,WGU D116 Pharmacology Review – Complete Study Guide with
Clinical Scenarios and Answers
A patient presents to an emergency room complaining of palpitations and irregular heartbeat. The
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) places the patient on a cardiac monitor and observes atrial
fibrillation. The APRN orders dovetailed.
How should the APRN recommend this medication be taken?
YES With food or an empty stomach
A 70-year-old male calls a clinic complaining of chest pain that started after having sexual activity. He
took sildenafil 50 mg about eight hours ago. He has nitroglycerin 0.3 mg on hand.
How should the advanced practice registered nurse respond?
Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
Taking the medications together can cause a serious drop in blood pressure leading to cardiovascular
collapse.
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is in a mental health clinic is discussing the possibility of
beginning lithium with an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The patient expresses
understanding and wishes to proceed with treatment. The APRN explains to the patient that this
medication requires specific lab monitoring and wants to draw baseline labs. The patient asks why the
test is needed.
Which explanation should the APRN provide to this patient?
A baseline blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) level needs to be drawn to assess kidney
function prior to treatment.
,This drug can cause decreased renal function, and a baseline should be drawn for future comparison.
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is reviewing the medications that will be commonly
experienced with a new nurse to determine whether the drugs are safe for the patients. The new nurse
is given a scenario where a patient is being prescribed sildenafil 25 mg po prn, a prototype drug for
erectile dysfunction.
Which patient may take this drug safely?
YES A 54-year-male with a medical history of hypertension, mild eczema, and previous history of a
urolithiasis where all is well controlled and there are no current complications
A 30-year-old patient presents to a primary care clinic with a history of anxiety. The advanced practice
registered nurse reviews the mechanism of action by which many neuropharmacological agents act and
decides to prescribe citalopram.
What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
Correct! This medication influences the activity in the receptors, and it targets cells.
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Huntington disease. On admission, the patient exhibits
uncontrolled twitching, difficulty walking, trouble swallowing, confusion, and memory loss. The
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) prescribes baclofen.
What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA receptors
YES Inhibits neurotransmitter GABA
NO Halts the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase
Alters the synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine
Incorrect. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase.
They are used in patients with Alzheimer's.
, Correct! Huntington's disease involves a deficiency of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and y-
aminobutyric acid in the basal ganglia and extrapyramidal system.
A 21-year-old patient accompanied by a parent comes to a clinic for an emergency visit with an
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) following a seizure. Upon interviewing the patient and the
parent, the APRN determines that the seizure is classified by marked impairment of consciousness and is
followed by a period of central nervous system (CNS) depression.
Which type of seizure is this patient experiencing?
Atonic
NO Myoclonic
YES Tonic-clonic
Absence
Incorrect. Myoclonic seizures consist of a sudden muscle contraction that lasts for just one second.
Correct! A tonic-clonic seizure is a type of seizure that is also called a convulsion. This type of seizure can
include muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, and body jerking.
A patient has been taking oral oxycodone every six hours for back pain during the past three years. The
patient suddenly decides to stop taking the pain medication and is trying an alternative therapy without
a clinician's approval.
Which risk is of clinical concern?
YES Physical dependence
Correct! The patient suddenly stopping the medication will cause physical symptoms that can range
from nausea to seizures.
An advanced practice registered nurse has diagnosed a 44-year-old male with depression. A plan is
developed to start treatment with medication. The patient has a history of sexual dysfunction and is
concerned about taking medication that may worsen this condition.
Which antidepressant has the benefit of enhancing libido?
YES Bupropion
Clinical Scenarios and Answers
A patient presents to an emergency room complaining of palpitations and irregular heartbeat. The
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) places the patient on a cardiac monitor and observes atrial
fibrillation. The APRN orders dovetailed.
How should the APRN recommend this medication be taken?
YES With food or an empty stomach
A 70-year-old male calls a clinic complaining of chest pain that started after having sexual activity. He
took sildenafil 50 mg about eight hours ago. He has nitroglycerin 0.3 mg on hand.
How should the advanced practice registered nurse respond?
Do not take the nitroglycerin and call 911
Taking the medications together can cause a serious drop in blood pressure leading to cardiovascular
collapse.
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is in a mental health clinic is discussing the possibility of
beginning lithium with an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The patient expresses
understanding and wishes to proceed with treatment. The APRN explains to the patient that this
medication requires specific lab monitoring and wants to draw baseline labs. The patient asks why the
test is needed.
Which explanation should the APRN provide to this patient?
A baseline blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) level needs to be drawn to assess kidney
function prior to treatment.
,This drug can cause decreased renal function, and a baseline should be drawn for future comparison.
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is reviewing the medications that will be commonly
experienced with a new nurse to determine whether the drugs are safe for the patients. The new nurse
is given a scenario where a patient is being prescribed sildenafil 25 mg po prn, a prototype drug for
erectile dysfunction.
Which patient may take this drug safely?
YES A 54-year-male with a medical history of hypertension, mild eczema, and previous history of a
urolithiasis where all is well controlled and there are no current complications
A 30-year-old patient presents to a primary care clinic with a history of anxiety. The advanced practice
registered nurse reviews the mechanism of action by which many neuropharmacological agents act and
decides to prescribe citalopram.
What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
YES Influences receptor activity on target cells
Correct! This medication influences the activity in the receptors, and it targets cells.
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Huntington disease. On admission, the patient exhibits
uncontrolled twitching, difficulty walking, trouble swallowing, confusion, and memory loss. The
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) prescribes baclofen.
What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
NO Modulates the effects of glutamate at NMDA receptors
YES Inhibits neurotransmitter GABA
NO Halts the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase
Alters the synthesis and release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine
Incorrect. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase.
They are used in patients with Alzheimer's.
, Correct! Huntington's disease involves a deficiency of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and y-
aminobutyric acid in the basal ganglia and extrapyramidal system.
A 21-year-old patient accompanied by a parent comes to a clinic for an emergency visit with an
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) following a seizure. Upon interviewing the patient and the
parent, the APRN determines that the seizure is classified by marked impairment of consciousness and is
followed by a period of central nervous system (CNS) depression.
Which type of seizure is this patient experiencing?
Atonic
NO Myoclonic
YES Tonic-clonic
Absence
Incorrect. Myoclonic seizures consist of a sudden muscle contraction that lasts for just one second.
Correct! A tonic-clonic seizure is a type of seizure that is also called a convulsion. This type of seizure can
include muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, and body jerking.
A patient has been taking oral oxycodone every six hours for back pain during the past three years. The
patient suddenly decides to stop taking the pain medication and is trying an alternative therapy without
a clinician's approval.
Which risk is of clinical concern?
YES Physical dependence
Correct! The patient suddenly stopping the medication will cause physical symptoms that can range
from nausea to seizures.
An advanced practice registered nurse has diagnosed a 44-year-old male with depression. A plan is
developed to start treatment with medication. The patient has a history of sexual dysfunction and is
concerned about taking medication that may worsen this condition.
Which antidepressant has the benefit of enhancing libido?
YES Bupropion
