Pharmacology Exam: Drug Classifications Study
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students | Medication
Categories, Mechanisms of Action, Therapeutic
Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Nursing
Considerations, and Patient Safety | Comprehensive
Pharmacology Exam Preparation to Strengthen
Clinical Knowledge, Critical Thinking, and
NCLEX/ATI Readiness
,Question 1:
Which class of drugs is primarily used to treat hypertension by relaxing blood
vessels?
• A) Beta-blockers
• B) Calcium Channel Blockers
• C) ACE Inhibitors
• D) Diuretics
Correct Answer: B) Calcium Channel Blockers
Rationale:
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications that prevent calcium from
entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This leads to muscle relaxation
and widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation), which reduces blood pressure. While
beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors also lower blood pressure, CCBs specifically target
vascular smooth muscle, making them effective in managing hypertension directly
through vascular relaxation.
Question 2:
What is the mechanism of action of beta-agonists in treating asthma?
• A) Bronchoconstriction
• B) Inhibition of inflammation
• C) Bronchodilation
• D) Mucus production enhancement
Correct Answer: C) Bronchodilation
Rationale:
Beta-agonists, such as albuterol and salbutamol, stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors
in the lungs, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and subsequent
bronchodilation. This increases airflow and helps relieve symptoms of asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The other options do not represent the
primary action of beta-agonists.
Question 3:
Which of the following drug classes is commonly used to manage diabetes by
increasing insulin sensitivity?
• A) Thiazolidinediones
, • B) Sulfonylureas
• C) Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors
• D) Biguanides
Correct Answer: A) Thiazolidinediones
Rationale:
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) work mainly by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and
adipose tissue. By activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
(PPAR-γ), they promote glucose uptake and utilization. Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin
secretion from the pancreas, while DPP-4 inhibitors and biguanides have different
mechanisms and primarily affect postprandial glucose levels.
Question 4:
Which class of medications is typically prescribed for hyperlipidemia?
• A) Diuretics
• B) Statins
• C) Anticoagulants
• D) Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: B) Statins
Rationale:
Statins are a class of drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in
cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. By lowering cholesterol levels, they reduce the risk
of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular events related to hyperlipidemia.
Diuretics manage fluid balance, anticoagulants prevent blood clot formation, and
antihypertensives lower blood pressure but do not directly affect lipid levels.
Question 5:
Which drug class primarily acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to manage
depression?
• A) SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• B) SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
• C) MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
• D) Tricyclic Antidepressants
Correct Answer: B) SNRIs
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students | Medication
Categories, Mechanisms of Action, Therapeutic
Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Nursing
Considerations, and Patient Safety | Comprehensive
Pharmacology Exam Preparation to Strengthen
Clinical Knowledge, Critical Thinking, and
NCLEX/ATI Readiness
,Question 1:
Which class of drugs is primarily used to treat hypertension by relaxing blood
vessels?
• A) Beta-blockers
• B) Calcium Channel Blockers
• C) ACE Inhibitors
• D) Diuretics
Correct Answer: B) Calcium Channel Blockers
Rationale:
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications that prevent calcium from
entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This leads to muscle relaxation
and widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation), which reduces blood pressure. While
beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors also lower blood pressure, CCBs specifically target
vascular smooth muscle, making them effective in managing hypertension directly
through vascular relaxation.
Question 2:
What is the mechanism of action of beta-agonists in treating asthma?
• A) Bronchoconstriction
• B) Inhibition of inflammation
• C) Bronchodilation
• D) Mucus production enhancement
Correct Answer: C) Bronchodilation
Rationale:
Beta-agonists, such as albuterol and salbutamol, stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors
in the lungs, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and subsequent
bronchodilation. This increases airflow and helps relieve symptoms of asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The other options do not represent the
primary action of beta-agonists.
Question 3:
Which of the following drug classes is commonly used to manage diabetes by
increasing insulin sensitivity?
• A) Thiazolidinediones
, • B) Sulfonylureas
• C) Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors
• D) Biguanides
Correct Answer: A) Thiazolidinediones
Rationale:
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) work mainly by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and
adipose tissue. By activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
(PPAR-γ), they promote glucose uptake and utilization. Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin
secretion from the pancreas, while DPP-4 inhibitors and biguanides have different
mechanisms and primarily affect postprandial glucose levels.
Question 4:
Which class of medications is typically prescribed for hyperlipidemia?
• A) Diuretics
• B) Statins
• C) Anticoagulants
• D) Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: B) Statins
Rationale:
Statins are a class of drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in
cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. By lowering cholesterol levels, they reduce the risk
of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular events related to hyperlipidemia.
Diuretics manage fluid balance, anticoagulants prevent blood clot formation, and
antihypertensives lower blood pressure but do not directly affect lipid levels.
Question 5:
Which drug class primarily acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to manage
depression?
• A) SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• B) SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
• C) MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
• D) Tricyclic Antidepressants
Correct Answer: B) SNRIs
