WGU D116 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT"
WGU D116 Advanced Pharmacology Objective
Assessment (OA) Coverage:
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: ADME process
(Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion), half-life (
), and drug-receptor binding mechanisms.
CYP450 System: Potent inhibitors (e.g., Grapefruit juice,
Macrolides, Antifungals) and their impact on drug
metabolism.
,Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs: Monitoring requirements
for Warfarin (INR), Digoxin, Lithium, Theophylline, and
Phenytoin.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Cholinergic vs.
Adrenergic receptors; effects of Beta-blockers (e.g.,
masking hypoglycemia) and Beta-agonists.
Neurological Agents: Parkinson's (Levodopa-carbidopa,
Pramipexole), Alzheimer's (Memantine, Donepezil), and
Myasthenia Gravis (Pyridostigmine).
Psychopharmacology: SSRIs (suicide risk), MAOIs
(tyramine interaction), Tricyclics, and Atypical
Antipsychotics (metabolic side effects).
Cardiovascular Drugs: ACE Inhibitors (dry cough,
angioedema), ARBs, Statins (liver enzyme blocking), and
,Diuretics (Loop vs. Thiazide).
Endocrine & Reproductive: Levothyroxine timing,
Metformin (lactic acidosis/contrast dye risk), and safe
contraceptives for breastfeeding.
Antimicrobials: Penicillins, Tetracyclines (chelation with
iron), Macrolides, and H. pylori triple therapy.
Prescriptive Authority & Ethics: Legal barriers for APRNs,
Scheduled drug categories (Schedule I-V), and evidence-
based prescribing practices.
Special Populations: Teratogenic risks in pregnancy (e.g.,
ACE inhibitors, Isotretinoin) and geriatric medication
safety.
,A 70-year-old male calls a clinic complaining of chest pain
that started after sexual activity. He took sildenafil 50 mg
about eight hours ago. He has nitroglycerin 0.3 mg on
hand. How should the APRN respond?
Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
Taking the medications together can cause what?
A serious drop in blood pressure leading to
cardiovascular collapse.
,A patient with bipolar disorder is discussing beginning
lithium. The APRN wants baseline labs. The patient asks
why. Which explanation should be provided?
A baseline BUN and creatinine is needed to assess kidney
function because lithium can decrease renal function.
A new nurse is reviewing sildenafil use. Which patient may
take sildenafil safely?
YES A 54-year-old male with controlled hypertension,
mild eczema, and past urolithiasis without complications
,A 30-year-old patient with anxiety is prescribed
citalopram. What is its mechanism of action?
YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
Correct explanation of citalopram's mechanism
This medication influences the activity in the receptors,
and it targets cells.
,A Huntington disease patient has twitching, dysphagia,
confusion, memory loss. APRN prescribes baclofen.
Mechanism of action?
YES Inhibits neurotransmitter GABA
NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA
receptors
Incorrect.
,NO Halts breakdown of acetylcholine by
acetylcholinesterase
Incorrect. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent ACh
breakdown and are used for Alzheimer's.
Alters synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin,
and dopamine
Incorrect.
,Correct explanation
Baclofen enhances GABA; Huntington involves deficiency
of acetylcholine and GABA.
A 21-year-old patient has a seizure with impaired
consciousness followed by CNS depression. Type of
seizure?
YES Tonic-clonic
, Atonic
NO
Myoclonic
NO — consists of sudden 1-second contractions
Absence
NO
ASSESSMENT"
WGU D116 Advanced Pharmacology Objective
Assessment (OA) Coverage:
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: ADME process
(Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion), half-life (
), and drug-receptor binding mechanisms.
CYP450 System: Potent inhibitors (e.g., Grapefruit juice,
Macrolides, Antifungals) and their impact on drug
metabolism.
,Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs: Monitoring requirements
for Warfarin (INR), Digoxin, Lithium, Theophylline, and
Phenytoin.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Cholinergic vs.
Adrenergic receptors; effects of Beta-blockers (e.g.,
masking hypoglycemia) and Beta-agonists.
Neurological Agents: Parkinson's (Levodopa-carbidopa,
Pramipexole), Alzheimer's (Memantine, Donepezil), and
Myasthenia Gravis (Pyridostigmine).
Psychopharmacology: SSRIs (suicide risk), MAOIs
(tyramine interaction), Tricyclics, and Atypical
Antipsychotics (metabolic side effects).
Cardiovascular Drugs: ACE Inhibitors (dry cough,
angioedema), ARBs, Statins (liver enzyme blocking), and
,Diuretics (Loop vs. Thiazide).
Endocrine & Reproductive: Levothyroxine timing,
Metformin (lactic acidosis/contrast dye risk), and safe
contraceptives for breastfeeding.
Antimicrobials: Penicillins, Tetracyclines (chelation with
iron), Macrolides, and H. pylori triple therapy.
Prescriptive Authority & Ethics: Legal barriers for APRNs,
Scheduled drug categories (Schedule I-V), and evidence-
based prescribing practices.
Special Populations: Teratogenic risks in pregnancy (e.g.,
ACE inhibitors, Isotretinoin) and geriatric medication
safety.
,A 70-year-old male calls a clinic complaining of chest pain
that started after sexual activity. He took sildenafil 50 mg
about eight hours ago. He has nitroglycerin 0.3 mg on
hand. How should the APRN respond?
Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
Taking the medications together can cause what?
A serious drop in blood pressure leading to
cardiovascular collapse.
,A patient with bipolar disorder is discussing beginning
lithium. The APRN wants baseline labs. The patient asks
why. Which explanation should be provided?
A baseline BUN and creatinine is needed to assess kidney
function because lithium can decrease renal function.
A new nurse is reviewing sildenafil use. Which patient may
take sildenafil safely?
YES A 54-year-old male with controlled hypertension,
mild eczema, and past urolithiasis without complications
,A 30-year-old patient with anxiety is prescribed
citalopram. What is its mechanism of action?
YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
Correct explanation of citalopram's mechanism
This medication influences the activity in the receptors,
and it targets cells.
,A Huntington disease patient has twitching, dysphagia,
confusion, memory loss. APRN prescribes baclofen.
Mechanism of action?
YES Inhibits neurotransmitter GABA
NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA
receptors
Incorrect.
,NO Halts breakdown of acetylcholine by
acetylcholinesterase
Incorrect. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent ACh
breakdown and are used for Alzheimer's.
Alters synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin,
and dopamine
Incorrect.
,Correct explanation
Baclofen enhances GABA; Huntington involves deficiency
of acetylcholine and GABA.
A 21-year-old patient has a seizure with impaired
consciousness followed by CNS depression. Type of
seizure?
YES Tonic-clonic
, Atonic
NO
Myoclonic
NO — consists of sudden 1-second contractions
Absence
NO
