NURS 6521N WEEK 10 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS: WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for an IV contrast-enhanced CT scan. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours after the procedure to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Glipizide
B. Metformin
C. Sitagliptin
D. Pioglitazone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Contrast dye can cause
acute renal failure, leading to Metformin accumulation and life-threatening lactic acidosis.
2. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the
patient to take the medication at which time for optimal absorption?
A. With a full meal in the evening
B. Right before bedtime with a glass of milk
C. Immediately after lunch
,D. 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased on an empty stomach
and decreased by food, particularly calcium and fiber.
3. A patient taking long-term high-dose Prednisone for an autoimmune disorder is at risk for
Adrenal Insufficiency if the drug is stopped abruptly. What is the physiological cause?
A. Hyperstimulation of the pituitary gland
B. Direct destruction of the adrenal cortex cells
C. Feedback suppression of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis
D. Increased clearance of endogenous cortisol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Exogenous glucocorticoids inhibit the release of CRH and ACTH
through negative feedback, leading to adrenal atrophy and inability to produce endogenous
cortisol.
4. Which of the following medications is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that requires monitoring for
signs of pancreatitis?
A. Canagliflozin
B. Glyburide
C. Exenatide
, D. Acarbose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Exenatide and other GLP-1 agonists have been associated with a
risk of acute pancreatitis; patients should report severe abdominal pain.
5. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a patient with Graves’ disease. Which laboratory
result is the most critical to monitor due to potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Liver Function Tests (ALT/AST)
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PTU carries a Black Box Warning for severe liver injury and
acute liver failure, making LFT monitoring essential.
6. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP). Which finding
indicates a potential adverse effect of water intoxication?
A. Drowsiness and headache
B. Increased urine output
C. Hypernatremia
D. Tachycardia
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS: WALDEN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for an IV contrast-enhanced CT scan. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours after the procedure to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Glipizide
B. Metformin
C. Sitagliptin
D. Pioglitazone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Contrast dye can cause
acute renal failure, leading to Metformin accumulation and life-threatening lactic acidosis.
2. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the
patient to take the medication at which time for optimal absorption?
A. With a full meal in the evening
B. Right before bedtime with a glass of milk
C. Immediately after lunch
,D. 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased on an empty stomach
and decreased by food, particularly calcium and fiber.
3. A patient taking long-term high-dose Prednisone for an autoimmune disorder is at risk for
Adrenal Insufficiency if the drug is stopped abruptly. What is the physiological cause?
A. Hyperstimulation of the pituitary gland
B. Direct destruction of the adrenal cortex cells
C. Feedback suppression of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis
D. Increased clearance of endogenous cortisol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Exogenous glucocorticoids inhibit the release of CRH and ACTH
through negative feedback, leading to adrenal atrophy and inability to produce endogenous
cortisol.
4. Which of the following medications is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that requires monitoring for
signs of pancreatitis?
A. Canagliflozin
B. Glyburide
C. Exenatide
, D. Acarbose
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Exenatide and other GLP-1 agonists have been associated with a
risk of acute pancreatitis; patients should report severe abdominal pain.
5. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a patient with Graves’ disease. Which laboratory
result is the most critical to monitor due to potential life-threatening adverse effects?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Liver Function Tests (ALT/AST)
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PTU carries a Black Box Warning for severe liver injury and
acute liver failure, making LFT monitoring essential.
6. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP). Which finding
indicates a potential adverse effect of water intoxication?
A. Drowsiness and headache
B. Increased urine output
C. Hypernatremia
D. Tachycardia
