NSG 533 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
FINAL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug with a half-life of 12 hours. How long will it take for the drug
to reach a steady-state concentration in the plasma?
A. 12 to 24 hours
B. 24 to 36 hours
C. 48 to 60 hours
D. 72 to 96 hours
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Steady state is generally reached after 4 to 5 half-lives. 12 hours
multiplied by 4 or 5 equals 48 to 60 hours.
2. Which of the following mechanisms best explains the action of ACE inhibitors in treating
hypertension?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
B. Directly blocking the AT1 receptors
,C. Promoting the secretion of aldosterone
D. Decreasing the concentration of bradykinin
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme,
preventing the conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
3. A patient taking Warfarin presents with an INR of 7.0 and no active bleeding. What is the
most appropriate management according to evidence-based guidelines?
A. Hold Warfarin and administer oral Vitamin K
B. Hold Warfarin and monitor closely
C. Administer Vitamin K 10mg IV immediately
D. Continue current dose but recheck INR in 24 hours
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For an INR between 4.5 and 10 with no bleeding, guidelines
suggest holding warfarin and potentially giving low-dose oral Vitamin K to reduce the INR
more quickly.
4. When initiating a statin for hyperlipidemia, which laboratory value must be monitored at
baseline but is no longer required for routine serial monitoring unless symptoms occur?
A. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
B. Serum Creatinine
, C. Creatine Kinase (CK)
D. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: FDA guidelines state that while baseline liver enzymes (ALT)
should be checked, routine periodic monitoring is not necessary unless the patient shows
signs of hepatotoxicity.
5. Which class of diabetes medications carries the highest risk of causing euglycemic
ketoacidosis?
A. GLP-1 receptor agonists
B. DPP-4 inhibitors
C. Sulfonylureas
D. SGLT2 inhibitors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SGLT2 inhibitors (like canagliflozin) can cause ketoacidosis even
when blood glucose levels are near normal (euglycemic).
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which antihypertensive
should be avoided due to the risk of bronchospasm?
A. Lisinopril
B. Propranolol
FINAL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug with a half-life of 12 hours. How long will it take for the drug
to reach a steady-state concentration in the plasma?
A. 12 to 24 hours
B. 24 to 36 hours
C. 48 to 60 hours
D. 72 to 96 hours
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Steady state is generally reached after 4 to 5 half-lives. 12 hours
multiplied by 4 or 5 equals 48 to 60 hours.
2. Which of the following mechanisms best explains the action of ACE inhibitors in treating
hypertension?
A. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
B. Directly blocking the AT1 receptors
,C. Promoting the secretion of aldosterone
D. Decreasing the concentration of bradykinin
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme,
preventing the conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
3. A patient taking Warfarin presents with an INR of 7.0 and no active bleeding. What is the
most appropriate management according to evidence-based guidelines?
A. Hold Warfarin and administer oral Vitamin K
B. Hold Warfarin and monitor closely
C. Administer Vitamin K 10mg IV immediately
D. Continue current dose but recheck INR in 24 hours
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For an INR between 4.5 and 10 with no bleeding, guidelines
suggest holding warfarin and potentially giving low-dose oral Vitamin K to reduce the INR
more quickly.
4. When initiating a statin for hyperlipidemia, which laboratory value must be monitored at
baseline but is no longer required for routine serial monitoring unless symptoms occur?
A. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
B. Serum Creatinine
, C. Creatine Kinase (CK)
D. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: FDA guidelines state that while baseline liver enzymes (ALT)
should be checked, routine periodic monitoring is not necessary unless the patient shows
signs of hepatotoxicity.
5. Which class of diabetes medications carries the highest risk of causing euglycemic
ketoacidosis?
A. GLP-1 receptor agonists
B. DPP-4 inhibitors
C. Sulfonylureas
D. SGLT2 inhibitors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SGLT2 inhibitors (like canagliflozin) can cause ketoacidosis even
when blood glucose levels are near normal (euglycemic).
6. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which antihypertensive
should be avoided due to the risk of bronchospasm?
A. Lisinopril
B. Propranolol
