MSN Pharmacology for Advanced Practice

Question 1

Which receptor mechanism do beta-1 adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers) use to reduce heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Competitively block catecholamine binding at beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the SA node

Answer

Beta-blockers competitively antagonize norepinephrine and epinephrine at beta-1 receptors in the SA node, reducing rate and force of contraction.

Question 2

A patient prescribed warfarin reports adding cranberry juice to their daily diet. What pharmacokinetic concern should the NP have?

Accepted Answer

Cranberry juice inhibits CYP2C9, potentially increasing warfarin levels and bleeding risk

Answer

Cranberry juice inhibits CYP2C9, the primary enzyme metabolizing warfarin's S-enantiomer, potentially raising warfarin plasma levels and increasing hemorrhagic risk.

Question 3

Which class of antihypertensive is first-line for a patient with hypertension and a new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease with proteinuria?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors or ARBs

Answer

ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce intraglomerular pressure and proteinuria in CKD, providing renoprotection beyond blood pressure lowering, making them first-line in this population.

Question 4

The narrow therapeutic index of digoxin means that which monitoring parameter is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Serum digoxin level, renal function, and serum potassium

Answer

Digoxin toxicity is closely linked to renal clearance (monitors drug accumulation) and potassium levels (hypokalemia sensitizes the heart to digoxin toxicity).

Question 5

Which pharmacodynamic property describes a drug that binds a receptor and produces a maximal response?

Accepted Answer

Full agonist

Answer

A full agonist binds to a receptor and produces the maximum possible response (Emax) that the receptor system can generate.

MSN - Master Of Science In Nursing Degree Practice Test

MSN - Master Of Science In Nursing Degree Practice Test

MSN Pharmacology for Advanced Practice