NURS 6521 Exam 1 V2 | NURS 6521
Advanced Pharmacology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6521 Exam 1) |
Walden University
1. When considering the pharmacokinetics of a drug, which process is primarily affected by a
patient’s liver cirrhosis?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Distribution
D. Metabolism
Answer: D
Rationale: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism via the cytochrome P450
enzyme system. Cirrhosis reduces the functional mass of the liver and blood flow,
significantly impairing the biotransformation of drugs. This impairment can lead to
increased serum drug levels and potential toxicity in the patient.
2. An Advanced Practice Nurse is prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance. Which of the
following is a legal requirement for this prescription?
A. The prescription may be refilled up to 5 times in 6 months.
B. The prescription can be called in via telephone for a 30-day supply.
,C. The nurse does not need a DEA number for Schedule II drugs.
D. The prescription must be written or e-prescribed and cannot be refilled.
Answer: D
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and are strictly regulated by
the DEA. These prescriptions require a written or secure electronic signature and cannot
be refilled under any circumstances. Patients must obtain a new prescription for every
subsequent supply of the medication.
3. Which phase of a clinical drug trial involves testing the drug on a small number of healthy
volunteers to determine pharmacokinetics and safe dosage range?
A. Phase I
B. Phase II
C. Phase III
D. Phase IV
Answer: A
Rationale: Phase I trials are the first stage of testing in humans and typically involve a
small group of healthy individuals. The primary focus is assessing safety, determining the
safe dosage range, and identifying side effects. It also establishes the pharmacokinetic
profile of the drug in the human body.
, 4. A patient has been taking an enzyme inducer for several weeks. How would the nurse
expect this to affect a second drug metabolized by the same enzyme system?
A. The second drug will have a decreased therapeutic effect due to faster metabolism.
B. The second drug will have an increased therapeutic effect.
C. The second drug will reach toxic levels more quickly.
D. The half-life of the second drug will be prolonged.
Answer: A
Rationale: Enzyme inducers increase the activity of hepatic enzymes, such as the CYP450
system. This results in the accelerated metabolism of other drugs that use the same
pathway, leading to lower plasma concentrations. Consequently, the therapeutic effect of
the affected drug is often diminished, necessitating a dose adjustment.
5. Which pregnancy category indicates that the drug has demonstrated a positive evidence of
human fetal risk, but the benefits may outweigh the risks in certain situations?
A. Category B
C. Category C
C. Category D
D. Category X
Answer: C
Advanced Pharmacology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6521 Exam 1) |
Walden University
1. When considering the pharmacokinetics of a drug, which process is primarily affected by a
patient’s liver cirrhosis?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Distribution
D. Metabolism
Answer: D
Rationale: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism via the cytochrome P450
enzyme system. Cirrhosis reduces the functional mass of the liver and blood flow,
significantly impairing the biotransformation of drugs. This impairment can lead to
increased serum drug levels and potential toxicity in the patient.
2. An Advanced Practice Nurse is prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance. Which of the
following is a legal requirement for this prescription?
A. The prescription may be refilled up to 5 times in 6 months.
B. The prescription can be called in via telephone for a 30-day supply.
,C. The nurse does not need a DEA number for Schedule II drugs.
D. The prescription must be written or e-prescribed and cannot be refilled.
Answer: D
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and are strictly regulated by
the DEA. These prescriptions require a written or secure electronic signature and cannot
be refilled under any circumstances. Patients must obtain a new prescription for every
subsequent supply of the medication.
3. Which phase of a clinical drug trial involves testing the drug on a small number of healthy
volunteers to determine pharmacokinetics and safe dosage range?
A. Phase I
B. Phase II
C. Phase III
D. Phase IV
Answer: A
Rationale: Phase I trials are the first stage of testing in humans and typically involve a
small group of healthy individuals. The primary focus is assessing safety, determining the
safe dosage range, and identifying side effects. It also establishes the pharmacokinetic
profile of the drug in the human body.
, 4. A patient has been taking an enzyme inducer for several weeks. How would the nurse
expect this to affect a second drug metabolized by the same enzyme system?
A. The second drug will have a decreased therapeutic effect due to faster metabolism.
B. The second drug will have an increased therapeutic effect.
C. The second drug will reach toxic levels more quickly.
D. The half-life of the second drug will be prolonged.
Answer: A
Rationale: Enzyme inducers increase the activity of hepatic enzymes, such as the CYP450
system. This results in the accelerated metabolism of other drugs that use the same
pathway, leading to lower plasma concentrations. Consequently, the therapeutic effect of
the affected drug is often diminished, necessitating a dose adjustment.
5. Which pregnancy category indicates that the drug has demonstrated a positive evidence of
human fetal risk, but the benefits may outweigh the risks in certain situations?
A. Category B
C. Category C
C. Category D
D. Category X
Answer: C
