NU 578
NU 578 Unit 3 Exam – Advanced Pharmacology Actual
Questions & Answers and Deep Expert Rationales |
Latest (2026/2027) Updated Version (University of South
Alabama)
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS:
❖NU 578 Unit 3 Exam
❖Advanced Pharmacology
❖Actual Questions & Answers
❖Deep Expert Rationales
❖Latest (2026/2027) Updated Version
❖University of South Alabama
,1. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which of the following should be limited to no
more than 5 consecutive days of use?
A. Antihistamines
B. Oral adrenergics
C. Topical vasoconstrictors
D. Topical glucocorticoids
• Correct Answer: C. Topical vasoconstrictors
• Expert Rationale: Topical nasal decongestants (sympathomimetic
vasoconstrictors such as oxymetazoline or phenylephrine) cause constriction of
dilated arterioles in the nasal mucosa. Prolonged continuous use beyond 3 to 5
days leads to downregulation/desensitization of alpha-adrenergic receptors,
causing severe rebound nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) as the drug
wears off.
2. The patient must be informed of possible damage to the lungs when prescribed
oral therapy with which of the following drugs?
A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B. Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
C. Propafenone (Rhythmol)
D. Propranolol (Inderal)
• Correct Answer: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
, • Expert Rationale: Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic agent associated with
serious organ toxicities, most notably severe pulmonary toxicity (such as
interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or acute respiratory distress
syndrome). Baseline chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) along with
periodic clinical monitoring are required.
3. Although aspirin is often combined with P2Y12 Adenosine Diphosphate Receptor
Antagonists, its use with these agents may:
A. Increase the risk of edema
B. Increase the risk of renal toxicity
C. Increase the risk of hepatotoxicity
D. Increase the risk of GI bleeds
• Correct Answer: D. Increase the risk of GI bleeds
• Expert Rationale: Both aspirin (an irreversible COX-1 inhibitor) and P2Y12
inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) inhibit platelet activation
through distinct mechanisms. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) produces a
synergistic inhibition of hemostasis, significantly elevating the risk of severe
gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhage.
4. Calcium channel blockers that are dihydropyridines:
A. Work primarily on the SA node
B. Include Verapamil and Diltiazem
NU 578 Unit 3 Exam – Advanced Pharmacology Actual
Questions & Answers and Deep Expert Rationales |
Latest (2026/2027) Updated Version (University of South
Alabama)
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS:
❖NU 578 Unit 3 Exam
❖Advanced Pharmacology
❖Actual Questions & Answers
❖Deep Expert Rationales
❖Latest (2026/2027) Updated Version
❖University of South Alabama
,1. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which of the following should be limited to no
more than 5 consecutive days of use?
A. Antihistamines
B. Oral adrenergics
C. Topical vasoconstrictors
D. Topical glucocorticoids
• Correct Answer: C. Topical vasoconstrictors
• Expert Rationale: Topical nasal decongestants (sympathomimetic
vasoconstrictors such as oxymetazoline or phenylephrine) cause constriction of
dilated arterioles in the nasal mucosa. Prolonged continuous use beyond 3 to 5
days leads to downregulation/desensitization of alpha-adrenergic receptors,
causing severe rebound nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) as the drug
wears off.
2. The patient must be informed of possible damage to the lungs when prescribed
oral therapy with which of the following drugs?
A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B. Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
C. Propafenone (Rhythmol)
D. Propranolol (Inderal)
• Correct Answer: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
, • Expert Rationale: Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic agent associated with
serious organ toxicities, most notably severe pulmonary toxicity (such as
interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or acute respiratory distress
syndrome). Baseline chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) along with
periodic clinical monitoring are required.
3. Although aspirin is often combined with P2Y12 Adenosine Diphosphate Receptor
Antagonists, its use with these agents may:
A. Increase the risk of edema
B. Increase the risk of renal toxicity
C. Increase the risk of hepatotoxicity
D. Increase the risk of GI bleeds
• Correct Answer: D. Increase the risk of GI bleeds
• Expert Rationale: Both aspirin (an irreversible COX-1 inhibitor) and P2Y12
inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) inhibit platelet activation
through distinct mechanisms. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) produces a
synergistic inhibition of hemostasis, significantly elevating the risk of severe
gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhage.
4. Calcium channel blockers that are dihydropyridines:
A. Work primarily on the SA node
B. Include Verapamil and Diltiazem
