NR566 | NR566 Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Wk 7 Final Exam v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is being started on Metformin. Which laboratory
value is most critical to monitor before and during therapy to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
B. Serum Potassium
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
D. Hemoglobin A1C
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired
renal function increases the risk of lactic acidosis. The GFR must be checked prior to
initiation and should be monitored at least annually thereafter. Metformin is
contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m².
2. An elderly patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which side effect
is a common reason for discontinuing this class of medication?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Tachycardia
,C. Hypokalemia
D. Dry, non-productive cough
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which
can lead to a persistent dry cough in some patients. If this occurs, the patient is
typically switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). This side effect does
not resolve with time and requires a change in medication class.
3. When prescribing a Statin for hyperlipidemia, which baseline lab test is essential
according to current guidelines?
A. Creatine Kinase (CK)
B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: While routine monitoring of liver enzymes is no longer
recommended, a baseline ALT should be obtained before starting statin therapy.
Clinicians should monitor liver function thereafter only if symptoms of
,hepatotoxicity occur. Statins are generally well-tolerated but carry a small risk of
serious liver injury.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed a Long-Acting Beta Agonist (LABA). Which
statement is true regarding the use of LABAs in asthma management?
A. LABAs must always be used in combination with an Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS).
B. LABAs should only be used as needed for symptoms.
C. LABAs are the first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm.
D. LABAs can be used as monotherapy for quick relief.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Using a LABA alone in asthma patients increases the risk of
asthma-related death and serious exacerbations. Therefore, LABAs should always be
paired with an ICS to address the underlying inflammation. This black box warning
is a critical safety consideration in respiratory pharmacology.
5. Which education point is most important for a patient starting Warfarin (Coumadin)
therapy?
A. Take double the dose if one is missed.
B. Stop the medication immediately if bruising occurs.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K-rich foods.
, D. Avoid all types of physical exercise.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sudden changes in Vitamin K intake can significantly alter the
INR and the effectiveness of Warfarin. Patients do not need to avoid green leafy
vegetables but must keep their consumption levels steady. Frequent INR monitoring
is required to ensure the patient remains within the therapeutic window.
6. What is the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with uncomplicated
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) with no comorbidities and no recent antibiotic
use?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Vancomycin
C. Amoxicillin or Doxycycline
D. Gentamicin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Recent guidelines suggest high-dose Amoxicillin or
Doxycycline as preferred monotherapy for healthy adults with CAP. Macrolides are
only recommended if local pneumococcal resistance is low. Choosing the narrowest
spectrum effective agent helps prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
of the Family Wk 7 Final Exam v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is being started on Metformin. Which laboratory
value is most critical to monitor before and during therapy to prevent lactic acidosis?
A. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
B. Serum Potassium
C. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
D. Hemoglobin A1C
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired
renal function increases the risk of lactic acidosis. The GFR must be checked prior to
initiation and should be monitored at least annually thereafter. Metformin is
contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m².
2. An elderly patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which side effect
is a common reason for discontinuing this class of medication?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Tachycardia
,C. Hypokalemia
D. Dry, non-productive cough
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which
can lead to a persistent dry cough in some patients. If this occurs, the patient is
typically switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). This side effect does
not resolve with time and requires a change in medication class.
3. When prescribing a Statin for hyperlipidemia, which baseline lab test is essential
according to current guidelines?
A. Creatine Kinase (CK)
B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: While routine monitoring of liver enzymes is no longer
recommended, a baseline ALT should be obtained before starting statin therapy.
Clinicians should monitor liver function thereafter only if symptoms of
,hepatotoxicity occur. Statins are generally well-tolerated but carry a small risk of
serious liver injury.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed a Long-Acting Beta Agonist (LABA). Which
statement is true regarding the use of LABAs in asthma management?
A. LABAs must always be used in combination with an Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS).
B. LABAs should only be used as needed for symptoms.
C. LABAs are the first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm.
D. LABAs can be used as monotherapy for quick relief.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Using a LABA alone in asthma patients increases the risk of
asthma-related death and serious exacerbations. Therefore, LABAs should always be
paired with an ICS to address the underlying inflammation. This black box warning
is a critical safety consideration in respiratory pharmacology.
5. Which education point is most important for a patient starting Warfarin (Coumadin)
therapy?
A. Take double the dose if one is missed.
B. Stop the medication immediately if bruising occurs.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K-rich foods.
, D. Avoid all types of physical exercise.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sudden changes in Vitamin K intake can significantly alter the
INR and the effectiveness of Warfarin. Patients do not need to avoid green leafy
vegetables but must keep their consumption levels steady. Frequent INR monitoring
is required to ensure the patient remains within the therapeutic window.
6. What is the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with uncomplicated
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) with no comorbidities and no recent antibiotic
use?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Vancomycin
C. Amoxicillin or Doxycycline
D. Gentamicin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Recent guidelines suggest high-dose Amoxicillin or
Doxycycline as preferred monotherapy for healthy adults with CAP. Macrolides are
only recommended if local pneumococcal resistance is low. Choosing the narrowest
spectrum effective agent helps prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
