PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSES: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC APPROACH
7TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)MICHAEL P. ADAMS;
NORMAN HOLLAND; SHANTI CHANG
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Pharmacology and Therapeutics / Drug Classification
Stem
A 68-year-old patient with newly diagnosed hypertension asks
why the prescriber chose a medication classified by its
therapeutic use rather than by its mechanism. The patient is
confused about drug names and classifications. As the nurse,
which explanation best helps the patient understand why
prescribers often refer to therapeutic classes (like
"antihypertensive") when planning care?
,A. Therapeutic classifications describe the condition treated and
guide nursing education and monitoring.
B. Therapeutic classifications list the exact molecular
mechanism, which is needed for nursing administration.
C. Pharmacologic classifications are rarely useful because drugs
rarely have predictable actions.
D. The therapeutic class is chosen because it always indicates
one specific drug for each disease.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales
Correct Option: Therapeutic classifications group drugs by the
condition they treat, which helps nurses understand monitoring
priorities and expected outcomes; this is useful for patient
teaching and care planning.
Incorrect Options: B is incorrect — pharmacologic classification,
not therapeutic, describes mechanisms. C is false —
pharmacologic classifications are useful; they describe
mechanisms, not unpredictability. D is incorrect — therapeutic
classes often contain many drugs, not a single specific agent.
Teaching Point: Therapeutic class = condition treated; useful for
teaching and monitoring.
Citation: Adams, M. P., Holland, N., & Chang, S. (2024).
Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach (7th
ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Chemical, Generic, and Trade Names
Stem
A hospitalized patient brings two pill bottles labeled with
different trade names but the same active ingredient listed on
the label. The patient asks whether taking both will increase
effectiveness. What is the nurse’s best immediate response?
A. Tell the patient both names likely contain the same generic
drug and ask to hold one bottle for verification.
B. Encourage taking both so the patient receives a higher dose
for faster relief.
C. State that trade names always indicate different drugs and
taking both is safe.
D. Advise the patient to double the usual dose to be sure it
works.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales
Correct Option: Trade names can differ while the generic active
ingredient is the same; holding one bottle prevents accidental
doubling and allows verification of dose and formulation.
Incorrect Options: B and D are unsafe — taking both risks
overdose. C is false — different trade names can represent the
same generic drug.
, Teaching Point: Verify active ingredient and dose to prevent
inadvertent duplicate therapy.
Citation: Adams et al. (2024). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs
Stem
A 35-year-old with mild allergic rhinitis asks the nurse whether
over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are safe because they
don't require a prescription. The patient also has well-
controlled hypertension. Which nursing response best
integrates safety and the difference between OTC and
prescription status?
A. OTC status does not guarantee safety; we should review
interactions with your antihypertensive before you take any
new medication.
B. OTC medications are always safe and don’t interact with
prescription drugs.
C. Prescription drugs are always more effective, so OTC
antihistamines won’t work.
D. You can take any OTC antihistamine because allergic rhinitis
isn't serious.
Correct Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC APPROACH
7TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)MICHAEL P. ADAMS;
NORMAN HOLLAND; SHANTI CHANG
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Pharmacology and Therapeutics / Drug Classification
Stem
A 68-year-old patient with newly diagnosed hypertension asks
why the prescriber chose a medication classified by its
therapeutic use rather than by its mechanism. The patient is
confused about drug names and classifications. As the nurse,
which explanation best helps the patient understand why
prescribers often refer to therapeutic classes (like
"antihypertensive") when planning care?
,A. Therapeutic classifications describe the condition treated and
guide nursing education and monitoring.
B. Therapeutic classifications list the exact molecular
mechanism, which is needed for nursing administration.
C. Pharmacologic classifications are rarely useful because drugs
rarely have predictable actions.
D. The therapeutic class is chosen because it always indicates
one specific drug for each disease.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales
Correct Option: Therapeutic classifications group drugs by the
condition they treat, which helps nurses understand monitoring
priorities and expected outcomes; this is useful for patient
teaching and care planning.
Incorrect Options: B is incorrect — pharmacologic classification,
not therapeutic, describes mechanisms. C is false —
pharmacologic classifications are useful; they describe
mechanisms, not unpredictability. D is incorrect — therapeutic
classes often contain many drugs, not a single specific agent.
Teaching Point: Therapeutic class = condition treated; useful for
teaching and monitoring.
Citation: Adams, M. P., Holland, N., & Chang, S. (2024).
Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach (7th
ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Chemical, Generic, and Trade Names
Stem
A hospitalized patient brings two pill bottles labeled with
different trade names but the same active ingredient listed on
the label. The patient asks whether taking both will increase
effectiveness. What is the nurse’s best immediate response?
A. Tell the patient both names likely contain the same generic
drug and ask to hold one bottle for verification.
B. Encourage taking both so the patient receives a higher dose
for faster relief.
C. State that trade names always indicate different drugs and
taking both is safe.
D. Advise the patient to double the usual dose to be sure it
works.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales
Correct Option: Trade names can differ while the generic active
ingredient is the same; holding one bottle prevents accidental
doubling and allows verification of dose and formulation.
Incorrect Options: B and D are unsafe — taking both risks
overdose. C is false — different trade names can represent the
same generic drug.
, Teaching Point: Verify active ingredient and dose to prevent
inadvertent duplicate therapy.
Citation: Adams et al. (2024). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs
Stem
A 35-year-old with mild allergic rhinitis asks the nurse whether
over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are safe because they
don't require a prescription. The patient also has well-
controlled hypertension. Which nursing response best
integrates safety and the difference between OTC and
prescription status?
A. OTC status does not guarantee safety; we should review
interactions with your antihypertensive before you take any
new medication.
B. OTC medications are always safe and don’t interact with
prescription drugs.
C. Prescription drugs are always more effective, so OTC
antihistamines won’t work.
D. You can take any OTC antihistamine because allergic rhinitis
isn't serious.
Correct Answer: A
