NURS 6521 EXAM 2: ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED BY
EXPERTS. 2026/2027: WALDEN
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because
digoxin competes with potassium for binding at the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Low potassium
levels allow more digoxin to bind, leading to toxic effects.
2. A 55-year-old male patient is prescribed Amiodarone for refractory ventricular fibrillation.
Which diagnostic test must be monitored periodically due to the drug’s long-term side
effects?
A. Bone density scan
,B. Audiogram
C. Pulmonary function tests
D. Serum amylase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Amiodarone is associated with severe pulmonary toxicity
(interstitial pneumonitis). Monitoring pulmonary function tests and chest X-rays is vital for
early detection of fibrosis.
3. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of Angiotensin-
Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
A. Blocking the AT1 receptors directly
B. Directly inhibiting renin release
C. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Increasing the breakdown of bradykinin
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to the
potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II, which also decreases aldosterone secretion.
, 4. A patient is started on Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy for atrial fibrillation. The nurse
practitioner should educate the patient that which of the following vitamins can interfere
with the drug’s efficacy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the antagonist to Warfarin. High intake of Vitamin
K-rich foods (like leafy greens) can decrease the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin.
5. Which class of antihypertensive medications is often contraindicated in patients with a
history of severe asthma?
A. Calcium Channel Blockers
B. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
C. Thiazide Diuretics
D. Non-selective Beta-Blockers
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers (like Propranolol) block Beta-2
receptors in the lungs, which can cause bronchoconstriction and trigger asthma attacks.
PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED BY
EXPERTS. 2026/2027: WALDEN
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because
digoxin competes with potassium for binding at the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Low potassium
levels allow more digoxin to bind, leading to toxic effects.
2. A 55-year-old male patient is prescribed Amiodarone for refractory ventricular fibrillation.
Which diagnostic test must be monitored periodically due to the drug’s long-term side
effects?
A. Bone density scan
,B. Audiogram
C. Pulmonary function tests
D. Serum amylase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Amiodarone is associated with severe pulmonary toxicity
(interstitial pneumonitis). Monitoring pulmonary function tests and chest X-rays is vital for
early detection of fibrosis.
3. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of Angiotensin-
Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
A. Blocking the AT1 receptors directly
B. Directly inhibiting renin release
C. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Increasing the breakdown of bradykinin
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to the
potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II, which also decreases aldosterone secretion.
, 4. A patient is started on Warfarin (Coumadin) therapy for atrial fibrillation. The nurse
practitioner should educate the patient that which of the following vitamins can interfere
with the drug’s efficacy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin K is the antagonist to Warfarin. High intake of Vitamin
K-rich foods (like leafy greens) can decrease the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin.
5. Which class of antihypertensive medications is often contraindicated in patients with a
history of severe asthma?
A. Calcium Channel Blockers
B. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
C. Thiazide Diuretics
D. Non-selective Beta-Blockers
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers (like Propranolol) block Beta-2
receptors in the lungs, which can cause bronchoconstriction and trigger asthma attacks.
