WGU D116 OA PHARMACOLOGY
ACTUAL FINAL EXAM AND PRACTICE
EXAM 350 QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE 2026 JUST RELEASED
ALREADY GRADED A+
"A patient who has recurrent migraine headaches is prescribed sumatriptan. Which aspect of
this patient's history is of concern when taking this drug? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Coronary artery
disease
Adverse events include coronary vasospasm.
Incorrect. There is no contraindication for asthma, diabetes, or renal disease."
"A patient who has been taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression for
several months tells the provider that the medication has not helped with symptoms. You plan
to switch the patient to an SSRI.
What should you instruct the nurse to teach this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES "Stop taking
the MAOI two weeks before starting the SSRI."
Correct! MAOIs increase serotonin receptor (5-HT) availability, thus greatly increasing the risk of
serotonin syndrome. MAOIs should be withdrawn at least 14 days before an SSRI is started. An
SSRI should never be given at the same time as an MAOI. It is not necessary to wait five weeks
before starting an SSRI."
"A patient is admitted to a hospital for treatment for first-time symptoms of mania and is
exhibiting euphoric mania.
Which medication should you order? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES Lithium
1|Page
,Correct! In almost all cases of mania, divalproex sodium is the drug of choice, except for
euphoric mania symptoms. Lithium is used to treat euphoric mania. Olanzapine and risperidone
are used to treat other symptoms that are associated with borderline personality disorder
(BPD)."
"A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate
of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum.
Which drug should the provider administer for this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES
Furosemide
Correct! Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is
needed. This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and
pulmonary edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and
spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema because their diuretic effects are less
rapid. Mannitol is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be
discontinued immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur."
"A patient with a recent onset of nephrosclerosis has been taking an ACE inhibitor and a
thiazide diuretic. The patient's initial blood pressure was 148/100 mm Hg. After one month of
drug therapy, the patient's blood pressure is 130/90 mm Hg.
What should the nurse discuss with the provider? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES Adding a calcium
channel blocker to this patient's drug regimen
Correct! In patients with renal disease, the goal of antihypertensive therapy is to lower the
blood pressure to 130/80 mm Hg or less."
"A female patient with essential hypertension is being treated with hydralazine 25 mg twice
daily. The nurse assesses the patient and notes a heart rate of 96 beats per minute and a blood
pressure of 110/72 mm Hg.
What should the provider place an order for? - CORRECT ANSWER=>NO Reduce the dose of
hydralazine
Administer a drug that dilates veins
YES Administer a beta-blocker
Give the patient a diuretic
Incorrect. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine.
Correct! This patient is showing signs of reflex tachycardia, so a beta-blocker is indicated to slow
the heart rate. Patients with heart failure who take hydralazine often require the addition of
isosorbide dinitrate, which also dilates veins. There is no indication for reducing the dose of
hydralazine. A diuretic can be given with hydralazine if sodium and water retention is present."
2|Page
,"A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks
how calcium channel blockers relieve pain.
The provider should explain that CCBs __________. - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES help relax
peripheral arterioles to reduce afterload
increase the QT interval
increase the heart rate to improve myocardial contractility
NO improve coronary artery perfusion
Incorrect. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
Correct! CCBs promote relaxation of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a decrease in afterload,
which reduces the cardiac oxygen demand. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
CCBs reduce the heart rate and suppress contractility; they do not affect the QT interval."
"A patient with stage C heart failure (HF) who has been taking an ACE inhibitor, a beta-blocker,
and a diuretic begins to have increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased urine output. The
provider orders spironolactone.
What should a nurse instruct the patient to do? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Take extra fluids
YES Avoid potassium supplements
Use a salt substitute instead of salt
Monitor for a decreased heart rate
Correct! Spironolactone is added to therapy for patients with worsening symptoms of HF.
Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, patients should not take supplemental
potassium. Patients taking digoxin need to monitor their heart rate. Extra fluids are not
indicated. Salt substitutes contain potassium."
"A prescriber has ordered propranolol for a patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia.
The provider should tell the nurse preparing to administer this drug to be concerned about
which condition in the patient's history? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
associated with emotion
Hypertension
Exercise-induced tachyarrhythmias
YES Asthma
Correct! Propranolol is contraindicated in patients with asthma because it is a nonselective
beta-adrenergic antagonist and can cause bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma. It is
used to treat tachyarrhythmias and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia evoked by emotion, so it is not
contraindicated for patients with these conditions. It lowers blood pressure, so it would be
helpful in patients with hypertension."
3|Page
, "A patient with severe, chronic COPD uses an inhaled LABA/glucocorticoid but continues to have
frequent exacerbation of symptoms.
What should the nurse contact the provider to discuss? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Changing to oral
theophylline twice daily
YES Adding roflumilast once daily
NO Using an ipratropium/albuterol combination twice daily
Prescribing oral steroids once daily
Incorrect. Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in COPD. Correct! For patients with
chronic, severe COPD, the risk of exacerbations may be reduced with roflumilast. Theophylline is
used only when other bronchodilators are not effective. Oral steroids are not indicated for this
use. Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in COPD."
"A patient with persistent, frequent asthma exacerbations asks the provider about a long-acting
beta2-agonist medication.
What should the provider tell this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES "LABAs should be combined
with an inhaled glucocorticoid."
"LABAs can be used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms."
"LABAs reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths."
"LABAs are safer than short-acting beta2 agonists."
Correct! LABAs can increase the risk of asthma-related deaths when used improperly; this risk is
minimized when LABAs are combined with an inhaled glucocorticoid. LABAs are not safer than
SABAs, and they are not used PRN. LABAs increase the risk of asthma-related deaths."
"A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the provider to
explain the purpose of the drug.
Which statement by the provider explains the function of guaifenesin? - CORRECT ANSWER=>"It
helps relieve chest pain associated with a cough."
"It dries secretions to help suppress coughing so patients can rest."
YES "It helps stimulate the flow of secretions to increase cough productivity."
"It stimulates the body's natural immune responses."
Correct! Expectorants stimulate the flow of respiratory tract secretions to improve cough
productivity. Guaifenesin does not dry secretions because it does not have anticholinergic
effects. Guaifenesin does not alleviate the pain associated with cough. Guaifenesin does not
stimulate immune responses."
"A nursing student is preparing to give a medication that has a boxed warning. The student asks
the nurse what this means.
4|Page
ACTUAL FINAL EXAM AND PRACTICE
EXAM 350 QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE 2026 JUST RELEASED
ALREADY GRADED A+
"A patient who has recurrent migraine headaches is prescribed sumatriptan. Which aspect of
this patient's history is of concern when taking this drug? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Coronary artery
disease
Adverse events include coronary vasospasm.
Incorrect. There is no contraindication for asthma, diabetes, or renal disease."
"A patient who has been taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression for
several months tells the provider that the medication has not helped with symptoms. You plan
to switch the patient to an SSRI.
What should you instruct the nurse to teach this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES "Stop taking
the MAOI two weeks before starting the SSRI."
Correct! MAOIs increase serotonin receptor (5-HT) availability, thus greatly increasing the risk of
serotonin syndrome. MAOIs should be withdrawn at least 14 days before an SSRI is started. An
SSRI should never be given at the same time as an MAOI. It is not necessary to wait five weeks
before starting an SSRI."
"A patient is admitted to a hospital for treatment for first-time symptoms of mania and is
exhibiting euphoric mania.
Which medication should you order? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES Lithium
1|Page
,Correct! In almost all cases of mania, divalproex sodium is the drug of choice, except for
euphoric mania symptoms. Lithium is used to treat euphoric mania. Olanzapine and risperidone
are used to treat other symptoms that are associated with borderline personality disorder
(BPD)."
"A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate
of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum.
Which drug should the provider administer for this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES
Furosemide
Correct! Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is
needed. This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and
pulmonary edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and
spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema because their diuretic effects are less
rapid. Mannitol is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be
discontinued immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur."
"A patient with a recent onset of nephrosclerosis has been taking an ACE inhibitor and a
thiazide diuretic. The patient's initial blood pressure was 148/100 mm Hg. After one month of
drug therapy, the patient's blood pressure is 130/90 mm Hg.
What should the nurse discuss with the provider? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES Adding a calcium
channel blocker to this patient's drug regimen
Correct! In patients with renal disease, the goal of antihypertensive therapy is to lower the
blood pressure to 130/80 mm Hg or less."
"A female patient with essential hypertension is being treated with hydralazine 25 mg twice
daily. The nurse assesses the patient and notes a heart rate of 96 beats per minute and a blood
pressure of 110/72 mm Hg.
What should the provider place an order for? - CORRECT ANSWER=>NO Reduce the dose of
hydralazine
Administer a drug that dilates veins
YES Administer a beta-blocker
Give the patient a diuretic
Incorrect. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine.
Correct! This patient is showing signs of reflex tachycardia, so a beta-blocker is indicated to slow
the heart rate. Patients with heart failure who take hydralazine often require the addition of
isosorbide dinitrate, which also dilates veins. There is no indication for reducing the dose of
hydralazine. A diuretic can be given with hydralazine if sodium and water retention is present."
2|Page
,"A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks
how calcium channel blockers relieve pain.
The provider should explain that CCBs __________. - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES help relax
peripheral arterioles to reduce afterload
increase the QT interval
increase the heart rate to improve myocardial contractility
NO improve coronary artery perfusion
Incorrect. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
Correct! CCBs promote relaxation of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a decrease in afterload,
which reduces the cardiac oxygen demand. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
CCBs reduce the heart rate and suppress contractility; they do not affect the QT interval."
"A patient with stage C heart failure (HF) who has been taking an ACE inhibitor, a beta-blocker,
and a diuretic begins to have increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased urine output. The
provider orders spironolactone.
What should a nurse instruct the patient to do? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Take extra fluids
YES Avoid potassium supplements
Use a salt substitute instead of salt
Monitor for a decreased heart rate
Correct! Spironolactone is added to therapy for patients with worsening symptoms of HF.
Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, patients should not take supplemental
potassium. Patients taking digoxin need to monitor their heart rate. Extra fluids are not
indicated. Salt substitutes contain potassium."
"A prescriber has ordered propranolol for a patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia.
The provider should tell the nurse preparing to administer this drug to be concerned about
which condition in the patient's history? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
associated with emotion
Hypertension
Exercise-induced tachyarrhythmias
YES Asthma
Correct! Propranolol is contraindicated in patients with asthma because it is a nonselective
beta-adrenergic antagonist and can cause bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma. It is
used to treat tachyarrhythmias and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia evoked by emotion, so it is not
contraindicated for patients with these conditions. It lowers blood pressure, so it would be
helpful in patients with hypertension."
3|Page
, "A patient with severe, chronic COPD uses an inhaled LABA/glucocorticoid but continues to have
frequent exacerbation of symptoms.
What should the nurse contact the provider to discuss? - CORRECT ANSWER=>Changing to oral
theophylline twice daily
YES Adding roflumilast once daily
NO Using an ipratropium/albuterol combination twice daily
Prescribing oral steroids once daily
Incorrect. Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in COPD. Correct! For patients with
chronic, severe COPD, the risk of exacerbations may be reduced with roflumilast. Theophylline is
used only when other bronchodilators are not effective. Oral steroids are not indicated for this
use. Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in COPD."
"A patient with persistent, frequent asthma exacerbations asks the provider about a long-acting
beta2-agonist medication.
What should the provider tell this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=>YES "LABAs should be combined
with an inhaled glucocorticoid."
"LABAs can be used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms."
"LABAs reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths."
"LABAs are safer than short-acting beta2 agonists."
Correct! LABAs can increase the risk of asthma-related deaths when used improperly; this risk is
minimized when LABAs are combined with an inhaled glucocorticoid. LABAs are not safer than
SABAs, and they are not used PRN. LABAs increase the risk of asthma-related deaths."
"A patient with a cough has been advised to use guaifenesin. The patient asks the provider to
explain the purpose of the drug.
Which statement by the provider explains the function of guaifenesin? - CORRECT ANSWER=>"It
helps relieve chest pain associated with a cough."
"It dries secretions to help suppress coughing so patients can rest."
YES "It helps stimulate the flow of secretions to increase cough productivity."
"It stimulates the body's natural immune responses."
Correct! Expectorants stimulate the flow of respiratory tract secretions to improve cough
productivity. Guaifenesin does not dry secretions because it does not have anticholinergic
effects. Guaifenesin does not alleviate the pain associated with cough. Guaifenesin does not
stimulate immune responses."
"A nursing student is preparing to give a medication that has a boxed warning. The student asks
the nurse what this means.
4|Page
