CDCES Pharmacology Fundamentals 5

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) would benefit most from which medication class based on current evidence?

Accepted Answer

SGLT-2 inhibitors

Answer

Thiazolidinediones

Answer

Sulfonylureas

Answer

DPP-4 inhibitors (saxagliptin)

Question 2

When converting a patient from twice-daily NPH insulin to once-daily insulin glargine, the typical dose conversion is:

Accepted Answer

80% of total daily NPH dose given as glargine

Answer

1:1 conversion of total daily NPH dose

Answer

50% of total daily NPH dose given as glargine

Answer

Glargine dose equals the morning NPH dose only

Question 3

A patient asks about the difference between semaglutide oral and injectable forms. Which statement is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Oral semaglutide requires a specific administration protocol: fasting, with small amount of water, 30 minutes before eating

Answer

Oral semaglutide has higher bioavailability than injectable

Answer

Injectable semaglutide must be given daily

Answer

Both forms have identical dosing schedules

Question 4

Which adverse effect is a BLACK BOX WARNING for thiazolidinediones (TZDs) like pioglitazone?

Accepted Answer

Congestive heart failure exacerbation

Answer

Pancreatitis

Answer

Lactic acidosis

Answer

Severe hypoglycemia

Question 5

A patient on insulin develops lipohypertrophy at injection sites. What is the primary clinical consequence the CDCES should address?

Accepted Answer

Unpredictable insulin absorption leading to erratic glucose control

Answer

Increased infection risk at affected sites

Answer

Permanent nerve damage in the area

Answer

Accelerated insulin degradation at the site

Question 6

Which statement about premixed insulin formulations (e.g., 70/30) is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain a fixed ratio of intermediate and rapid/short-acting insulin

Answer

They offer more flexibility in meal timing than basal-bolus regimens

Answer

They are preferred for patients with highly variable meal schedules

Answer

They eliminate the need for glucose monitoring

Question 7

A patient with type 2 diabetes on metformin asks about starting a weight-loss medication. Which agent is FDA-approved specifically for obesity management in diabetes and has shown cardiovascular benefits?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy)

Answer

Orlistat (Alli)

Answer

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)

Answer

Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)