NUR 616 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics is most significantly altered by a significant decrease in
serum albumin levels?
A. Distribution
B. Absorption
C. Metabolism
D. Excretion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Distribution is affected because albumin is the primary protein
for drug binding; low levels increase the free fraction of protein-bound drugs.
2. A patient with a history of angioedema while taking Lisinopril should avoid which of the
following classes of medications?
A. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
B. Thiazide Diuretics
C. Calcium Channel Blockers
,D. Beta-Blockers
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While the risk is lower than with ACE inhibitors, patients with a
history of ACE-induced angioedema have an increased risk of cross-reactivity with ARBs.
3. Which mechanism explains the therapeutic effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Increasing hepatic glucose production
B. Directly stimulating alpha cells in the pancreas
C. Increasing renal glucose reabsorption
D. Enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GLP-1 agonists stimulate insulin secretion only when glucose
levels are elevated, minimizing hypoglycemia risk.
4. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which of the following foods should the nurse
practitioner advise the patient to keep consistent in their diet?
A. Red meat
B. Dairy products
C. Citrus fruits
D. Leafy green vegetables
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Leafy greens are high in Vitamin K, which is the direct
antagonist to Warfarin’s mechanism; consistency is key to maintaining a therapeutic INR.
5. Which drug is considered a first-line treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed primary
hypertension and no comorbidities?
A. Clonidine
B. Hydralazine
C. Amlodipine
D. Spironolactone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine are recommended
first-line therapies per JNC and AHA guidelines for primary hypertension.
6. The ‘steady state’ of a drug is typically reached after how many half-lives?
A. 4 to 5
B. 2 to 3
C. 1 to 2
D. 8 to 10
Answer: A
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics is most significantly altered by a significant decrease in
serum albumin levels?
A. Distribution
B. Absorption
C. Metabolism
D. Excretion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Distribution is affected because albumin is the primary protein
for drug binding; low levels increase the free fraction of protein-bound drugs.
2. A patient with a history of angioedema while taking Lisinopril should avoid which of the
following classes of medications?
A. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
B. Thiazide Diuretics
C. Calcium Channel Blockers
,D. Beta-Blockers
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While the risk is lower than with ACE inhibitors, patients with a
history of ACE-induced angioedema have an increased risk of cross-reactivity with ARBs.
3. Which mechanism explains the therapeutic effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Increasing hepatic glucose production
B. Directly stimulating alpha cells in the pancreas
C. Increasing renal glucose reabsorption
D. Enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: GLP-1 agonists stimulate insulin secretion only when glucose
levels are elevated, minimizing hypoglycemia risk.
4. A patient is prescribed Warfarin. Which of the following foods should the nurse
practitioner advise the patient to keep consistent in their diet?
A. Red meat
B. Dairy products
C. Citrus fruits
D. Leafy green vegetables
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Leafy greens are high in Vitamin K, which is the direct
antagonist to Warfarin’s mechanism; consistency is key to maintaining a therapeutic INR.
5. Which drug is considered a first-line treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed primary
hypertension and no comorbidities?
A. Clonidine
B. Hydralazine
C. Amlodipine
D. Spironolactone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine are recommended
first-line therapies per JNC and AHA guidelines for primary hypertension.
6. The ‘steady state’ of a drug is typically reached after how many half-lives?
A. 4 to 5
B. 2 to 3
C. 1 to 2
D. 8 to 10
Answer: A
