NR565 / NR 565 Advanced Pharmacology
Care of the Fundamentals Final Exam
(Weeks 5-8) | Chamberlain University
(2026/2027) | Verified Questions &
Answers with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Advanced Pharmacology (NR565) – Final Exam (Weeks 5-8)
Source: NR565 / NR 565 Advanced Pharmacology Care of the Fundamentals – Final
Exam (Chamberlain)
Format: Multiple Choice & Open-Ended Q&A
1. What labs are used to diagnose hypo/hyperthyroidism?
Correct Answer: TSH, T3, and T4. High TSH = hypothyroidism; low TSH =
hyperthyroidism (opposites).
Rationale:
1. TSH is the primary screening test for thyroid dysfunction.
2. In primary hypothyroidism, TSH is elevated (pituitary attempts to
stimulate the thyroid).
3. In hyperthyroidism, TSH is suppressed due to negative feedback from
high T3/T4.
4. Free T4 and T3 confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
2. What is the timeframe for re-checking labs after starting
levothyroxine?
Correct Answer: 6-8 weeks (due to long half-life). Yearly after stable.
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Rationale:
1. Levothyroxine has a half-life of approximately 7 days.
2. Steady state is reached in 6-8 weeks.
3. TSH is the most sensitive marker for dose adjustment.
4. Once stable, annual monitoring is sufficient unless symptoms change.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Correct Answer: Dry hair, puffy face, goiter in the neck, slow heartbeat,
weight gain, constipation, infertility, increased risk of miscarriages,
irregular menstrual cycle, cold intolerance.
Rationale:
1. Hypothyroidism slows metabolic rate.
2. Bradycardia, hypothermia, and weight gain are common.
3. Myxedema (puffy face, non-pitting edema) is characteristic.
4. TSH is elevated in primary hypothyroidism.
4. What is the drug of choice for hypothyroidism?
Correct Answer: Levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Rationale:
1. Levothyroxine (T4) is the standard of care.
2. It is converted to active T3 in peripheral tissues.
3. Once-daily dosing, taken on an empty stomach.
4. Avoid generic substitutions in some patients (bioequivalence concerns).
5. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Correct Answer: Hair loss, bulging eyes (exophthalmos), goiter, rapid
heartbeat, weight loss, diarrhea, menstrual periods loss often or longer.
Rationale:
1. Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate.
2. Tachycardia, weight loss, and heat intolerance are common.
3. Graves’ disease is associated with exophthalmos and pretibial myxedema.
4. Atrial fibrillation is a complication in older adults.
6. What is the drug of choice for hyperthyroidism?
Correct Answer: Methimazole (Tapazole).
Rationale:
1. Methimazole is preferred over propylthiouracil (PTU) except in first
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trimester of pregnancy.
2. It blocks thyroid hormone synthesis.
3. PTU is reserved for thyroid storm and first trimester due to hepatotoxicity
risk.
4. Monitor LFTs and CBC for agranulocytosis.
7. What is the treatment for thyroid storm?
Correct Answer: High doses of potassium iodide or strong iodine solution
are given to suppress thyroid hormone release. Methimazole is given to
suppress thyroid hormone synthesis. Beta-blockers are given to reduce
heart rate. Additional measures include sedation, cooling, and giving
glucocorticoids and IV fluids.
Rationale:
1. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency (fever, tachycardia,
delirium).
2. Methimazole (or PTU) blocks new hormone synthesis.
3. Iodide blocks hormone release (given after methimazole).
4. Beta-blockers (propranolol) control sympathetic symptoms.
5. Glucocorticoids inhibit T4 to T3 conversion and treat relative adrenal
insufficiency.
8. What is the result of not treating hypothyroidism during
pregnancy?
Correct Answer: Permanent neuropsychological deficits in the child.
Decreased IQ/neuropsychological function. First trimester.
Rationale:
1. Maternal hypothyroidism impairs fetal brain development (first trimester).
2. Thyroid hormone is critical for neuronal migration and myelination.
3. Cretinism includes intellectual disability and growth retardation.
4. Levothyroxine dose increases by 30-50% during pregnancy.
9. What medication is used to treat symptoms of hyperthyroidism (not
the hyperthyroidism itself)?
Correct Answer: Beta-blockers (tachycardia) – propranolol/atenolol most
popular. Non-radioactive iodine. Adjunctive therapy.
Rationale:
1. Beta-blockers control sympathetic symptoms (tachycardia, tremor,
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anxiety).
2. They do not reduce thyroid hormone levels.
3. Propranolol also inhibits T4 to T3 conversion (added benefit).
4. Methimazole, PTU, radioactive iodine, or surgery treat the underlying
hyperthyroidism.
10. What are drug/food/supplement interactions with levothyroxine?
Correct Answer: Do not take with antacids, calcium, or iron. Take in the
morning 30-60 minutes before eating.
Rationale:
1. Calcium, iron, aluminum (antacids), and magnesium bind levothyroxine in
the GI tract.
2. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
3. Food reduces absorption (take on empty stomach).
4. Consistency in timing is key to stable levels.
11. How is a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus confirmed prior to
beginning treatment?
Correct Answer: Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL. Random plasma
glucose ≥200 mg/dL plus symptoms of diabetes. Oral glucose tolerance test
2-hour plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. A1C ≥6.5%.
Rationale:
1. Any single abnormal test requires confirmation on a second day (except
with symptoms).
2. A1C is preferred for convenience (no fasting required).
3. OGTT is more sensitive but less convenient.
4. Diagnosis should not be based on a single abnormal value without
symptoms.
12. What are the general A1C goals for diabetes management?
Correct Answer: <7%. Patients who experience severe hypoglycemia or
have a limited life expectancy may have an A1C goal of <8%.
Rationale:
1. Lower A1C reduces microvascular complications but increases
hypoglycemia risk.
2. Less stringent goals for older adults or those with comorbidities.