Page 1 of 49
WGU D116 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT–ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
WGU D116 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT" - ANSWER-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).
,Page 2 of 49
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.
QUESTION: 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? - ANSWER-Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
,Page 3 of 49
QUESTION: Taking the medications together can cause what? - ANSWER-A serious drop in
blood pressure leading to cardiovascular collapse.
QUESTION: A patient with bipolar disorder is discussing beginning lithium. The APRN wants
baseline labs. The patient asks why. Which explanation should be provided? - ANSWER-A
baseline BUN and creatinine is needed to assess kidney function because lithium can decrease
renal function.
QUESTION: A new nurse is reviewing sildenafil use. Which patient may take sildenafil safely? -
ANSWER-YES A 54-year-old male with controlled hypertension, mild eczema, and past
urolithiasis without complications
QUESTION: A 30-year-old patient with anxiety is prescribed citalopram. What is its mechanism
of action? - ANSWER-YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
QUESTION: Correct explanation of citalopram's mechanism - ANSWER-This medication
influences the activity in the receptors, and it targets cells.
, Page 4 of 49
QUESTION: A Huntington disease patient has twitching, dysphagia, confusion, memory loss.
APRN prescribes baclofen. Mechanism of action? - ANSWER-YES Inhibits neurotransmitter
GABA
QUESTION: NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA receptors - ANSWER-Incorrect.
QUESTION: NO Halts breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase - ANSWER-Incorrect.
Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent ACh breakdown and are used for Alzheimer's.
QUESTION: Alters synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine -
ANSWER-Incorrect.
QUESTION: Correct explanation - ANSWER-Baclofen enhances GABA; Huntington involves
deficiency of acetylcholine and GABA.
QUESTION: A 21-year-old patient has a seizure with impaired consciousness followed by CNS
depression. Type of seizure? - ANSWER-YES Tonic-clonic
WGU D116 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT–ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
WGU D116 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT" - ANSWER-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).
,Page 2 of 49
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.
QUESTION: 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? - ANSWER-Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
,Page 3 of 49
QUESTION: Taking the medications together can cause what? - ANSWER-A serious drop in
blood pressure leading to cardiovascular collapse.
QUESTION: A patient with bipolar disorder is discussing beginning lithium. The APRN wants
baseline labs. The patient asks why. Which explanation should be provided? - ANSWER-A
baseline BUN and creatinine is needed to assess kidney function because lithium can decrease
renal function.
QUESTION: A new nurse is reviewing sildenafil use. Which patient may take sildenafil safely? -
ANSWER-YES A 54-year-old male with controlled hypertension, mild eczema, and past
urolithiasis without complications
QUESTION: A 30-year-old patient with anxiety is prescribed citalopram. What is its mechanism
of action? - ANSWER-YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
QUESTION: Correct explanation of citalopram's mechanism - ANSWER-This medication
influences the activity in the receptors, and it targets cells.
, Page 4 of 49
QUESTION: A Huntington disease patient has twitching, dysphagia, confusion, memory loss.
APRN prescribes baclofen. Mechanism of action? - ANSWER-YES Inhibits neurotransmitter
GABA
QUESTION: NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA receptors - ANSWER-Incorrect.
QUESTION: NO Halts breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase - ANSWER-Incorrect.
Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent ACh breakdown and are used for Alzheimer's.
QUESTION: Alters synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine -
ANSWER-Incorrect.
QUESTION: Correct explanation - ANSWER-Baclofen enhances GABA; Huntington involves
deficiency of acetylcholine and GABA.
QUESTION: A 21-year-old patient has a seizure with impaired consciousness followed by CNS
depression. Type of seizure? - ANSWER-YES Tonic-clonic
