, NURS 5334 / NURS5334: Advanced
Pharmacology – Exam 1 Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale 2026/2027
Question 1
Which laboratory values must be monitored closely in a patient
starting lisinopril?
A. Serum sodium and potassium
B. Serum glucose and HbA1c
C. Thyroid stimulating hormone
D. Complete blood count with differential
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril decrease aldosterone
secretion, which can lead to potassium retention and
hyperkalemia, alongside monitoring for changes in sodium and
renal function.
Question 2
What is the primary mechanism of action of beta blockers in
treating hypertension?
A. Direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle
,B. Blockade of beta receptors to decrease heart rate and cardiac
output
C. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
D. Blockade of calcium channels in blood vessels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta blockers competitively block beta-adrenergic
receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and myocardial
contractility to lower cardiac output and blood pressure.
Question 3
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with
dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers like amlodipine?
A. Peripheral edema and flushing
B. Severe bronchospasm
C. Irreversible hearing loss
D. Hypokalemic cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers cause
arterial vasodilation, frequently resulting in peripheral lower
extremity edema, headaches, and flushing.
Question 4
, What is the primary pharmacological action of loop diuretics
such as furosemide?
A. Blockade of aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule
B. Inhibition of sodium and chloride reabsorption in the thick
ascending limb of the loop of Henle
C. Osmotic drawing of water into the proximal convoluted
tubule
D. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the collecting duct
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-
chloride cotransporter in medicinal doses within the thick
ascending limb of the loop of Henle, causing profound diuresis
and electrolyte excretion.
Question 5
Which patient instruction is critical when prescribing an oral
bisphosphonate like alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication immediately before bedtime with a glass
of milk
B. Crush the tablet thoroughly before swallowing to enhance
absorption
C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug
with a full glass of water
Pharmacology – Exam 1 Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale 2026/2027
Question 1
Which laboratory values must be monitored closely in a patient
starting lisinopril?
A. Serum sodium and potassium
B. Serum glucose and HbA1c
C. Thyroid stimulating hormone
D. Complete blood count with differential
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril decrease aldosterone
secretion, which can lead to potassium retention and
hyperkalemia, alongside monitoring for changes in sodium and
renal function.
Question 2
What is the primary mechanism of action of beta blockers in
treating hypertension?
A. Direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle
,B. Blockade of beta receptors to decrease heart rate and cardiac
output
C. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
D. Blockade of calcium channels in blood vessels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta blockers competitively block beta-adrenergic
receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and myocardial
contractility to lower cardiac output and blood pressure.
Question 3
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with
dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers like amlodipine?
A. Peripheral edema and flushing
B. Severe bronchospasm
C. Irreversible hearing loss
D. Hypokalemic cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers cause
arterial vasodilation, frequently resulting in peripheral lower
extremity edema, headaches, and flushing.
Question 4
, What is the primary pharmacological action of loop diuretics
such as furosemide?
A. Blockade of aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule
B. Inhibition of sodium and chloride reabsorption in the thick
ascending limb of the loop of Henle
C. Osmotic drawing of water into the proximal convoluted
tubule
D. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the collecting duct
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-
chloride cotransporter in medicinal doses within the thick
ascending limb of the loop of Henle, causing profound diuresis
and electrolyte excretion.
Question 5
Which patient instruction is critical when prescribing an oral
bisphosphonate like alendronate for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication immediately before bedtime with a glass
of milk
B. Crush the tablet thoroughly before swallowing to enhance
absorption
C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug
with a full glass of water
