NU 578 Unit 3 Exam University Of South Alabama
Exam Coverage
1. Allergic Rhinitis & Upper Respiratory Pharmacology
2. Cardiovascular Pharmacology (Antiarrhythmics, Heart Failure, Anticoagulants)
3. Calcium Channel Blockers & Beta Blockers
4. Respiratory Pharmacology (Asthma, COPD, Cough)
5. Peptic Ulcer Disease & GI Pharmacology
6. Endocrine Pharmacology (Diabetes, Thyroid, Osteoporosis)
7. Anticoagulation & Hematologic Agents
8. Diuretics & Renal Pharmacology
, 9. Antibiotics & Antimicrobial Therapy
10. Special Populations & Drug Monitoring
NU 578 Unit 3 Exam University Of South Alabama
200 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers and
Explained Point-Form Notes
Question 1
A patient receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with an INR of 8.5 and
active bleeding. Which intervention should the nurse practitioner anticipate
administering first to reverse this patient's coagulopathy most rapidly?
,A) Fresh frozen plasma transfusion
B) Oral vitamin K administration
C) Intravenous vitamin K administration
D) Protamine sulfate infusion
Correct Answer: C) Intravenous vitamin K administration
Explained Notes:
Option A (Fresh frozen plasma): Provides clotting factors but requires
crossmatching and large volume; slower onset than IV vitamin K for immediate
reversal when active bleeding is present
Option B (Oral vitamin K): Slower onset of action (6-12 hours) and unreliable
absorption in actively bleeding patients
Option C (Intravenous vitamin K): Gold standard for rapid reversal of warfarin;
works within 6-12 hours; when combined with FFP or PCC provides most rapid
correction; first-line for serious bleeding
, Option D (Protamine sulfate): Reverses heparin, not warfarin; has no effect on
vitamin K-dependent clotting factors
Question 2
A 58-year-old patient with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction is started
on carvedilol. Which pharmacodynamic property distinguishes carvedilol from
metoprolol and provides additional therapeutic benefit in this patient population?
A) High beta-1 receptor selectivity
B) Additional alpha-1 receptor blockade
C) Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
D) Short elimination half-life allowing rapid titration
Correct Answer: B) Additional alpha-1 receptor blockade
Explained Notes: