2024/2025|WGU D116 PHARMACOLOGY
||2024-2025 MOST RECENT VERSION |
COMPREHENSIVE 180 QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES/ACCURATE SOLUTIONS |
ALREADY GRADED A+|GET IT 100%
CORRECT.
"A patient has been taking oral oxycodone every six hours for back pain during the past three years. The
patient suddenly decides to stop taking the pain medication and is trying an alternative therapy without
a clinician's approval.
Which risk is of clinical concern? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Physical dependence
Correct! The patient suddenly stopping the medication will cause physical symptoms that can range from
nausea to seizures."
"An advanced practice registered nurse has diagnosed a 44-year-old male with depression. A plan is
developed to start treatment with medication. The patient has a history of sexual dysfunction and is
concerned about taking medication that may worsen this condition.
Which antidepressant has the benefit of enhancing libido? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Bupropion
Correct! Bupropion does not cause sexual dysfunction. This will help the patient with a history of sexual
dysfunction. This will enhance the patient's libido, which will help with both depression and sexual
dysfunction."
"A patient is wheezing and short of breath. The nurse assesses a heart rate of 88 beats per minute, a
respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg. The prescriber orders
a nonspecific beta-agonist medication.
Besides evaluating the patient for a reduction in respiratory distress, the nurse should monitor for which
side effect? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Tachycardia
Correct! Beta-agonists are used for asthma because of their beta2 effects on bronchial smooth muscle,
causing dilation. Beta1 effects cause tachycardia and hypertension. Beta receptors do not exert effects
on the bladder."
,"A patient is experiencing toxic side effects from atropine, including delirium and hallucinations. Which
medication should the provider administer? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Physostigmine
Correct! Physostigmine is the drug of choice for treating poisoning from atropine and other drugs that
cause muscarinic blockade. Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer disease. Edrophonium is used to
distinguish between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Neostigmine does not
cross the blood-brain barrier and would not effectively treat this patient's central nervous system (CNS)
symptoms."
"A patient brought to the emergency department requires sutures. The prescriber orders a local
anesthetic with epinephrine.
The epinephrine is ordered to ___________. - CORRECT ANSWER=> allow a reduced dose of the
anesthetic
Correct! Epinephrine prolongs absorption of the anesthetic because it is an alpha1 agonist. It is
frequently combined with a local anesthetic for this purpose so the amount of anesthetic required may
be reduced. Local anesthetics do not induce hypertension; therefore, epinephrine would not be needed
to prevent it. Epinephrine does not act as an antiemetic and would not reduce anesthetic-induced
nausea. Epinephrine is not used to reduce the pain of an injection."
"A patient has been diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) and begins treatment with carbidopa. After
several months of therapy, the patient reports no change in symptoms.
As the provider, you should do which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Increase the dose of
carbidopa
Discuss the "on-off" phenomenon
Reevaluate the diagnosis
NO Add a dopamine agonist
Incorrect. Adding a dopamine agonist is not indicated."
"A patient who is taking oral contraceptives begins taking valproic acid for seizures. After a week of
therapy with valproic acid, the patient tells the nurse that she is experiencing nausea.
What should the nurse do? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Ask the patient if she is taking the valproic acid
with food because taking the drug on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal side effects
Correct! Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and indigestion, are common with valproic
acid and can be minimized by taking the drug with food or using an enteric-coated product.
Hyperammonemia can occur when valproic acid is combined with topiramate. Signs of pregnancy usually
do not occur within a week, so this is less likely. Hepatotoxicity is a rare adverse effect."
"A patient with cerebral palsy who has been receiving baclofen via gastrostomy tube for three months is
admitted to the hospital for evaluation of new-onset seizures.
What might you suspect to be the cause of these seizures? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Missed doses of
baclofen
,Correct! Baclofen does not appear to cause physical dependence, but abrupt discontinuation has been
associated with adverse reactions. Abrupt withdrawal of oral baclofen can cause visual hallucinations,
paranoid ideation, and seizures and should be considered when a patient develops these symptoms.
Seizures are not a symptom of baclofen toxicity."
"A nurse is preparing a patient to go home from the emergency department after receiving sutures for a
laceration on one hand. The provider used lidocaine with epinephrine as a local anesthetic.
Which symptom in this patient causes the most concern? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Nervousness and
tachycardia
Correct! Absorption of the vasoconstrictor can cause systemic effects, including nervousness and
tachycardia. If severe, alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists can be given. Local anesthetics are
nonselective modifiers of neuronal function and can block motor neurons, so it is expected that patients
may have difficulty with movement. The sensation of pressure also is affected and is an expected effect.
As the local anesthetic wears off, the sensation of pain will return."
"A patient who has recurrent migraine headaches is prescribed sumatriptan. Which aspect of this
patient's history is of concern when taking this drug? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Coronary artery disease
Adverse events include coronary vasospasm.
Incorrect. There is no contraindication for asthma, diabetes, or renal disease."
"A patient who has been taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression for several months
tells the provider that the medication has not helped with symptoms. You plan to switch the patient to
an SSRI.
What should you instruct the nurse to teach this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES "Stop taking the
MAOI two weeks before starting the SSRI."
Correct! MAOIs increase serotonin receptor (5-HT) availability, thus greatly increasing the risk of
serotonin syndrome. MAOIs should be withdrawn at least 14 days before an SSRI is started. An SSRI
should never be given at the same time as an MAOI. It is not necessary to wait five weeks before starting
an SSRI."
"A patient is admitted to a hospital for treatment for first-time symptoms of mania and is exhibiting
euphoric mania.
Which medication should you order? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Lithium
Correct! In almost all cases of mania, divalproex sodium is the drug of choice, except for euphoric mania
symptoms. Lithium is used to treat euphoric mania. Olanzapine and risperidone are used to treat other
symptoms that are associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD)."
"A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30
breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum.
Which drug should the provider administer for this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Furosemide
Correct! Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is needed.
This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and pulmonary
edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not
, indicated for pulmonary edema because their diuretic effects are less rapid. Mannitol is indicated for
patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be discontinued immediately if signs of
pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur."
"A patient with a recent onset of nephrosclerosis has been taking an ACE inhibitor and a thiazide
diuretic. The patient's initial blood pressure was 148/100 mm Hg. After one month of drug therapy, the
patient's blood pressure is 130/90 mm Hg.
What should the nurse discuss with the provider? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Adding a calcium channel
blocker to this patient's drug regimen
Correct! In patients with renal disease, the goal of antihypertensive therapy is to lower the blood
pressure to 130/80 mm Hg or less."
"A female patient with essential hypertension is being treated with hydralazine 25 mg twice daily. The
nurse assesses the patient and notes a heart rate of 96 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 110/72
mm Hg.
What should the provider place an order for? - CORRECT ANSWER=> NO Reduce the dose of
hydralazine
Administer a drug that dilates veins
YES Administer a beta-blocker
Give the patient a diuretic
Incorrect. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine.
Correct! This patient is showing signs of reflex tachycardia, so a beta-blocker is indicated to slow the
heart rate. Patients with heart failure who take hydralazine often require the addition of isosorbide
dinitrate, which also dilates veins. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine. A diuretic
can be given with hydralazine if sodium and water retention is present."
"A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks how
calcium channel blockers relieve pain.
The provider should explain that CCBs __________. - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES help relax peripheral
arterioles to reduce afterload
increase the QT interval
increase the heart rate to improve myocardial contractility
NO improve coronary artery perfusion
Incorrect. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
Correct! CCBs promote relaxation of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a decrease in afterload, which
reduces the cardiac oxygen demand. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion. CCBs reduce the
heart rate and suppress contractility; they do not affect the QT interval."
"A patient with stage C heart failure (HF) who has been taking an ACE inhibitor, a beta-blocker, and a
diuretic begins to have increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased urine output. The provider orders
spironolactone.
What should a nurse instruct the patient to do? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Take extra fluids
YES Avoid potassium supplements
Use a salt substitute instead of salt
||2024-2025 MOST RECENT VERSION |
COMPREHENSIVE 180 QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES/ACCURATE SOLUTIONS |
ALREADY GRADED A+|GET IT 100%
CORRECT.
"A patient has been taking oral oxycodone every six hours for back pain during the past three years. The
patient suddenly decides to stop taking the pain medication and is trying an alternative therapy without
a clinician's approval.
Which risk is of clinical concern? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Physical dependence
Correct! The patient suddenly stopping the medication will cause physical symptoms that can range from
nausea to seizures."
"An advanced practice registered nurse has diagnosed a 44-year-old male with depression. A plan is
developed to start treatment with medication. The patient has a history of sexual dysfunction and is
concerned about taking medication that may worsen this condition.
Which antidepressant has the benefit of enhancing libido? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Bupropion
Correct! Bupropion does not cause sexual dysfunction. This will help the patient with a history of sexual
dysfunction. This will enhance the patient's libido, which will help with both depression and sexual
dysfunction."
"A patient is wheezing and short of breath. The nurse assesses a heart rate of 88 beats per minute, a
respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg. The prescriber orders
a nonspecific beta-agonist medication.
Besides evaluating the patient for a reduction in respiratory distress, the nurse should monitor for which
side effect? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Tachycardia
Correct! Beta-agonists are used for asthma because of their beta2 effects on bronchial smooth muscle,
causing dilation. Beta1 effects cause tachycardia and hypertension. Beta receptors do not exert effects
on the bladder."
,"A patient is experiencing toxic side effects from atropine, including delirium and hallucinations. Which
medication should the provider administer? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Physostigmine
Correct! Physostigmine is the drug of choice for treating poisoning from atropine and other drugs that
cause muscarinic blockade. Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer disease. Edrophonium is used to
distinguish between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Neostigmine does not
cross the blood-brain barrier and would not effectively treat this patient's central nervous system (CNS)
symptoms."
"A patient brought to the emergency department requires sutures. The prescriber orders a local
anesthetic with epinephrine.
The epinephrine is ordered to ___________. - CORRECT ANSWER=> allow a reduced dose of the
anesthetic
Correct! Epinephrine prolongs absorption of the anesthetic because it is an alpha1 agonist. It is
frequently combined with a local anesthetic for this purpose so the amount of anesthetic required may
be reduced. Local anesthetics do not induce hypertension; therefore, epinephrine would not be needed
to prevent it. Epinephrine does not act as an antiemetic and would not reduce anesthetic-induced
nausea. Epinephrine is not used to reduce the pain of an injection."
"A patient has been diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) and begins treatment with carbidopa. After
several months of therapy, the patient reports no change in symptoms.
As the provider, you should do which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Increase the dose of
carbidopa
Discuss the "on-off" phenomenon
Reevaluate the diagnosis
NO Add a dopamine agonist
Incorrect. Adding a dopamine agonist is not indicated."
"A patient who is taking oral contraceptives begins taking valproic acid for seizures. After a week of
therapy with valproic acid, the patient tells the nurse that she is experiencing nausea.
What should the nurse do? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Ask the patient if she is taking the valproic acid
with food because taking the drug on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal side effects
Correct! Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and indigestion, are common with valproic
acid and can be minimized by taking the drug with food or using an enteric-coated product.
Hyperammonemia can occur when valproic acid is combined with topiramate. Signs of pregnancy usually
do not occur within a week, so this is less likely. Hepatotoxicity is a rare adverse effect."
"A patient with cerebral palsy who has been receiving baclofen via gastrostomy tube for three months is
admitted to the hospital for evaluation of new-onset seizures.
What might you suspect to be the cause of these seizures? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Missed doses of
baclofen
,Correct! Baclofen does not appear to cause physical dependence, but abrupt discontinuation has been
associated with adverse reactions. Abrupt withdrawal of oral baclofen can cause visual hallucinations,
paranoid ideation, and seizures and should be considered when a patient develops these symptoms.
Seizures are not a symptom of baclofen toxicity."
"A nurse is preparing a patient to go home from the emergency department after receiving sutures for a
laceration on one hand. The provider used lidocaine with epinephrine as a local anesthetic.
Which symptom in this patient causes the most concern? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Nervousness and
tachycardia
Correct! Absorption of the vasoconstrictor can cause systemic effects, including nervousness and
tachycardia. If severe, alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists can be given. Local anesthetics are
nonselective modifiers of neuronal function and can block motor neurons, so it is expected that patients
may have difficulty with movement. The sensation of pressure also is affected and is an expected effect.
As the local anesthetic wears off, the sensation of pain will return."
"A patient who has recurrent migraine headaches is prescribed sumatriptan. Which aspect of this
patient's history is of concern when taking this drug? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Coronary artery disease
Adverse events include coronary vasospasm.
Incorrect. There is no contraindication for asthma, diabetes, or renal disease."
"A patient who has been taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression for several months
tells the provider that the medication has not helped with symptoms. You plan to switch the patient to
an SSRI.
What should you instruct the nurse to teach this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES "Stop taking the
MAOI two weeks before starting the SSRI."
Correct! MAOIs increase serotonin receptor (5-HT) availability, thus greatly increasing the risk of
serotonin syndrome. MAOIs should be withdrawn at least 14 days before an SSRI is started. An SSRI
should never be given at the same time as an MAOI. It is not necessary to wait five weeks before starting
an SSRI."
"A patient is admitted to a hospital for treatment for first-time symptoms of mania and is exhibiting
euphoric mania.
Which medication should you order? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Lithium
Correct! In almost all cases of mania, divalproex sodium is the drug of choice, except for euphoric mania
symptoms. Lithium is used to treat euphoric mania. Olanzapine and risperidone are used to treat other
symptoms that are associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD)."
"A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30
breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum.
Which drug should the provider administer for this patient? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Furosemide
Correct! Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is needed.
This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and pulmonary
edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not
, indicated for pulmonary edema because their diuretic effects are less rapid. Mannitol is indicated for
patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be discontinued immediately if signs of
pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur."
"A patient with a recent onset of nephrosclerosis has been taking an ACE inhibitor and a thiazide
diuretic. The patient's initial blood pressure was 148/100 mm Hg. After one month of drug therapy, the
patient's blood pressure is 130/90 mm Hg.
What should the nurse discuss with the provider? - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES Adding a calcium channel
blocker to this patient's drug regimen
Correct! In patients with renal disease, the goal of antihypertensive therapy is to lower the blood
pressure to 130/80 mm Hg or less."
"A female patient with essential hypertension is being treated with hydralazine 25 mg twice daily. The
nurse assesses the patient and notes a heart rate of 96 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 110/72
mm Hg.
What should the provider place an order for? - CORRECT ANSWER=> NO Reduce the dose of
hydralazine
Administer a drug that dilates veins
YES Administer a beta-blocker
Give the patient a diuretic
Incorrect. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine.
Correct! This patient is showing signs of reflex tachycardia, so a beta-blocker is indicated to slow the
heart rate. Patients with heart failure who take hydralazine often require the addition of isosorbide
dinitrate, which also dilates veins. There is no indication for reducing the dose of hydralazine. A diuretic
can be given with hydralazine if sodium and water retention is present."
"A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks how
calcium channel blockers relieve pain.
The provider should explain that CCBs __________. - CORRECT ANSWER=> YES help relax peripheral
arterioles to reduce afterload
increase the QT interval
increase the heart rate to improve myocardial contractility
NO improve coronary artery perfusion
Incorrect. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion.
Correct! CCBs promote relaxation of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a decrease in afterload, which
reduces the cardiac oxygen demand. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion. CCBs reduce the
heart rate and suppress contractility; they do not affect the QT interval."
"A patient with stage C heart failure (HF) who has been taking an ACE inhibitor, a beta-blocker, and a
diuretic begins to have increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased urine output. The provider orders
spironolactone.
What should a nurse instruct the patient to do? - CORRECT ANSWER=> Take extra fluids
YES Avoid potassium supplements
Use a salt substitute instead of salt
