NURS 6521N Final Exam V2 | NURS 6521N
Advanced Pharmacology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6521N Final Exam) |
Walden University
1. A 65-year-old patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte
abnormality should the Advanced Practice Nurse monitor for closely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce the secretion of aldosterone, which can lead to the
retention of potassium. This effect is particularly significant in patients with renal
impairment or those taking potassium supplements. Regular monitoring of serum
electrolytes is essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with elevated potassium
levels.
2. A patient with atrial fibrillation is starting Warfarin therapy. What is the standard
monitoring parameter used to adjust the dosage of this medication?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
,B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin therapy requires monitoring of the INR to ensure the patient remains
within the therapeutic range, typically 2.0 to 3.0 for atrial fibrillation. The INR provides a
standardized way to report the prothrombin time, accounting for variations in laboratory
reagents. Careful titration is necessary to balance the risk of thromboembolism against the
risk of hemorrhage.
3. When prescribing Metformin for a patient with Type 2 Diabetes, which laboratory value is
the most critical to assess before initiation?
A. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
B. Serum albumin
C. Fast glucose level
D. Liver function tests
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal dysfunction, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Current guidelines recommend
, checking the eGFR to determine if the drug is safe to use or if a dose reduction is required.
It is generally contraindicated when the eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m².
4. A patient is diagnosed with a severe Vancomycin-resistant infection. The provider
considers Linezolid. Which dietary restriction must the patient follow while on this
medication?
A. Low-fat diet
B. Avoidance of tyramine-rich foods
C. Restriction of leafy green vegetables
D. Avoidance of dairy products
Answer: B
Rationale: Linezolid possesses weak, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
properties. Consuming foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses or red wine, can lead
to a significant hypertensive crisis. Patients must be educated on these dietary restrictions
to prevent dangerous sympathetic overactivity.
5. A pediatric patient requires an antibiotic for a respiratory infection. Why is Tetracycline
generally avoided in children under the age of 8?
A. Permanent tooth discoloration
B. Increased risk of ototoxicity
C. Premature closure of growth plates
Advanced Pharmacology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6521N Final Exam) |
Walden University
1. A 65-year-old patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte
abnormality should the Advanced Practice Nurse monitor for closely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce the secretion of aldosterone, which can lead to the
retention of potassium. This effect is particularly significant in patients with renal
impairment or those taking potassium supplements. Regular monitoring of serum
electrolytes is essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with elevated potassium
levels.
2. A patient with atrial fibrillation is starting Warfarin therapy. What is the standard
monitoring parameter used to adjust the dosage of this medication?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
,B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin therapy requires monitoring of the INR to ensure the patient remains
within the therapeutic range, typically 2.0 to 3.0 for atrial fibrillation. The INR provides a
standardized way to report the prothrombin time, accounting for variations in laboratory
reagents. Careful titration is necessary to balance the risk of thromboembolism against the
risk of hemorrhage.
3. When prescribing Metformin for a patient with Type 2 Diabetes, which laboratory value is
the most critical to assess before initiation?
A. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
B. Serum albumin
C. Fast glucose level
D. Liver function tests
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and can accumulate in patients
with renal dysfunction, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Current guidelines recommend
, checking the eGFR to determine if the drug is safe to use or if a dose reduction is required.
It is generally contraindicated when the eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m².
4. A patient is diagnosed with a severe Vancomycin-resistant infection. The provider
considers Linezolid. Which dietary restriction must the patient follow while on this
medication?
A. Low-fat diet
B. Avoidance of tyramine-rich foods
C. Restriction of leafy green vegetables
D. Avoidance of dairy products
Answer: B
Rationale: Linezolid possesses weak, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
properties. Consuming foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses or red wine, can lead
to a significant hypertensive crisis. Patients must be educated on these dietary restrictions
to prevent dangerous sympathetic overactivity.
5. A pediatric patient requires an antibiotic for a respiratory infection. Why is Tetracycline
generally avoided in children under the age of 8?
A. Permanent tooth discoloration
B. Increased risk of ototoxicity
C. Premature closure of growth plates
