NR565 | NR565 Advanced Pharmacology
Fundamentals Exam 2 v1 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Chamberlain
1. A patient with asthma is being started on a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). Which
statement regarding LABA use is correct?
A. LABAs can be used as monotherapy for asthma maintenance.
B. LABAs are the first-line treatment for an acute asthma attack.
C. LABAs should always be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).
D. LABAs reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths when used alone.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: LABAs are not intended for monotherapy in asthma because
they do not address underlying inflammation and have been linked to an increased
risk of asthma-related death when used without an ICS. They must always be
combined with an inhaled corticosteroid to provide comprehensive control of both
bronchoconstriction and inflammation. This combination therapy is the gold
standard for step-up asthma management when symptoms are not controlled by ICS
alone.
,2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely in a patient taking an ACE
inhibitor such as Lisinopril?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Magnesium
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia by inhibiting the
release of aldosterone, which normally promotes potassium excretion. Patients,
especially those with renal impairment or those taking potassium supplements, are
at significant risk for elevated potassium levels. Providers must monitor serum
potassium and creatinine levels regularly to avoid cardiac arrhythmias and ensure
renal safety.
3. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which of the following is a
primary mechanism of action for this drug?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas.
B. Increasing glucose excretion through the kidneys.
C. Decreasing hepatic glucose production.
,D. Delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by reducing the amount of glucose
produced by the liver through the inhibition of gluconeogenesis. It also enhances
insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue, allowing for better glucose uptake. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion, which significantly reduces the
risk of hypoglycemia in patients.
4. When treating a patient with hypothyroidism using Levothyroxine, how often
should TSH levels be checked during the initial titration phase?
A. Every 1 to 2 weeks.
B. Every 6 to 8 weeks.
C. Every 3 months.
D. Once a year.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine has a long half-life of approximately 7 days,
meaning it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to reach a steady-state concentration in the
blood. Checking TSH levels sooner than 6 weeks may result in an inaccurate
reflection of the dose’s effect, leading to unnecessary adjustments. Once the patient
is stable on a maintenance dose, monitoring can typically be reduced to annually.
, 5. Which medication is considered the first-line therapy for a patient with persistent
mild asthma?
A. Oral Prednisone
B. Short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) as needed only
C. Theophylline
D. Low-dose Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred first-line
maintenance therapy for persistent asthma because they effectively target the
underlying airway inflammation. SABAs are used for quick relief of symptoms but
do not provide the long-term control needed for persistent disease. Regular use of
an ICS reduces the frequency of exacerbations and improves overall lung function
over time.
6. A patient taking Spironolactone should be advised to avoid which of the following?
A. High-fiber foods
B. Grapefruit juice
C. Dairy products
D. Salt substitutes containing potassium
Fundamentals Exam 2 v1 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Chamberlain
1. A patient with asthma is being started on a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). Which
statement regarding LABA use is correct?
A. LABAs can be used as monotherapy for asthma maintenance.
B. LABAs are the first-line treatment for an acute asthma attack.
C. LABAs should always be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).
D. LABAs reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths when used alone.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: LABAs are not intended for monotherapy in asthma because
they do not address underlying inflammation and have been linked to an increased
risk of asthma-related death when used without an ICS. They must always be
combined with an inhaled corticosteroid to provide comprehensive control of both
bronchoconstriction and inflammation. This combination therapy is the gold
standard for step-up asthma management when symptoms are not controlled by ICS
alone.
,2. Which laboratory value must be monitored closely in a patient taking an ACE
inhibitor such as Lisinopril?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Serum Magnesium
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia by inhibiting the
release of aldosterone, which normally promotes potassium excretion. Patients,
especially those with renal impairment or those taking potassium supplements, are
at significant risk for elevated potassium levels. Providers must monitor serum
potassium and creatinine levels regularly to avoid cardiac arrhythmias and ensure
renal safety.
3. A patient is prescribed Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes. Which of the following is a
primary mechanism of action for this drug?
A. Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas.
B. Increasing glucose excretion through the kidneys.
C. Decreasing hepatic glucose production.
,D. Delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by reducing the amount of glucose
produced by the liver through the inhibition of gluconeogenesis. It also enhances
insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue, allowing for better glucose uptake. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion, which significantly reduces the
risk of hypoglycemia in patients.
4. When treating a patient with hypothyroidism using Levothyroxine, how often
should TSH levels be checked during the initial titration phase?
A. Every 1 to 2 weeks.
B. Every 6 to 8 weeks.
C. Every 3 months.
D. Once a year.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine has a long half-life of approximately 7 days,
meaning it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to reach a steady-state concentration in the
blood. Checking TSH levels sooner than 6 weeks may result in an inaccurate
reflection of the dose’s effect, leading to unnecessary adjustments. Once the patient
is stable on a maintenance dose, monitoring can typically be reduced to annually.
, 5. Which medication is considered the first-line therapy for a patient with persistent
mild asthma?
A. Oral Prednisone
B. Short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) as needed only
C. Theophylline
D. Low-dose Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred first-line
maintenance therapy for persistent asthma because they effectively target the
underlying airway inflammation. SABAs are used for quick relief of symptoms but
do not provide the long-term control needed for persistent disease. Regular use of
an ICS reduces the frequency of exacerbations and improves overall lung function
over time.
6. A patient taking Spironolactone should be advised to avoid which of the following?
A. High-fiber foods
B. Grapefruit juice
C. Dairy products
D. Salt substitutes containing potassium
