NURS 5663 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY - WEEK 4
CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide for heart failure management. Where in the nephron
does this medication primarily exert its effect?
A. The proximal convoluted tubule
B. The collecting duct
C. The distal convoluted tubule
D. The thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide act by inhibiting the Na-K-2Cl
symporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to significant diuresis.
2. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the biochemical cause
of this side effect?
A. Increased production of angiotensin II
,B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Inhibition of prostaglandins
D. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin. The
resulting accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs triggers the dry, hacking cough common
in these patients.
3. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances significantly increases the risk of Digoxin
toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases Digoxin binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase
pump, which enhances its therapeutic and toxic effects.
4. A patient is starting Atorvastatin therapy. What baseline and periodic laboratory
monitoring is essential for this medication class?
A. Liver function tests (LFTs)
, B. Serum creatinine and BUN
C. Complete blood count (CBC)
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity; therefore, baseline LFTs
(specifically ALT) should be obtained, though routine periodic monitoring is now less
strictly required unless clinical symptoms occur.
5. Which medication is an appropriate reversal agent for a patient experiencing life-
threatening bleeding while on Warfarin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K (Phytonadione)
C. Idarucizumab
D. Andexanet alfa
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist for Warfarin. Protamine is
for Heparin, Idarucizumab is for Dabigatran, and Andexanet alfa is for Factor Xa inhibitors.
6. A patient with a history of severe asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which
of the following would be the safest choice?
A. Propranolol
PHARMACOLOGY - WEEK 4
CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed Furosemide for heart failure management. Where in the nephron
does this medication primarily exert its effect?
A. The proximal convoluted tubule
B. The collecting duct
C. The distal convoluted tubule
D. The thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide act by inhibiting the Na-K-2Cl
symporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to significant diuresis.
2. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the biochemical cause
of this side effect?
A. Increased production of angiotensin II
,B. Accumulation of bradykinin
C. Inhibition of prostaglandins
D. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin. The
resulting accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs triggers the dry, hacking cough common
in these patients.
3. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances significantly increases the risk of Digoxin
toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases Digoxin binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase
pump, which enhances its therapeutic and toxic effects.
4. A patient is starting Atorvastatin therapy. What baseline and periodic laboratory
monitoring is essential for this medication class?
A. Liver function tests (LFTs)
, B. Serum creatinine and BUN
C. Complete blood count (CBC)
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity; therefore, baseline LFTs
(specifically ALT) should be obtained, though routine periodic monitoring is now less
strictly required unless clinical symptoms occur.
5. Which medication is an appropriate reversal agent for a patient experiencing life-
threatening bleeding while on Warfarin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K (Phytonadione)
C. Idarucizumab
D. Andexanet alfa
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the specific antagonist for Warfarin. Protamine is
for Heparin, Idarucizumab is for Dabigatran, and Andexanet alfa is for Factor Xa inhibitors.
6. A patient with a history of severe asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which
of the following would be the safest choice?
A. Propranolol
