GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient taking Lisinopril for hypertension develops a persistent, dry cough. Which
alternative class of medication is most likely to be prescribed that avoids this side effect?
A. Beta Blockers
B. Calcium Channel Blockers
C. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
D. Loop Diuretics
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to a cough. ARBs like
Losartan do not affect bradykinin and are suitable alternatives. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
2. Which laboratory value must be closely monitored in a patient receiving a continuous
Heparin infusion?
A. activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Platelet count only
Answer: A
Rationale: aPTT is the standard test to monitor the therapeutic effect of unfractionated Heparin. Exam
questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear
rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based
practice and improves patient outcomes.
3. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following should the nurse instruct
the patient to keep consistent in their diet?
A. Red meat and poultry
B. Dairy products like milk and cheese
C. Citrus fruits
D. Dark green leafy vegetables
Answer: D
Rationale: Dark green leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin K, which antagonizes the effects of Warfarin.
Consistency is key to maintaining stable INR levels. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient with heart failure is taking Digoxin and Furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance
increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to Digoxin, significantly increasing the risk
of toxicity. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires
understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this principle
allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
5. What is the mechanism of action for Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)?
A. They increase the excretion of bile acids in the stool.
B. They prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
C. They inhibit the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
D. They activate lipoprotein lipase to break down triglycerides.
Answer: C
Rationale: Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
6. A patient complains of muscle pain and weakness while taking Atorvastatin. The nurse
should suspect which serious adverse effect?
A. Gout
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Peripheral neuropathy
D. Rhabdomyolysis
Answer: D
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious side effect of statins characterized by muscle breakdown and
potential renal failure. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient taking Lisinopril for hypertension develops a persistent, dry cough. Which
alternative class of medication is most likely to be prescribed that avoids this side effect?
A. Beta Blockers
B. Calcium Channel Blockers
C. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
D. Loop Diuretics
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to a cough. ARBs like
Losartan do not affect bradykinin and are suitable alternatives. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
2. Which laboratory value must be closely monitored in a patient receiving a continuous
Heparin infusion?
A. activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Platelet count only
Answer: A
Rationale: aPTT is the standard test to monitor the therapeutic effect of unfractionated Heparin. Exam
questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear
rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based
practice and improves patient outcomes.
3. A patient is prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following should the nurse instruct
the patient to keep consistent in their diet?
A. Red meat and poultry
B. Dairy products like milk and cheese
C. Citrus fruits
D. Dark green leafy vegetables
Answer: D
Rationale: Dark green leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin K, which antagonizes the effects of Warfarin.
Consistency is key to maintaining stable INR levels. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, GCU NSG 318 Pharmacology Exam 3 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient with heart failure is taking Digoxin and Furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance
increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to Digoxin, significantly increasing the risk
of toxicity. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires
understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this principle
allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
5. What is the mechanism of action for Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)?
A. They increase the excretion of bile acids in the stool.
B. They prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
C. They inhibit the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
D. They activate lipoprotein lipase to break down triglycerides.
Answer: C
Rationale: Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
6. A patient complains of muscle pain and weakness while taking Atorvastatin. The nurse
should suspect which serious adverse effect?
A. Gout
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Peripheral neuropathy
D. Rhabdomyolysis
Answer: D
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious side effect of statins characterized by muscle breakdown and
potential renal failure. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
