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NR 293 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide | Actual
Exam Questions with Verified Solutions & Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Chamberlain Nursing
Exam Prep | Grade A
Question 1
Alpha-2 agonists, such as methyldopa, work by:
A. Stimulating alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction
B. Decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
C. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
D. Increasing renin release from the kidneys
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
Rationale: Alpha-2 agonists like methyldopa and clonidine act centrally to reduce
sympathetic outflow from the brainstem, leading to decreased peripheral vascular
resistance and lower blood pressure.
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Question 2
Methyldopa is unique among antihypertensives because it:
A. Is a first-line treatment for all adults with hypertension
B. Can be used safely during pregnancy
C. Has no side effects
D. Causes reflex tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Can be used safely during pregnancy
Rationale: Methyldopa has a long history of safe use in pregnancy for managing
hypertension. It is often the drug of choice for gestational hypertension.
Question 3
A patient is starting propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker. Which statement
indicates the patient needs further teaching?
A. "I should get up slowly from lying or sitting to prevent dizziness."
B. "I can suck on hard candy if I get a dry mouth."
C. "I can take this medication with my asthma medication without any concerns."
D. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I can take this medication with my asthma medication
without any concerns."
Rationale: Propranolol is non-selective and blocks beta-2 receptors in the lungs, which
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can cause bronchoconstriction. It can interfere with asthma drugs and should be used
with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with asthma. The other statements are correct
patient education points.
Question 4
Serious adverse effects of beta-blockers like propranolol and carvedilol include:
(Select all that apply.)
A. Wheezing
B. Hypotension
C. AV heart block
D. Tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Serious adverse effects of beta-blockers include bronchospasm (wheezing),
excessive hypotension, and bradycardia/AV heart block due to their negative
chronotropic and inotropic effects. They cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.
Question 5
When initiating therapy with prazosin or doxazosin (alpha-1 blockers), the nurse
should instruct the patient to:
A. Take the first dose in the morning with a full glass of water.
B. Take the first dose lying down or at bedtime due to the risk of severe orthostatic
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NR 293 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide | Actual
Exam Questions with Verified Solutions & Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Chamberlain Nursing
Exam Prep | Grade A
Question 1
Alpha-2 agonists, such as methyldopa, work by:
A. Stimulating alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction
B. Decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
C. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
D. Increasing renin release from the kidneys
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
Rationale: Alpha-2 agonists like methyldopa and clonidine act centrally to reduce
sympathetic outflow from the brainstem, leading to decreased peripheral vascular
resistance and lower blood pressure.
1|Page
,2|Page
Question 2
Methyldopa is unique among antihypertensives because it:
A. Is a first-line treatment for all adults with hypertension
B. Can be used safely during pregnancy
C. Has no side effects
D. Causes reflex tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Can be used safely during pregnancy
Rationale: Methyldopa has a long history of safe use in pregnancy for managing
hypertension. It is often the drug of choice for gestational hypertension.
Question 3
A patient is starting propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker. Which statement
indicates the patient needs further teaching?
A. "I should get up slowly from lying or sitting to prevent dizziness."
B. "I can suck on hard candy if I get a dry mouth."
C. "I can take this medication with my asthma medication without any concerns."
D. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I can take this medication with my asthma medication
without any concerns."
Rationale: Propranolol is non-selective and blocks beta-2 receptors in the lungs, which
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, 3|Page
can cause bronchoconstriction. It can interfere with asthma drugs and should be used
with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with asthma. The other statements are correct
patient education points.
Question 4
Serious adverse effects of beta-blockers like propranolol and carvedilol include:
(Select all that apply.)
A. Wheezing
B. Hypotension
C. AV heart block
D. Tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Serious adverse effects of beta-blockers include bronchospasm (wheezing),
excessive hypotension, and bradycardia/AV heart block due to their negative
chronotropic and inotropic effects. They cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.
Question 5
When initiating therapy with prazosin or doxazosin (alpha-1 blockers), the nurse
should instruct the patient to:
A. Take the first dose in the morning with a full glass of water.
B. Take the first dose lying down or at bedtime due to the risk of severe orthostatic
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