Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam Study Guide |
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales |
2026
Resource Features
➢ NR 565 Final practice questions
➢ Answers for self-assessment
➢ Detailed rationales
➢ Advanced pharmacology review
➢ Patient-education questions
➢ Safe-prescribing concepts
➢ Exam-focused review
, NR 565 Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam Study
Guide | Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales | 2026
Question 1
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus asks the nurse about target blood
glucose goals. Which response is most accurate?
a. Fasting blood glucose of 100-150 mg/dL, post-meal of 200 mg/dL, A1C
under 8%
b. Fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL, post-meal of 180 mg/dL or less,
A1C under 7%
c. Fasting blood glucose of 70-100 mg/dL, post-meal of 160 mg/dL, A1C
under 6%
d. Fasting blood glucose of 90-140 mg/dL, post-meal of 200 mg/dL, A1C
under 7.5%
Answer: b. Fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL, post-meal of 180
mg/dL or less, A1C under 7%
Rationale: The American Diabetes Association recommends glycemic goals
of 80-130 mg/dL before meals, less than 180 mg/dL 1-2 hours after meals,
and an A1C below 7%. These goals balance glycemic control with the risk
of hypoglycemia. Long-term goals focus on preventing complications such
as nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
,Question 2
The nurse is teaching a client with type 2 diabetes about preventing
diabetic nephropathy. Which medication class should the nurse anticipate
the healthcare provider prescribing?
a. Beta-blockers
b. ACE inhibitors
c. Calcium channel blockers
d. Thiazide diuretics
Answer: b. ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril) and ARBs (such as losartan)
are preferred for preventing diabetic nephropathy because they reduce
intraglomerular pressure and have renoprotective effects beyond blood
pressure reduction. These medications slow the progression of kidney
disease in diabetic clients. ARBs may be used if the client cannot tolerate
ACE inhibitors.
Question 3
A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes asks the nurse about initial
treatment. According to the ADA stepped care approach, which
intervention should the nurse identify as first-line therapy?
a. Insulin therapy alone
b. Lifestyle changes plus metformin
, c. Metformin plus a GLP-1 agonist
d. Sulfonylurea therapy alone
Answer: b. Lifestyle changes plus metformin
Rationale: The ADA stepped care approach recommends lifestyle
modifications (diet and exercise) plus metformin as first-line therapy for
type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the preferred initial pharmacological agent
due to its efficacy, safety, low hypoglycemia risk, and favorable effects on
weight. Additional medications are added based on individual client
characteristics and response to therapy.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes.
The client reports gastrointestinal upset. Which instruction should the
nurse provide?
a. Take the medication on an empty stomach
b. Take the medication with meals
c. Discontinue the medication immediately
d. Take the medication at bedtime only
Answer: b. Take the medication with meals
Rationale: Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects
including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Taking the
medication with meals helps reduce these symptoms. The dose should be