D441 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide 2026 |WGU
1. What is the expected onset of action for rapid-acting insulin such as Lispro?
A. 15 to 30 minutes
B. 1 to 2 hours
C. 3 to 4 hours
D. 30 to 60 minutes
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulins like Lispro have an onset of 15-30 minutes and should be
administered shortly before meals.
2. Which instruction is critical for a patient taking Metformin before a CT scan
with contrast?
A. Discontinue Metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
B. Take the medication as usual
C. Double the dose on the day of the scan
D. Take with a high-fat meal
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held 48 hours before and after contrast media to prevent
lactic acidosis and renal failure.
,3. A patient on Levothyroxine reports insomnia, tremors, and palpitations. What
does this suggest?
A. The dose is too low
B. The dose is too high (Toxicity)
C. An allergic reaction
D. A normal therapeutic response
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperthyroid symptoms such as tremors and palpitations indicate that the
thyroid replacement dose is excessive.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
A. Stimulates the release of thyroid hormone
B. Destroys thyroid tissue
C. Blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones
D. Increases iodine uptake
Answer: C
Rationale: PTU inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones by blocking the conversion of
T4 to T3.
5. Which side effect is a major concern for patients on long-term Glucocorticoid
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased risk of infection
C. Weight loss
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Glucocorticoids suppress the immune system, making the patient more
susceptible to infections and masking their signs.
, 6. When should a patient take their prescribed Levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a snack
B. With lunch to increase absorption
C. In the morning on an empty stomach
D. Only when feeling tired
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken 30-60 minutes before breakfast to ensure
optimal absorption.
7. A patient with Type 2 diabetes is prescribed Pioglitazone. Which condition is a
contraindication?
A. Hypertension
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Heart failure
Answer: D
Rationale: Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or precipitate
heart failure.
8. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing severe
hypoglycemia?
A. Administering 10 units of regular insulin
B. Providing a high-fiber snack
C. Encouraging the patient to nap
D. Administering Glucagon IM or IV
Answer: D
Rationale: Glucagon is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the
patient is unconscious or unable to swallow.
1. What is the expected onset of action for rapid-acting insulin such as Lispro?
A. 15 to 30 minutes
B. 1 to 2 hours
C. 3 to 4 hours
D. 30 to 60 minutes
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulins like Lispro have an onset of 15-30 minutes and should be
administered shortly before meals.
2. Which instruction is critical for a patient taking Metformin before a CT scan
with contrast?
A. Discontinue Metformin 48 hours before and after the scan
B. Take the medication as usual
C. Double the dose on the day of the scan
D. Take with a high-fat meal
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin must be held 48 hours before and after contrast media to prevent
lactic acidosis and renal failure.
,3. A patient on Levothyroxine reports insomnia, tremors, and palpitations. What
does this suggest?
A. The dose is too low
B. The dose is too high (Toxicity)
C. An allergic reaction
D. A normal therapeutic response
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperthyroid symptoms such as tremors and palpitations indicate that the
thyroid replacement dose is excessive.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
A. Stimulates the release of thyroid hormone
B. Destroys thyroid tissue
C. Blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones
D. Increases iodine uptake
Answer: C
Rationale: PTU inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones by blocking the conversion of
T4 to T3.
5. Which side effect is a major concern for patients on long-term Glucocorticoid
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased risk of infection
C. Weight loss
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Glucocorticoids suppress the immune system, making the patient more
susceptible to infections and masking their signs.
, 6. When should a patient take their prescribed Levothyroxine?
A. At bedtime with a snack
B. With lunch to increase absorption
C. In the morning on an empty stomach
D. Only when feeling tired
Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken 30-60 minutes before breakfast to ensure
optimal absorption.
7. A patient with Type 2 diabetes is prescribed Pioglitazone. Which condition is a
contraindication?
A. Hypertension
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Heart failure
Answer: D
Rationale: Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or precipitate
heart failure.
8. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing severe
hypoglycemia?
A. Administering 10 units of regular insulin
B. Providing a high-fiber snack
C. Encouraging the patient to nap
D. Administering Glucagon IM or IV
Answer: D
Rationale: Glucagon is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the
patient is unconscious or unable to swallow.
