NSG 5240 Advanced Pharmacology Final
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2027
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient with hypertension and diabetic nephropathy would
benefit most from which medication class as initial therapy?
A. Calcium channel blocker
B. Thiazide diuretic
C. ACE inhibitor
D. Alpha blocker
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce blood pressure while slowing the
progression of diabetic nephropathy by decreasing intraglomerular
pressure and reducing proteinuria. They are considered first-line
therapy for many patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
unless contraindicated.
, 2. Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with ACE
inhibitors?
A. Bradycardia
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin levels, which commonly
leads to a persistent, nonproductive cough. Although angioedema is
more serious, it occurs much less frequently.
3. A patient taking warfarin should have therapy monitored
primarily with which laboratory test?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Bleeding time
D. INR
Rationale: The international normalized ratio (INR) standardizes
prothrombin time measurements and guides warfarin dosing.
Therapeutic INR values typically range from 2.0–3.0 for most
indications.
, 4. Which medication is considered the antidote for warfarin
overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Naloxone
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K restores hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-
dependent clotting factors, reversing the anticoagulant effects of
warfarin. Severe bleeding may also require prothrombin complex
concentrate.
5. Which medication should never be discontinued abruptly because
of the risk of rebound hypertension and angina?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Beta blockers
C. Losartan
D. Furosemide
, Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers may result in
rebound sympathetic stimulation, increasing the risk of severe
hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.
6. Which diuretic is most likely to cause hypokalemia?
A. Spironolactone
B. Amiloride
C. Triamterene
D. Furosemide
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide promote potassium
excretion, making hypokalemia a common adverse effect that
requires regular monitoring.
7. A patient develops muscle pain while taking atorvastatin. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage increased exercise.
B. Double the medication dose.
C. Assess creatine kinase levels and notify the provider.
D. Stop all fluid intake.
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2027
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient with hypertension and diabetic nephropathy would
benefit most from which medication class as initial therapy?
A. Calcium channel blocker
B. Thiazide diuretic
C. ACE inhibitor
D. Alpha blocker
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce blood pressure while slowing the
progression of diabetic nephropathy by decreasing intraglomerular
pressure and reducing proteinuria. They are considered first-line
therapy for many patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
unless contraindicated.
, 2. Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with ACE
inhibitors?
A. Bradycardia
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin levels, which commonly
leads to a persistent, nonproductive cough. Although angioedema is
more serious, it occurs much less frequently.
3. A patient taking warfarin should have therapy monitored
primarily with which laboratory test?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. Bleeding time
D. INR
Rationale: The international normalized ratio (INR) standardizes
prothrombin time measurements and guides warfarin dosing.
Therapeutic INR values typically range from 2.0–3.0 for most
indications.
, 4. Which medication is considered the antidote for warfarin
overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Naloxone
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K restores hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-
dependent clotting factors, reversing the anticoagulant effects of
warfarin. Severe bleeding may also require prothrombin complex
concentrate.
5. Which medication should never be discontinued abruptly because
of the risk of rebound hypertension and angina?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Beta blockers
C. Losartan
D. Furosemide
, Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers may result in
rebound sympathetic stimulation, increasing the risk of severe
hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.
6. Which diuretic is most likely to cause hypokalemia?
A. Spironolactone
B. Amiloride
C. Triamterene
D. Furosemide
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide promote potassium
excretion, making hypokalemia a common adverse effect that
requires regular monitoring.
7. A patient develops muscle pain while taking atorvastatin. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage increased exercise.
B. Double the medication dose.
C. Assess creatine kinase levels and notify the provider.
D. Stop all fluid intake.
