Advanced Pharmacology WGU D116 - Problem Solving Exam
Questions and certified for accuracy solutions; updated
2025/2026
A patient who is malnourished has scaling, cracked skin on the arms and face. The
patient is irritable, anxious, and has difficulty sleeping. The patient complains of
soreness of the tongue and mouth. The patient has been diagnosed with a niacin
deficiency. When teaching this patient about this deficiency, the nurse should tell the
patient to report which side effects correct answer
Flushing, dizziness, and nausea
Feedback:This patient shows signs of niacin deficiency. Side effects of niacin deficiency
include flushing, dizziness, and nausea secondary to vasodilation.
A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The FNP
has suggested discontinuing the laxative, but the patient is unsure how to do this. The
FNP will tell the patient to:
stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days
The FNP has recommended a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation.Which
statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching about this agent
correct answer
"I should take each dose with a full glass of water."
The nurse is providing education to a patient who has been prescribed both an antacid
and cimetidine [Tagamet]. Which instruction should the nurse give the patient about
taking the medications correct answer
“Take the antacid 1 hour after the ranitidine.”
Feedback: Because antacids raise the gastric pH, they can affect the dissolution and
absorption of ranitidine; therefore, 1 hour should separate administration of antacids
and ranitidine. Antacids and ranitidine should not be taken at the same time, because
dissolution and absorption of ranitidine will be reduced. One hour should separate
administration of antacids and ranitidine;
, A patient who will begin taking colchicine for gout reports taking nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs, simvastatin, amoxicillin, and digoxin. What will the nurse
Practitioner do correct answer
Consider the potential risk of muscle injury when simvastatin is taken with colchicine
when prescribing
A patient with gout who has increasingly frequent acute gouty attacks will begin
receiving allopurinol [Zyloprim] and colchicine. The nurse Practitioner will include which
statement when teaching the patient about this drug regimen correct answer
“You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine.”
Feedback:Colchicine is used for prophylaxis when urate-lowering drugs, such as
allopurinol, are initiated, because gouty episodes have a tendency to increase during
this time. Patients start with both drugs, and ultimately the colchicine is withdrawn.
A patient who has type 2 diabetes will begin taking glipizide [Glucotrol]. What is a known
adverse effect of this medication correct answer
Weight gain
Feedback: Adverse effects
are weight gain and hypoglycemia
Insulin glargine is prescribed for a patient who has diabetes. When will the patient
administer this drug correct answer
Once daily at bedtime
Feedback:Glargine insulin is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration to
treat adults and children with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes. According
to the package labeling, the once-daily injection should be given at bedtime.
A nurse Practitioner is teaching a patient who will begin taking methimazole [Tapazole]
for Graves disease about the medication. Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding of the teaching correct answer
I should report a sore throat or fever to my provider if either occurs.
Questions and certified for accuracy solutions; updated
2025/2026
A patient who is malnourished has scaling, cracked skin on the arms and face. The
patient is irritable, anxious, and has difficulty sleeping. The patient complains of
soreness of the tongue and mouth. The patient has been diagnosed with a niacin
deficiency. When teaching this patient about this deficiency, the nurse should tell the
patient to report which side effects correct answer
Flushing, dizziness, and nausea
Feedback:This patient shows signs of niacin deficiency. Side effects of niacin deficiency
include flushing, dizziness, and nausea secondary to vasodilation.
A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The FNP
has suggested discontinuing the laxative, but the patient is unsure how to do this. The
FNP will tell the patient to:
stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days
The FNP has recommended a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation.Which
statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching about this agent
correct answer
"I should take each dose with a full glass of water."
The nurse is providing education to a patient who has been prescribed both an antacid
and cimetidine [Tagamet]. Which instruction should the nurse give the patient about
taking the medications correct answer
“Take the antacid 1 hour after the ranitidine.”
Feedback: Because antacids raise the gastric pH, they can affect the dissolution and
absorption of ranitidine; therefore, 1 hour should separate administration of antacids
and ranitidine. Antacids and ranitidine should not be taken at the same time, because
dissolution and absorption of ranitidine will be reduced. One hour should separate
administration of antacids and ranitidine;
, A patient who will begin taking colchicine for gout reports taking nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs, simvastatin, amoxicillin, and digoxin. What will the nurse
Practitioner do correct answer
Consider the potential risk of muscle injury when simvastatin is taken with colchicine
when prescribing
A patient with gout who has increasingly frequent acute gouty attacks will begin
receiving allopurinol [Zyloprim] and colchicine. The nurse Practitioner will include which
statement when teaching the patient about this drug regimen correct answer
“You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine.”
Feedback:Colchicine is used for prophylaxis when urate-lowering drugs, such as
allopurinol, are initiated, because gouty episodes have a tendency to increase during
this time. Patients start with both drugs, and ultimately the colchicine is withdrawn.
A patient who has type 2 diabetes will begin taking glipizide [Glucotrol]. What is a known
adverse effect of this medication correct answer
Weight gain
Feedback: Adverse effects
are weight gain and hypoglycemia
Insulin glargine is prescribed for a patient who has diabetes. When will the patient
administer this drug correct answer
Once daily at bedtime
Feedback:Glargine insulin is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration to
treat adults and children with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes. According
to the package labeling, the once-daily injection should be given at bedtime.
A nurse Practitioner is teaching a patient who will begin taking methimazole [Tapazole]
for Graves disease about the medication. Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding of the teaching correct answer
I should report a sore throat or fever to my provider if either occurs.
