NR566 | NR566 Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Wk 6 Final Exam v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A 24-year-old patient with mild persistent asthma is currently prescribed a SABA for
rescue use. According to the GINA guidelines, what is the preferred maintenance
treatment?
A. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) taken whenever SABA is taken
B. Daily long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) monotherapy
C. Theophylline twice daily
D. Oral prednisone as needed for flare-ups
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Current GINA guidelines emphasize that SABA monotherapy is
no longer recommended for safety reasons. Using a low-dose ICS whenever a SABA
is used provides the necessary anti-inflammatory coverage to prevent
exacerbations. This approach reduces the risk of severe asthma-related events
compared to using bronchodilators alone.
2. A patient is starting Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. Which instruction is
vital to prevent esophageal erosion?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk
,B. Take the dose immediately before going to bed
C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose
D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe
esophageal irritation and ulceration. Patients must stay upright and take the
medication with plain water only on an empty stomach to ensure it reaches the
stomach quickly. Failure to follow these steps significantly increases the risk of
chemical esophagitis.
3. Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored closely in a patient
starting Lithium for Bipolar Disorder?
A. Serum Creatinine and TSH
B. Serum Potassium
C. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
D. Prothrombin Time (PT)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, making renal
function monitoring essential to prevent toxicity. It is also known to cause
,hypothyroidism, requiring baseline and periodic TSH checks. Maintaining a narrow
therapeutic window is critical for patient safety while on this medication.
4. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a Beta-Blocker. Why is
Metoprolol Succinate preferred over Metoprolol Tartrate?
A. Succinate is the extended-release form proven to reduce mortality in HF
B. Tartrate is used for acute hypertensive crises only
C. Succinate is cheaper for the patient
D. Succinate has a shorter half-life allowing for easier titration
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metoprolol Succinate is the long-acting formulation
specifically indicated for the management of chronic heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction. Clinical trials like MERIT-HF demonstrated its efficacy in reducing
mortality and hospitalizations. Metoprolol Tartrate is immediate-release and is
generally used for post-MI or hypertension management.
5. A 65-year-old male with BPH is prescribed Tamsulosin (Flomax). What is the most
common side effect the provider should discuss?
A. Hypertension
B. Orthostatic hypotension
, C. Urinary retention
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes the smooth
muscle of the prostate and bladder neck. Because it affects vascular tone, it can lead
to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. This side effect is particularly
concerning in elderly patients due to the increased risk of falls.
6. Which class of antidepressants should be avoided in patients with a history of
seizures?
A. SSRIs
B. Bupropion
C. SNRIs
D. MAOIs
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Bupropion is known to lower the seizure threshold, especially
at higher doses or in patients with pre-existing conditions. It is specifically
contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders or those with eating disorders
of the Family Wk 6 Final Exam v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A 24-year-old patient with mild persistent asthma is currently prescribed a SABA for
rescue use. According to the GINA guidelines, what is the preferred maintenance
treatment?
A. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) taken whenever SABA is taken
B. Daily long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) monotherapy
C. Theophylline twice daily
D. Oral prednisone as needed for flare-ups
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Current GINA guidelines emphasize that SABA monotherapy is
no longer recommended for safety reasons. Using a low-dose ICS whenever a SABA
is used provides the necessary anti-inflammatory coverage to prevent
exacerbations. This approach reduces the risk of severe asthma-related events
compared to using bronchodilators alone.
2. A patient is starting Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. Which instruction is
vital to prevent esophageal erosion?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk
,B. Take the dose immediately before going to bed
C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose
D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that can cause severe
esophageal irritation and ulceration. Patients must stay upright and take the
medication with plain water only on an empty stomach to ensure it reaches the
stomach quickly. Failure to follow these steps significantly increases the risk of
chemical esophagitis.
3. Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored closely in a patient
starting Lithium for Bipolar Disorder?
A. Serum Creatinine and TSH
B. Serum Potassium
C. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
D. Prothrombin Time (PT)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, making renal
function monitoring essential to prevent toxicity. It is also known to cause
,hypothyroidism, requiring baseline and periodic TSH checks. Maintaining a narrow
therapeutic window is critical for patient safety while on this medication.
4. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a Beta-Blocker. Why is
Metoprolol Succinate preferred over Metoprolol Tartrate?
A. Succinate is the extended-release form proven to reduce mortality in HF
B. Tartrate is used for acute hypertensive crises only
C. Succinate is cheaper for the patient
D. Succinate has a shorter half-life allowing for easier titration
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metoprolol Succinate is the long-acting formulation
specifically indicated for the management of chronic heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction. Clinical trials like MERIT-HF demonstrated its efficacy in reducing
mortality and hospitalizations. Metoprolol Tartrate is immediate-release and is
generally used for post-MI or hypertension management.
5. A 65-year-old male with BPH is prescribed Tamsulosin (Flomax). What is the most
common side effect the provider should discuss?
A. Hypertension
B. Orthostatic hypotension
, C. Urinary retention
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes the smooth
muscle of the prostate and bladder neck. Because it affects vascular tone, it can lead
to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. This side effect is particularly
concerning in elderly patients due to the increased risk of falls.
6. Which class of antidepressants should be avoided in patients with a history of
seizures?
A. SSRIs
B. Bupropion
C. SNRIs
D. MAOIs
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Bupropion is known to lower the seizure threshold, especially
at higher doses or in patients with pre-existing conditions. It is specifically
contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders or those with eating disorders
