NR565 | NR565 Advanced Pharmacology
Fundamentals Exam 2 v2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Chamberlain
1. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is being started on levodopa/carbidopa. What
information should the nurse practitioner include in the patient teaching?
A. Divide protein intake throughout the day to avoid interference with drug
transport.
B. High-protein meals increase the absorption of the medication.
C. The drug should be taken with a large steak to prevent nausea.
D. Symptoms will disappear completely within 24 hours of the first dose.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Levodopa competes with amino acids for transport across the
blood-brain barrier. High-protein meals can significantly reduce the amount of
levodopa that reaches the brain, potentially causing an ‘off’ period. Patients are
advised to spread their protein intake evenly throughout the day rather than
consuming large amounts in a single meal.
2. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient newly diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease with mild cognitive impairment?
A. Donepezil
,B. Memantine
C. Haloperidol
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor approved for all stages
of Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cases. It works by preventing the breakdown
of acetylcholine, which helps improve neuronal communication. Memantine is
typically reserved for moderate to severe cases or used in combination with
cholinesterase inhibitors.
3. A patient taking phenytoin for seizures presents with swollen, bleeding gums. What
is the appropriate clinical term and management for this condition?
A. Thrombocytopenia; stop the medication immediately.
B. Gingival hyperplasia; recommend meticulous oral hygiene.
C. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; admit to the hospital.
D. Scurvy; prescribe Vitamin C supplements.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia is a well-known side effect of long-term
phenytoin use, occurring in about 20% of patients. Meticulous oral hygiene,
,including flossing and gum massage, can help minimize the overgrowth. If the
condition becomes severe, a switch to a different anticonvulsant may be necessary,
or surgical intervention might be required.
4. Which anticonvulsant is specifically indicated for the treatment of absence seizures?
A. Phenytoin
B. Ethosuximide
C. Carbamazepine
D. Phenobarbital
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Ethosuximide is the drug of choice for absence seizures as it
specifically suppresses the T-current in thalamic neurons. Unlike other
anticonvulsants, it has a narrow spectrum of activity focused primarily on absence
epilepsy. Phenytoin and carbamazepine are not effective for absence seizures and
can sometimes even worsen them.
5. When prescribing sumatriptan for a patient with migraines, which comorbid
condition would be a contraindication?
A. Type 2 Diabetes
B. Osteoarthritis
, C. Hypothyroidism
D. Coronary Artery Disease
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that
causes vasoconstriction of cranial arteries. Because it can also cause coronary
vasospasm, it is strictly contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease,
history of myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled hypertension. Clinicians must
screen for cardiovascular risk factors before initiating triptan therapy.
6. A patient is prescribed morphine sulfate for chronic pain. What is the most
important side effect to monitor that does not diminish over time with tolerance?
A. Nausea
B. Sedation
C. Respiratory depression
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: While tolerance develops to many side effects of opioids like
nausea and respiratory depression, it does not develop to constipation. Opioid-
induced constipation occurs because opioids bind to mu receptors in the
Fundamentals Exam 2 v2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Chamberlain
1. A patient with Parkinson’s disease is being started on levodopa/carbidopa. What
information should the nurse practitioner include in the patient teaching?
A. Divide protein intake throughout the day to avoid interference with drug
transport.
B. High-protein meals increase the absorption of the medication.
C. The drug should be taken with a large steak to prevent nausea.
D. Symptoms will disappear completely within 24 hours of the first dose.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Levodopa competes with amino acids for transport across the
blood-brain barrier. High-protein meals can significantly reduce the amount of
levodopa that reaches the brain, potentially causing an ‘off’ period. Patients are
advised to spread their protein intake evenly throughout the day rather than
consuming large amounts in a single meal.
2. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient newly diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease with mild cognitive impairment?
A. Donepezil
,B. Memantine
C. Haloperidol
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor approved for all stages
of Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cases. It works by preventing the breakdown
of acetylcholine, which helps improve neuronal communication. Memantine is
typically reserved for moderate to severe cases or used in combination with
cholinesterase inhibitors.
3. A patient taking phenytoin for seizures presents with swollen, bleeding gums. What
is the appropriate clinical term and management for this condition?
A. Thrombocytopenia; stop the medication immediately.
B. Gingival hyperplasia; recommend meticulous oral hygiene.
C. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; admit to the hospital.
D. Scurvy; prescribe Vitamin C supplements.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia is a well-known side effect of long-term
phenytoin use, occurring in about 20% of patients. Meticulous oral hygiene,
,including flossing and gum massage, can help minimize the overgrowth. If the
condition becomes severe, a switch to a different anticonvulsant may be necessary,
or surgical intervention might be required.
4. Which anticonvulsant is specifically indicated for the treatment of absence seizures?
A. Phenytoin
B. Ethosuximide
C. Carbamazepine
D. Phenobarbital
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Ethosuximide is the drug of choice for absence seizures as it
specifically suppresses the T-current in thalamic neurons. Unlike other
anticonvulsants, it has a narrow spectrum of activity focused primarily on absence
epilepsy. Phenytoin and carbamazepine are not effective for absence seizures and
can sometimes even worsen them.
5. When prescribing sumatriptan for a patient with migraines, which comorbid
condition would be a contraindication?
A. Type 2 Diabetes
B. Osteoarthritis
, C. Hypothyroidism
D. Coronary Artery Disease
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that
causes vasoconstriction of cranial arteries. Because it can also cause coronary
vasospasm, it is strictly contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease,
history of myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled hypertension. Clinicians must
screen for cardiovascular risk factors before initiating triptan therapy.
6. A patient is prescribed morphine sulfate for chronic pain. What is the most
important side effect to monitor that does not diminish over time with tolerance?
A. Nausea
B. Sedation
C. Respiratory depression
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: While tolerance develops to many side effects of opioids like
nausea and respiratory depression, it does not develop to constipation. Opioid-
induced constipation occurs because opioids bind to mu receptors in the
