D441 Pharmacology Week 7 Study Guide - Endocrine and
Reproductive Systems 2026 |WGU
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro. What is the most
important nursing intervention regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Administer 2 hours after the largest meal of the day
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia
D. Administer immediately before or after eating
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes;
therefore, it should be administered right before or after eating to match the glucose peak.
2. Which laboratory value should a nurse monitor closely in a patient taking
Metformin to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Impaired renal function, indicated by
elevated serum creatinine, increases the risk of metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
B. I should expect to feel the full effects of this medication within 1 to 2 days.
C. I will need to have my TSH levels checked periodically.
D. I should report any heart palpitations or chest pain to my doctor.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine has a long half-life and may take several weeks (4-6 weeks) to
reach steady-state levels and show full therapeutic effects.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the side effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU).
Which symptom is most important for the patient to report immediately?
A. Weight gain
B. Sore throat and fever
C. Mild skin rash
D. Occasional constipation
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cells). A sore
throat and fever are early signs of infection that must be reported immediately.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action of Sulfonylureas, such as Glipizide?
A. Increasing insulin sensitivity in the muscle and fat cells
B. Decreasing glucose production in the liver
C. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
D. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
Answer: D
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release more
insulin, which is why they carry a high risk of hypoglycemia.
, 6. A patient taking Prednisone for an acute asthma exacerbation should be
monitored for which of the following adverse effects?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased risk of infection
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Glucocorticoids like Prednisone suppress the immune system, increasing the
risk of infection, and can cause hyperglycemia and fluid retention.
7. Why is it critical to taper off systemic corticosteroids like Dexamethasone
rather than stopping them abruptly?
A. To prevent a hypertensive crisis
B. To prevent rebound hyperthyroidism
C. To avoid adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis)
D. To reduce the risk of peptic ulcer formation
Answer: C
Rationale: Exogenous steroids suppress the HPA axis. Abrupt withdrawal doesn’t allow
the adrenal glands enough time to resume natural cortisol production, leading to life-
threatening adrenal insufficiency.
8. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus is prescribed Desmopressin (DDAVP). Which
assessment finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Decreased urine output and increased urine specific gravity
B. Increased urine output and decreased urine specific gravity
C. Decreased serum blood glucose levels
D. Increased serum sodium levels
Answer: A
Reproductive Systems 2026 |WGU
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is prescribed Insulin Lispro. What is the most
important nursing intervention regarding the timing of administration?
A. Administer 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
B. Administer 2 hours after the largest meal of the day
C. Administer only at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia
D. Administer immediately before or after eating
Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 to 30 minutes;
therefore, it should be administered right before or after eating to match the glucose peak.
2. Which laboratory value should a nurse monitor closely in a patient taking
Metformin to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Creatinine
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys. Impaired renal function, indicated by
elevated serum creatinine, increases the risk of metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
,3. A patient is prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
B. I should expect to feel the full effects of this medication within 1 to 2 days.
C. I will need to have my TSH levels checked periodically.
D. I should report any heart palpitations or chest pain to my doctor.
Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine has a long half-life and may take several weeks (4-6 weeks) to
reach steady-state levels and show full therapeutic effects.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the side effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU).
Which symptom is most important for the patient to report immediately?
A. Weight gain
B. Sore throat and fever
C. Mild skin rash
D. Occasional constipation
Answer: B
Rationale: PTU can cause agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cells). A sore
throat and fever are early signs of infection that must be reported immediately.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action of Sulfonylureas, such as Glipizide?
A. Increasing insulin sensitivity in the muscle and fat cells
B. Decreasing glucose production in the liver
C. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine
D. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
Answer: D
Rationale: Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release more
insulin, which is why they carry a high risk of hypoglycemia.
, 6. A patient taking Prednisone for an acute asthma exacerbation should be
monitored for which of the following adverse effects?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased risk of infection
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Glucocorticoids like Prednisone suppress the immune system, increasing the
risk of infection, and can cause hyperglycemia and fluid retention.
7. Why is it critical to taper off systemic corticosteroids like Dexamethasone
rather than stopping them abruptly?
A. To prevent a hypertensive crisis
B. To prevent rebound hyperthyroidism
C. To avoid adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis)
D. To reduce the risk of peptic ulcer formation
Answer: C
Rationale: Exogenous steroids suppress the HPA axis. Abrupt withdrawal doesn’t allow
the adrenal glands enough time to resume natural cortisol production, leading to life-
threatening adrenal insufficiency.
8. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus is prescribed Desmopressin (DDAVP). Which
assessment finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Decreased urine output and increased urine specific gravity
B. Increased urine output and decreased urine specific gravity
C. Decreased serum blood glucose levels
D. Increased serum sodium levels
Answer: A
