WGU D116 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that is a known CYP450 enzyme inducer. What effect will this
have on a co-administered drug that is metabolized by the same enzyme system?
A. Increased plasma levels of the co-administered drug
B. Decreased plasma levels of the co-administered drug
C. Decreased rate of excretion of the co-administered drug
D. No change in the pharmacokinetics of the co-administered drug
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Enzyme inducers increase the metabolic activity of CYP450
enzymes, leading to faster breakdown and decreased plasma concentrations of substrate
drugs.
2. Which mechanism best explains why ACE inhibitors cause a persistent dry cough in some
patients?
A. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
,B. Increased levels of Angiotensin II
C. Blockade of calcium channels in the bronchioles
D. Direct irritation of the alveolar basement membrane
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE is responsible for the breakdown of bradykinin; inhibiting
ACE leads to bradykinin accumulation, which triggers the cough reflex.
3. A patient with a history of asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which agent
would be the safest choice to minimize bronchoconstriction?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Metoprolol
D. Timolol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1) blocker, making it safer
for patients with asthma compared to non-selective blockers like propranolol.
4. Which monitoring parameter is most critical for a patient receiving aminoglycoside
therapy, such as Gentamicin?
A. Serum creatinine and trough levels
B. Serum potassium levels
, C. Prothrombin time (PT)
D. Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides are associated with nephrotoxicity and
ototoxicity; monitoring renal function (creatinine) and trough levels is essential to prevent
toxicity.
5. A patient is taking Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which condition is a major
contraindication due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. Hypertension
B. Severe Renal Impairment
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hyperlipidemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is renally cleared; impaired renal function leads to
drug accumulation, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening lactic acidosis.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. Direct inhibition of Thrombin (Factor IIa)
B. Inhibition of Vitamin K epoxide reductase
C. Activation of Antithrombin III
PHARMACOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that is a known CYP450 enzyme inducer. What effect will this
have on a co-administered drug that is metabolized by the same enzyme system?
A. Increased plasma levels of the co-administered drug
B. Decreased plasma levels of the co-administered drug
C. Decreased rate of excretion of the co-administered drug
D. No change in the pharmacokinetics of the co-administered drug
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Enzyme inducers increase the metabolic activity of CYP450
enzymes, leading to faster breakdown and decreased plasma concentrations of substrate
drugs.
2. Which mechanism best explains why ACE inhibitors cause a persistent dry cough in some
patients?
A. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
,B. Increased levels of Angiotensin II
C. Blockade of calcium channels in the bronchioles
D. Direct irritation of the alveolar basement membrane
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE is responsible for the breakdown of bradykinin; inhibiting
ACE leads to bradykinin accumulation, which triggers the cough reflex.
3. A patient with a history of asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which agent
would be the safest choice to minimize bronchoconstriction?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Metoprolol
D. Timolol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1) blocker, making it safer
for patients with asthma compared to non-selective blockers like propranolol.
4. Which monitoring parameter is most critical for a patient receiving aminoglycoside
therapy, such as Gentamicin?
A. Serum creatinine and trough levels
B. Serum potassium levels
, C. Prothrombin time (PT)
D. Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides are associated with nephrotoxicity and
ototoxicity; monitoring renal function (creatinine) and trough levels is essential to prevent
toxicity.
5. A patient is taking Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which condition is a major
contraindication due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. Hypertension
B. Severe Renal Impairment
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hyperlipidemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is renally cleared; impaired renal function leads to
drug accumulation, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening lactic acidosis.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Warfarin?
A. Direct inhibition of Thrombin (Factor IIa)
B. Inhibition of Vitamin K epoxide reductase
C. Activation of Antithrombin III
