NURS 6521N ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY WEEK 11 EXAM
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS: WALDEN
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for chronic atrial fibrillation. Which of the
following lab values should be monitored to ensure the medication is within the therapeutic
range?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. BUN/Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement for monitoring Warfarin therapy, with a typical target range of 2.0 to 3.0.
2. A 45-year-old male is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which underlying condition
would be a contraindication for this drug due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. Hypertension
,B. Renal impairment
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Glaucoma
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys; renal
impairment increases the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis.
3. Which side effect is uniquely associated with the use of ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril,
and is often the reason for switching to an ARB?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
C. Peripheral edema
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs caused by ACE
inhibition leads to a persistent dry cough in about 10-20% of patients.
4. When administering Vancomycin intravenously, a patient develops flushing of the neck and
face. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A. Immediately stop the infusion and administer Epinephrine
B. Increase the infusion rate to finish early
, C. Discontinue the drug and document an allergy
D. Slow the infusion rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction, not a true
allergy. Slowing the infusion typically resolves the symptoms.
5. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights and experiencing
nausea. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal therapeutic effect
B. Acute glaucoma
C. Digoxin toxicity
D. Vitamin A deficiency
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances (yellow-green halos) and GI upset are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity, which can be exacerbated by hypokalemia.
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be used with extreme caution or avoided?
A. Calcium channel blockers
B. ARBs
C. Thiazide diuretics
PHARMACOLOGY WEEK 11 EXAM
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS: WALDEN
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for chronic atrial fibrillation. Which of the
following lab values should be monitored to ensure the medication is within the therapeutic
range?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. BUN/Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement for monitoring Warfarin therapy, with a typical target range of 2.0 to 3.0.
2. A 45-year-old male is starting Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which underlying condition
would be a contraindication for this drug due to the risk of lactic acidosis?
A. Hypertension
,B. Renal impairment
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Glaucoma
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys; renal
impairment increases the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis.
3. Which side effect is uniquely associated with the use of ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril,
and is often the reason for switching to an ARB?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Dry, nonproductive cough
C. Peripheral edema
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs caused by ACE
inhibition leads to a persistent dry cough in about 10-20% of patients.
4. When administering Vancomycin intravenously, a patient develops flushing of the neck and
face. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A. Immediately stop the infusion and administer Epinephrine
B. Increase the infusion rate to finish early
, C. Discontinue the drug and document an allergy
D. Slow the infusion rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction, not a true
allergy. Slowing the infusion typically resolves the symptoms.
5. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights and experiencing
nausea. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal therapeutic effect
B. Acute glaucoma
C. Digoxin toxicity
D. Vitamin A deficiency
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances (yellow-green halos) and GI upset are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity, which can be exacerbated by hypokalemia.
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be used with extreme caution or avoided?
A. Calcium channel blockers
B. ARBs
C. Thiazide diuretics
