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NR 293 Pharmacology Final Exam | Actual Exam
Questions & Verified Answers with Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Chamberlain
Pharmacology | Grade A
Question 1
Centrally acting alpha-2 receptor agonists, such as clonidine and methyldopa, lower
blood pressure by:
A. Blocking alpha-1 receptors on blood vessels
B. Stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, decreasing sympathetic outflow
C. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart
D. Inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, decreasing
sympathetic outflow
Rationale: Centrally acting alpha-2 agonists stimulate alpha-2-adrenergic receptors in
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the brainstem, which reduces sympathetic nervous system outflow, leading to
decreased peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure.
Question 2
Clonidine has a unique off-label use in the management of:
A. Hypertension during pregnancy
B. Withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent persons
C. Heart failure
D. Angina
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent persons
Rationale: Clonidine is sometimes used to manage withdrawal symptoms in opioid-
dependent individuals by reducing sympathetic outflow and alleviating symptoms like
anxiety, agitation, and tachycardia.
Question 3
Peripherally acting alpha-1 receptor blockers (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin) are
known by the suffix "-azosin." A serious adverse effect associated with the first dose
of these medications is:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. First-dose hypotension and syncope
C. Bronchospasm
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D. Tachyphylaxis
CORRECT ANSWER: B. First-dose hypotension and syncope
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers can cause significant vasodilation, leading to marked
orthostatic hypotension, especially with the first dose. Patients should be instructed to
take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the risk of falls from dizziness and syncope.
Question 4
Beta-blockers (ending in "-olol") lower blood pressure primarily by:
A. Causing direct vasodilation
B. Reducing heart rate and cardiac output
C. Blocking angiotensin II receptors
D. Increasing sodium and water excretion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reducing heart rate and cardiac output
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart,
which decreases heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, thereby
lowering blood pressure. They also reduce renin secretion.
Question 5
Carvedilol and labetalol are unique beta-blockers because they also have:
A. Alpha-1 blocking activity, causing vasodilation
B. Central alpha-2 agonist activity
NR 293 Pharmacology Final Exam | Actual Exam
Questions & Verified Answers with Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Chamberlain
Pharmacology | Grade A
Question 1
Centrally acting alpha-2 receptor agonists, such as clonidine and methyldopa, lower
blood pressure by:
A. Blocking alpha-1 receptors on blood vessels
B. Stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, decreasing sympathetic outflow
C. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart
D. Inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, decreasing
sympathetic outflow
Rationale: Centrally acting alpha-2 agonists stimulate alpha-2-adrenergic receptors in
,2|Page
the brainstem, which reduces sympathetic nervous system outflow, leading to
decreased peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure.
Question 2
Clonidine has a unique off-label use in the management of:
A. Hypertension during pregnancy
B. Withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent persons
C. Heart failure
D. Angina
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent persons
Rationale: Clonidine is sometimes used to manage withdrawal symptoms in opioid-
dependent individuals by reducing sympathetic outflow and alleviating symptoms like
anxiety, agitation, and tachycardia.
Question 3
Peripherally acting alpha-1 receptor blockers (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin) are
known by the suffix "-azosin." A serious adverse effect associated with the first dose
of these medications is:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. First-dose hypotension and syncope
C. Bronchospasm
, 3|Page
D. Tachyphylaxis
CORRECT ANSWER: B. First-dose hypotension and syncope
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers can cause significant vasodilation, leading to marked
orthostatic hypotension, especially with the first dose. Patients should be instructed to
take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the risk of falls from dizziness and syncope.
Question 4
Beta-blockers (ending in "-olol") lower blood pressure primarily by:
A. Causing direct vasodilation
B. Reducing heart rate and cardiac output
C. Blocking angiotensin II receptors
D. Increasing sodium and water excretion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reducing heart rate and cardiac output
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart,
which decreases heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, thereby
lowering blood pressure. They also reduce renin secretion.
Question 5
Carvedilol and labetalol are unique beta-blockers because they also have:
A. Alpha-1 blocking activity, causing vasodilation
B. Central alpha-2 agonist activity
