NURS 6521 / NURS6521 Advanced Pharmacology Midterm Exam | 100 Questions and Answers | Latest 2025/2026 | Scored 99/100 Introduction This document provides 100 fully verified multiple-choice questions and answers from the NURS 6521 Advanced Pharmacology Midterm Exam, aligned with Walden University’s 2025/2026 MSN and Nurse Practitioner curriculum. Achieving a score of 99/100, this resource is designed for students mastering pharmacological principles, including drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and patient education. The content sup- ports comprehensive exam preparation for advanced practice nursing.Midterm Exam – 100 Questions and Answers 1.[Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Agents]A patient with a urinary tract infection is prescribed ciprofloxacin. The NP should monitor for which adverse effect?A.Tendonitis or tendon rupture B.Hyperglycemia C.Bradycardia D.Hypokalemia Pharmacological Rationale:Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is associated with ten- donitis and rupture, particularly in older adults or those on corticosteroids.
2.[Cardiovascular Renal Pharmacology]A patient on lisinopril reports a per-
sistent dry cough. The NP’s best action is to:
A.Continue lisinopril and add a cough suppressant B.Switch to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) like losartan C.Increase the lisinopril dose D.Discontinue lisinopril and start a diuretic Pharmacological Rationale:Dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril; ARBs are a suitable alternative with a lower incidence of cough.
3.[CNS Pain Management] Which opioid analgesic has the highest risk of sero- tonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs?A.Morphine B.Meperidine NURS 6521 Midterm | Advanced Pharmacology | Verified 100 Questions | 2025/2026 1 / 3
C.Fentanyl D.Hydromorphone Pharmacological Rationale:Meperidine’s metabolite, normeperidine, can increase sero- tonin levels, risking serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs.
4.[Endocrine Reproductive Systems]A patient with type 2 diabetes is started on metformin. The NP should educate the patient about which common side effect?A.Gastrointestinal upset B.Weight gain C.Hypoglycemia D.Hypertension Pharmacological Rationale:Metformin commonly causes GI side effects like nausea and diarrhea, which often subside with time or dose adjustment.
5.[Geriatric and Pediatric Pharmacology]When prescribing medications for a
geriatric patient, the NP should consider:
A.Decreased renal and hepatic function B.Increased drug metabolism C.Higher volume of distribution D.Enhanced drug absorption Pharmacological Rationale:Aging reduces renal and hepatic function, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity in older adults.
6.[Adverse Effects, Patient Education, and Drug Interactions]A patient on
warfarin is prescribed amoxicillin. The NP should:
A.Monitor INR closely B.Discontinue warfarin C.Reduce the amoxicillin dose D.Switch to heparin Pharmacological Rationale:Amoxicillin can potentiate warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, necessitating close INR monitoring to prevent bleeding.
7.[Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Agents]Which antibiotic is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin?A.Cephalexin B.Azithromycin C.Doxycycline D.Levofloxacin Pharmacological Rationale:Cephalexin, a cephalosporin, has cross-reactivity with peni- cillin, posing a risk of allergic reactions in sensitive patients.NURS 6521 Midterm | Advanced Pharmacology | Verified 100 Questions | 2025/2026 2 / 3
8.[Cardiovascular Renal Pharmacology] A patient with hypertension is pre- scribed hydrochlorothiazide. The NP should monitor for which electrolyte imbal- ance?A.Hypokalemia B.Hypernatremia C.Hypermagnesemia D.Hypocalcemia Pharmacological Rationale:Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide increase potas- sium excretion, leading to hypokalemia.
9.[CNS Pain Management]A patient with neuropathic pain is prescribed gabapentin.The NP should advise the patient about which side effect?A.Drowsiness B.Hypertension C.Hypoglycemia D.Photosensitivity
Pharmacological Rationale:Gabapentin commonly causes CNS depression, including
drowsiness, which may affect daily activities.
10.[Endocrine Reproductive Systems]Levothyroxine is prescribed for hypothy-
roidism. The NP should instruct the patient to take it:
A.On an empty stomach in the morning B.With meals C.At bedtime D.With calcium supplements Pharmacological Rationale:Levothyroxine absorption is optimal on an empty stomach, avoiding interference from food or supplements.
11.[Geriatric and Pediatric Pharmacology]When prescribing for a pediatric pa-
tient, the NP should base dosing on:
A.Body weight or surface area B.Adult standard doses C.Age alone D.Parent preference Pharmacological Rationale:Pediatric dosing accounts for body weight or surface area to ensure safety and efficacy.
12.[Adverse Effects, Patient Education, and Drug Interactions]A patient on
simvastatin reports muscle pain. The NP’s first action is to:
A.Order a creatine kinase (CK) level NURS 6521 Midterm | Advanced Pharmacology | Verified 100 Questions | 2025/2026
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