Comprehensive Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing
Program
Subject: Advanced Pharmacology (NR 565) – Midterm Exam: Pharmacogenomics, Drug Schedules,
Neuropharmacology, Psychiatric Medications, Clinical Trials, Cardiovascular/Rheumatologic Agents
Source: Midterm Blueprint – CYP450, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anticonvulsants, Pain
Management, Autonomic Pharmacology, Clinical Phases
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale – 100% Verified Answers
Verified: Latest 2025/2026 Update | Grade A Guaranteed
1: What is the clinical significance of CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status?
Correct Answer: Need to increase doses of SSRIs, beta blockers, etc.; codeine can be deadly (poor
conversion to morphine)
1. CYP2D6 metabolizes many psychiatric and cardiovascular drugs.
2. Poor metabolizers have reduced enzyme activity → higher drug levels, increased side effects.
3. Codeine requires CYP2D6 conversion to morphine; poor metabolizers get little analgesia;
ultrarapid metabolizers risk toxicity/death.
2: What is the clinical significance of CYP2C9 polymorphism regarding warfarin?
Correct Answer: Decrease warfarin dose; test for VKORC1 mutation
1. CYP2C9 metabolizes warfarin (S-enantiomer).
2. Variants (CYP2C9*2, *3) reduce metabolism → increased bleeding risk; lower starting doses
recommended.
3. VKORC1 genotype also affects warfarin sensitivity.
3: What is the effect of CYP3A4 inhibition on amiodarone?
Correct Answer: Decreases elimination, increases toxicity of amiodarone
1. CYP3A4 metabolizes amiodarone.
2. Inhibitors (grapefruit juice, ketoconazole, erythromycin) increase amiodarone levels → toxicity
(pulmonary fibrosis, hepatotoxicity, thyroid dysfunction).
3. Avoid strong inhibitors or reduce amiodarone dose.
4: Describe Schedule I controlled substances.
Correct Answer: No accepted medical use in the US; may not be prescribed. Examples: heroin, various
opium derivatives, hallucinogenic substances (LSD, ecstasy, peyote)
1. Schedule I has highest abuse potential and no approved medical use.
2. Research use requires special DEA registration.
3. Marijuana remains Schedule I federally despite state legalization.
, 5: Describe Schedule II controlled substances.
Correct Answer: No refills, no telephone orders (emergency orders allowed with written follow-up
within 72 hours). Narcotics, stimulants, depressants. Examples: oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, Ritalin,
methadone.
1. Schedule II has high abuse potential with severe psychological/physical dependence.
2. Prescriptions must be written or electronic; cannot be called in except emergencies.
3. Multiple prescriptions on same day allowed under certain conditions.
6: Describe Schedule III controlled substances.
Correct Answer: Moderate or low risk for physical dependence; current medical use. Examples:
anabolic steroids, most barbiturates, ketamine, Tylenol with codeine (<90mg). Must prescribe every 6
months; can be by phone; up to 5 refills within 6 months.
1. Schedule III has lower abuse potential than Schedule II.
2. Prescriptions valid for 6 months from date written.
3. Abuse potential less than I/II but greater than IV.
7: Describe Schedule IV controlled substances.
Correct Answer: Abuse potential exists but less than Schedule III. Examples: Ambien (zolpidem),
Darvocet, lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, tramadol.
1. Schedule IV has low abuse potential and low risk of dependence.
2. Same prescription/refill rules as Schedule III (up to 5 refills within 6 months).
3. Benzodiazepines are Schedule IV.
8: Describe Schedule V controlled substances.
Correct Answer: Lowest abuse potential; not always necessary to have a prescription. Examples:
loperamide, diphenoxylate, cough medicine with less than 200mg codeine/100mL, pregabalin (Lyrica).
1. Schedule V have accepted medical use and limited abuse potential.
2. Lyrica (pregabalin) is Schedule V – used for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, seizures.
3. Some states allow pharmacist dispensing without prescription for certain Schedule V.
9: What occurs during preclinical research phase?
Correct Answer: Research of drug potential, animal testing, preparation for human testing
1. Preclinical phase assesses safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in animals.
2. Identifies potential toxicities before first-in-human studies.
3. Results submitted to FDA as Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
10: What occurs during Phase I clinical trials?
Correct Answer: Initial clinical safety studies in humans; may be as few as 10 subjects, often healthy
volunteers. Determines safe dosage range, pharmacokinetics, and side effects.
1. Phase I trials typically last several months.
2. 70-80% of drugs move to Phase II.
3. Assesses maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities.