NR566 | NR566 Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Wk 5 Midterm v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality
should the provider monitor most closely?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypomagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril inhibit the production of
aldosterone, which can lead to the retention of potassium. This effect is particularly
significant in patients with underlying renal insufficiency or those taking potassium-
sparing diuretics. Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is essential to
prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia.
2. When prescribing Metformin for a patient with Type 2 Diabetes, the provider knows
that the primary mechanism of action is:
A. Increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas
,B. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
C. Increasing glucose excretion in the urine
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metformin primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose
production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells,
which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. It is considered first-line therapy for most
patients due to its efficacy and safety profile.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be avoided if possible?
A. Non-selective Beta-Blockers
B. Thiazide Diuretics
C. Calcium Channel Blockers
D. ACE Inhibitors
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol, block both
beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, which can lead to bronchoconstriction in patients with
,asthma. While cardioselective beta-blockers primarily target beta-1 receptors, they
may still lose selectivity at higher doses. Therefore, providers should exercise
caution or choose alternative classes like CCBs or ARBs for asthmatic patients.
4. Which of the following laboratory values must be monitored regularly in a patient
taking Warfarin?
A. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Serum Creatinine
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring of the INR to
ensure the patient remains within the therapeutic window, typically between 2.0
and 3.0. The INR provides a standardized measurement of the Prothrombin Time
(PT), reflecting the degree of anticoagulation. Maintenance of a stable INR is crucial
to prevent both thromboembolic events and life-threatening bleeding
complications.
5. A patient is prescribed Atorvastatin. What is a critical teaching point regarding
potential musculoskeletal side effects?
A. Expect mild joint swelling for the first month
, B. Take ibuprofen daily to prevent muscle aches
C. Report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness immediately
D. Muscle pain is only a concern if accompanied by a rash
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Statins carry a risk of myopathy, which can range from mild
myalgia to life-threatening rhabdomyolysis. Patients must be educated to report
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by dark-colored
urine or fever. Prompt evaluation of creatine kinase levels may be necessary to
assess for muscle damage and determine if the drug should be discontinued.
6. A woman who is 6 weeks pregnant requires an antibiotic for a urinary tract
infection. Which of the following is generally considered safe?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Doxycycline
C. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
D. Nitrofurantoin
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nitrofurantoin is commonly used and generally considered
safe for treating UTIs in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
of the Family Wk 5 Midterm v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality
should the provider monitor most closely?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypomagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril inhibit the production of
aldosterone, which can lead to the retention of potassium. This effect is particularly
significant in patients with underlying renal insufficiency or those taking potassium-
sparing diuretics. Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is essential to
prevent cardiac arrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia.
2. When prescribing Metformin for a patient with Type 2 Diabetes, the provider knows
that the primary mechanism of action is:
A. Increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas
,B. Decreasing hepatic glucose production
C. Increasing glucose excretion in the urine
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metformin primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose
production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Unlike
sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells,
which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. It is considered first-line therapy for most
patients due to its efficacy and safety profile.
3. A patient with a history of asthma is diagnosed with hypertension. Which class of
antihypertensives should be avoided if possible?
A. Non-selective Beta-Blockers
B. Thiazide Diuretics
C. Calcium Channel Blockers
D. ACE Inhibitors
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol, block both
beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, which can lead to bronchoconstriction in patients with
,asthma. While cardioselective beta-blockers primarily target beta-1 receptors, they
may still lose selectivity at higher doses. Therefore, providers should exercise
caution or choose alternative classes like CCBs or ARBs for asthmatic patients.
4. Which of the following laboratory values must be monitored regularly in a patient
taking Warfarin?
A. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Serum Creatinine
D. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Warfarin therapy requires frequent monitoring of the INR to
ensure the patient remains within the therapeutic window, typically between 2.0
and 3.0. The INR provides a standardized measurement of the Prothrombin Time
(PT), reflecting the degree of anticoagulation. Maintenance of a stable INR is crucial
to prevent both thromboembolic events and life-threatening bleeding
complications.
5. A patient is prescribed Atorvastatin. What is a critical teaching point regarding
potential musculoskeletal side effects?
A. Expect mild joint swelling for the first month
, B. Take ibuprofen daily to prevent muscle aches
C. Report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness immediately
D. Muscle pain is only a concern if accompanied by a rash
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Statins carry a risk of myopathy, which can range from mild
myalgia to life-threatening rhabdomyolysis. Patients must be educated to report
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by dark-colored
urine or fever. Prompt evaluation of creatine kinase levels may be necessary to
assess for muscle damage and determine if the drug should be discontinued.
6. A woman who is 6 weeks pregnant requires an antibiotic for a urinary tract
infection. Which of the following is generally considered safe?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Doxycycline
C. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
D. Nitrofurantoin
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nitrofurantoin is commonly used and generally considered
safe for treating UTIs in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
