALE
Incretin hormones, including glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1, enhance insulin secretion in response to nutrient
intake, significantly amplifying the insulin response compared to glucose administered intravenously or orally. This incretin effect is notably
diminished or absent in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, highlighting the importance of these peptides in glucose homeostasis.
Q10 QUESTION 10 OF 111
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
by augmenting the effects of incretin hormones GLP-1 and other incretins are released from cells of GI tract after a meal. Incretins
activate receptors for GLP-1 and slow gastric emptying, stimulate glucose dependent release of insulin and inhibits postprandial release
of glucagon and suppresses appetite.
Page 4