Advanced Pharmacology WGU D116 Competency test
preparation questions with approved Answers 2025/2026
Which antipsychotic has the greatest risk for metabolic syndrome?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Risperidone
C. Ziprasidone
D. Olanzapine
correct answer
D. Olanzapine→ Has the highest risk of metabolic syndrome (weight gain, dyslipidemia,
insulin resistance) among second-generation antipsychotics.
Which medication is an appropriate first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
in a 33-year-old non-pregnant patient?
A. Diazepam
B. Buspirone
C. Sertraline
D. Hydroxyzine
correct answer C. Sertraline→ First-line for GAD is an SSRI like sertraline.
Buspirone is second-line. Benzos are not first-line due to dependence risk.
A patient taking lithium develops new-onset tremors and confusion. Labs show lithium
level of 2.2 mEq/L. What is the appropriate management?
A. Repeat labs in 1 week
B. Continue dose and hydrate
C. Hold lithium and refer to ER
D. Add propranolol to control tremors
correct answer C. Hold lithium and refer to ER→ Level >2.0 mEq/L is toxic.
Symptoms include tremor, confusion, ataxia. Needs urgent evaluation, possible dialysis.
What is the mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
, A. Increase insulin sensitivity in muscle
B. Slow gastric emptying and enhance glucose-dependent insulin release
C. Block glucose absorption in the gut
D. Inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis
correct answer B. Slow gastric emptying and enhance glucose-dependent
insulin release→ GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) delay gastric emptying and
increase insulin only in presence of glucose, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
Which class of drugs should not be used within 14 days of MAO inhibitors due to
serotonin syndrome risk?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. SSRIs
D. Antacids
correct answer C. SSRIs→ SSRIs and MAOIs together can cause serotonin
syndrome — agitation, hyperreflexia, fever, tremor. Must allow a 14-day washout.
A patient on warfarin starts taking Bactrim for a UTI. What is the expected effect?
A. Decreased INR
B. Increased bleeding risk
C. Risk of serotonin syndrome
D. Enhanced warfarin metabolism
X
B. Increased bleeding risk→ Bactrim inhibits warfarin metabolism, increasing INR and
bleeding risk. Monitor closely or consider alternative antibiotics.
Which class of antihypertensives is least effective in Black patients as monotherapy?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Calcium channel blockers
preparation questions with approved Answers 2025/2026
Which antipsychotic has the greatest risk for metabolic syndrome?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Risperidone
C. Ziprasidone
D. Olanzapine
correct answer
D. Olanzapine→ Has the highest risk of metabolic syndrome (weight gain, dyslipidemia,
insulin resistance) among second-generation antipsychotics.
Which medication is an appropriate first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
in a 33-year-old non-pregnant patient?
A. Diazepam
B. Buspirone
C. Sertraline
D. Hydroxyzine
correct answer C. Sertraline→ First-line for GAD is an SSRI like sertraline.
Buspirone is second-line. Benzos are not first-line due to dependence risk.
A patient taking lithium develops new-onset tremors and confusion. Labs show lithium
level of 2.2 mEq/L. What is the appropriate management?
A. Repeat labs in 1 week
B. Continue dose and hydrate
C. Hold lithium and refer to ER
D. Add propranolol to control tremors
correct answer C. Hold lithium and refer to ER→ Level >2.0 mEq/L is toxic.
Symptoms include tremor, confusion, ataxia. Needs urgent evaluation, possible dialysis.
What is the mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
, A. Increase insulin sensitivity in muscle
B. Slow gastric emptying and enhance glucose-dependent insulin release
C. Block glucose absorption in the gut
D. Inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis
correct answer B. Slow gastric emptying and enhance glucose-dependent
insulin release→ GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) delay gastric emptying and
increase insulin only in presence of glucose, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
Which class of drugs should not be used within 14 days of MAO inhibitors due to
serotonin syndrome risk?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. SSRIs
D. Antacids
correct answer C. SSRIs→ SSRIs and MAOIs together can cause serotonin
syndrome — agitation, hyperreflexia, fever, tremor. Must allow a 14-day washout.
A patient on warfarin starts taking Bactrim for a UTI. What is the expected effect?
A. Decreased INR
B. Increased bleeding risk
C. Risk of serotonin syndrome
D. Enhanced warfarin metabolism
X
B. Increased bleeding risk→ Bactrim inhibits warfarin metabolism, increasing INR and
bleeding risk. Monitor closely or consider alternative antibiotics.
Which class of antihypertensives is least effective in Black patients as monotherapy?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Calcium channel blockers
