NR566 | NR566 Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Wk 6 Final Exam v1 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which mechanism best
describes how this medication lowers blood glucose?
A. It stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin.
B. It delays the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
C. It increases the excretion of glucose through the renal system.
D. It decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in
the liver and improving peripheral glucose uptake. It does not cause insulin
secretion, which significantly reduces the risk of hypoglycemia compared to
sulfonylureas. This medication is considered first-line therapy for most patients due
to its efficacy and weight-neutral effects.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored frequently for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
,B. Serum Creatinine
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet Count
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
anticoagulant effect of Warfarin. Maintaining a therapeutic INR range, usually
between 2.0 and 3.0, is vital to prevent stroke or excessive bleeding. Dosage
adjustments are made based on these specific lab results to ensure patient safety.
3. A patient is starting Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. What is the most important
instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a high-fiber breakfast.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed at night.
D. Take the medication with an antacid to prevent stomach upset.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is highly sensitive to the presence
of food and other medications. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures consistent
,bioavailability and therapeutic thyroid hormone levels. Patients should wait at least
30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water.
4. Which side effect is most commonly associated with the use of ACE inhibitors such
as Lisinopril?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hypokalemia
C. Dry, non-productive cough
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs often leads to a
persistent dry cough in patients taking ACE inhibitors. This side effect occurs in
approximately 10-20% of patients and is a common reason for switching to an ARB.
Clinicians should educate patients that this cough is not harmful but may require a
change in therapy.
5. A patient on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) reports new-onset muscle pain
and weakness. What is the priority action?
A. Check a serum Creatine Kinase (CK) level.
B. Advise the patient to increase their potassium intake.
, C. Double the dose to overcome the muscle resistance.
D. Tell the patient this is a normal side effect of the drug.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Muscle pain or weakness in a patient on statins can indicate
myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Checking the
CK level helps determine the severity of muscle breakdown and whether the
medication should be discontinued. Prompt evaluation is necessary to prevent renal
failure associated with severe myopathy.
6. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm in asthma
patients?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Tiotropium
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks. It is not intended for long-term
maintenance but rather for immediate symptom relief. Overuse of rescue inhalers
of the Family Wk 6 Final Exam v1 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which mechanism best
describes how this medication lowers blood glucose?
A. It stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin.
B. It delays the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
C. It increases the excretion of glucose through the renal system.
D. It decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metformin works primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in
the liver and improving peripheral glucose uptake. It does not cause insulin
secretion, which significantly reduces the risk of hypoglycemia compared to
sulfonylureas. This medication is considered first-line therapy for most patients due
to its efficacy and weight-neutral effects.
2. Which laboratory value must be monitored frequently for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
,B. Serum Creatinine
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet Count
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
anticoagulant effect of Warfarin. Maintaining a therapeutic INR range, usually
between 2.0 and 3.0, is vital to prevent stroke or excessive bleeding. Dosage
adjustments are made based on these specific lab results to ensure patient safety.
3. A patient is starting Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. What is the most important
instruction regarding administration?
A. Take the medication with a high-fiber breakfast.
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
C. Take the medication immediately before going to bed at night.
D. Take the medication with an antacid to prevent stomach upset.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is highly sensitive to the presence
of food and other medications. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures consistent
,bioavailability and therapeutic thyroid hormone levels. Patients should wait at least
30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water.
4. Which side effect is most commonly associated with the use of ACE inhibitors such
as Lisinopril?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hypokalemia
C. Dry, non-productive cough
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs often leads to a
persistent dry cough in patients taking ACE inhibitors. This side effect occurs in
approximately 10-20% of patients and is a common reason for switching to an ARB.
Clinicians should educate patients that this cough is not harmful but may require a
change in therapy.
5. A patient on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) reports new-onset muscle pain
and weakness. What is the priority action?
A. Check a serum Creatine Kinase (CK) level.
B. Advise the patient to increase their potassium intake.
, C. Double the dose to overcome the muscle resistance.
D. Tell the patient this is a normal side effect of the drug.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Muscle pain or weakness in a patient on statins can indicate
myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Checking the
CK level helps determine the severity of muscle breakdown and whether the
medication should be discontinued. Prompt evaluation is necessary to prevent renal
failure associated with severe myopathy.
6. Which medication is considered a rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm in asthma
patients?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Tiotropium
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks. It is not intended for long-term
maintenance but rather for immediate symptom relief. Overuse of rescue inhalers
