PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX 2026 EXAM PREP
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,Side effects of calcium channel blockers Constipation, reflex tachycardia, peripheral edema, toxicity
Alpha Adrenergic Blockers (Sympatholytics) Selectively inhibit alpha, adrenergic receptors, resulting in peripheral arterial and
venous dilation that lowers BP. Side effects: dizziness, fainting. Take at bed time to
minimize effects of hypotension.
Alpha Adrenergic Blockers Drugs Prazosin (Minipress), Doxazosin mesylate (Cardura)
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonists Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce peripheral vascular
resistance, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Used for HTN,
hypertensive crisis, severe cancer pain.
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drugs Clonidine (Catapres), Guanfacine HCl (Tenex), Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drug Precautions Contraindicated with anticoagulant therapy, hepatic failure. Do not administer to
clients taking MAOIs. Do not administer methyldopa through IV line with
barbiturates or sulfonamides. Use cautiously in CVA, MI, DM, depression, or
chronic renal failure. Do not use during lactation
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drug Side Effects Dry mouth, drowsiness, sedation, rebound HTN, black or sore tongue, leukopenia
Beta Adrenergic Blockers (Sympatholytics) Inhibit stimulation of receptor sites, resulting in decreased cardiac excitability,
cardiac output, myocardial oxygen demand, lower BP by decreasing release of
renin by kidney. Hypertension, angina, tachydysrhythmias, HF, MI.
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Medications (Cardioselective Metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
Beta1 meds)
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Medications (Nonselective beta1 Propranolol (Inderal), Nadolol (Corgard), Labetalol (Normodyne)
and 2 meds)
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Precautions Contraindicated in clients who have AV block and sinus bradycardia, do not
administer nonselective beta blockers to clients who have asthma, bronchospasm,
HF, propranolol may mask effects of hypoglycemia in DM, do not administer
labetalol in same IV line with furosemide. Do not administer if systolic less than
100 and pulse less than 60.
Beta adrenergic blocker side effects Bradycardia, nasal stuffiness, AV block, rebound myocardium excitation if stopped
abruptly, bronchospasm
,Vasodilators Direct vasodilation of arteries and veins resulting in rapid reduction of BP
(decreased preload and afterload). Used for hypertensive emergencies.
Precautions: clients who have hepatic or renal disease, older adults, electrolyte
imbalances
Vasodilator medications Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat IV): Enalaprilat (Vasotec IV), Nitroprusside (Nipride),
Hydralazine (Apresoline).
Vasodilator Side Effects Dizziness, headache, profound hypotension, cyanide toxicity, thiocyanate
poisoning
Nitroprusside Interventions Should not be mixed with any medication, apply protective cover to container,
discard unused fluid after 24 hour, provide continuous ECG and blood pressure
monitoring
Cardiac Glycosides Used in the treatment of clients who have cardiac failure or ineffective pumping
mechanism of the heart muscle. Increase the force and velocity of myocardial
contractions to improve stroke volume and CO. Slow the conduction rate,
allowing for increased ventricular filling. Used for HF, a fib
Cardiac Glycoside Medication Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps, Digitek)
Digoxin Precautions/interactions Thiazide or loop diuretics increase risk of hypokalemia and precipitate digoxin
toxicity. ACE and ARBs increase risk of hyperkalemia. Verapamil (Calan) increases
risk of toxicity
Digoxin Toxicity GI effects (anorexia, n/v, abdominal pain), CNS effects (fatigue, weakness,
diplopia, blurred vision, yellow-green or white halos around objects)
Digoxin interventions Assess apical pulse for 1 min prior to administration. Notify HCP if HR less than 60
(adult), less than 70 (child), less than 90 (infant), monitor for signs of digoxin
toxicity, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, notify provider of any sudden
increase in pulse rate that previously normal or low, maintain therapeutic level
Management of Digoxin Toxicity Discontinue digoxin and potassium-wasting medications, treat dysrhythmias with
phenytoin (Dilantin) or lidocaine, treat bradycardia with atropine, for excess
overdose, administer Digibind to prevent absorption
Antianginal Medications Organic nitrates, beta adrenergic-blocking agents, and calcium channel blockers
to treat pain related to imbalances between myocardial oxygen supply and
demand.
, Organic Nitrates Relax peripheral vascular smooth muscles, resulting in dilation of arteries and
veins, thus reducing venous blood return (reduced preload) to the heart, which
leads to decreased oxygen demands on the heart. Increase myocardial oxygen
supply by dilating large coronary arteries and redistributing blood flow.
Organic Nitrates Meds Nitrostat (sublingual), nitrolingual (translingual spray), nitro-bid (topical ointment),
nitro-dur (transderm patch)
Organic Nitrate Precautions/interactions Contraindicated in clients with head injury, hypotensive risk with antihypertensive
meds, erectile dysfunction meds may increase life-threatening hypotension
Organic Nitrates side effects Headache, orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, tolerance
Organic Nitrate Interventions Sublingual: give, wait 5 mins, give again, if not relief call 911, may take up to three
doses. May be used prophylactically before exercise.
Nitrobid (topical ointment) administration Wear gloves, do not massage or rub area, apply to area without hair, cover area
where patch is placed with clear plastic wrap and tape in place, gradually reduce
over 4-6 weeks.
Nitro-Dur (transderm patch) Skin irritation may alter medication absorption, optimal locations for patch are
upper chest or side, pelvis, inner/upper arm, rotate skin sites daily
Antidysrhythmic Agents Complex agents with multiple mechanisms of action. They are classified according
to their effects on the electrical conduction system of the heart (class I, II, III, IV)
Antidysrhythmic Medications Adenosine, amiodarone, atropine
Adenosine (Adenocard) Antidysrhythmic agent. Slows conduction time through the AV node, interrupts AV
node pathways to restore NSR. Converts supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) to
sinus rhythm. Rapid IV (1-2 seconds) push, flush immediately with normal saline.
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,Side effects of calcium channel blockers Constipation, reflex tachycardia, peripheral edema, toxicity
Alpha Adrenergic Blockers (Sympatholytics) Selectively inhibit alpha, adrenergic receptors, resulting in peripheral arterial and
venous dilation that lowers BP. Side effects: dizziness, fainting. Take at bed time to
minimize effects of hypotension.
Alpha Adrenergic Blockers Drugs Prazosin (Minipress), Doxazosin mesylate (Cardura)
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonists Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce peripheral vascular
resistance, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Used for HTN,
hypertensive crisis, severe cancer pain.
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drugs Clonidine (Catapres), Guanfacine HCl (Tenex), Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drug Precautions Contraindicated with anticoagulant therapy, hepatic failure. Do not administer to
clients taking MAOIs. Do not administer methyldopa through IV line with
barbiturates or sulfonamides. Use cautiously in CVA, MI, DM, depression, or
chronic renal failure. Do not use during lactation
Centrally Acting Alpha2 Agonist Drug Side Effects Dry mouth, drowsiness, sedation, rebound HTN, black or sore tongue, leukopenia
Beta Adrenergic Blockers (Sympatholytics) Inhibit stimulation of receptor sites, resulting in decreased cardiac excitability,
cardiac output, myocardial oxygen demand, lower BP by decreasing release of
renin by kidney. Hypertension, angina, tachydysrhythmias, HF, MI.
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Medications (Cardioselective Metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
Beta1 meds)
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Medications (Nonselective beta1 Propranolol (Inderal), Nadolol (Corgard), Labetalol (Normodyne)
and 2 meds)
Beta Adrenergic Blocker Precautions Contraindicated in clients who have AV block and sinus bradycardia, do not
administer nonselective beta blockers to clients who have asthma, bronchospasm,
HF, propranolol may mask effects of hypoglycemia in DM, do not administer
labetalol in same IV line with furosemide. Do not administer if systolic less than
100 and pulse less than 60.
Beta adrenergic blocker side effects Bradycardia, nasal stuffiness, AV block, rebound myocardium excitation if stopped
abruptly, bronchospasm
,Vasodilators Direct vasodilation of arteries and veins resulting in rapid reduction of BP
(decreased preload and afterload). Used for hypertensive emergencies.
Precautions: clients who have hepatic or renal disease, older adults, electrolyte
imbalances
Vasodilator medications Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat IV): Enalaprilat (Vasotec IV), Nitroprusside (Nipride),
Hydralazine (Apresoline).
Vasodilator Side Effects Dizziness, headache, profound hypotension, cyanide toxicity, thiocyanate
poisoning
Nitroprusside Interventions Should not be mixed with any medication, apply protective cover to container,
discard unused fluid after 24 hour, provide continuous ECG and blood pressure
monitoring
Cardiac Glycosides Used in the treatment of clients who have cardiac failure or ineffective pumping
mechanism of the heart muscle. Increase the force and velocity of myocardial
contractions to improve stroke volume and CO. Slow the conduction rate,
allowing for increased ventricular filling. Used for HF, a fib
Cardiac Glycoside Medication Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps, Digitek)
Digoxin Precautions/interactions Thiazide or loop diuretics increase risk of hypokalemia and precipitate digoxin
toxicity. ACE and ARBs increase risk of hyperkalemia. Verapamil (Calan) increases
risk of toxicity
Digoxin Toxicity GI effects (anorexia, n/v, abdominal pain), CNS effects (fatigue, weakness,
diplopia, blurred vision, yellow-green or white halos around objects)
Digoxin interventions Assess apical pulse for 1 min prior to administration. Notify HCP if HR less than 60
(adult), less than 70 (child), less than 90 (infant), monitor for signs of digoxin
toxicity, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, notify provider of any sudden
increase in pulse rate that previously normal or low, maintain therapeutic level
Management of Digoxin Toxicity Discontinue digoxin and potassium-wasting medications, treat dysrhythmias with
phenytoin (Dilantin) or lidocaine, treat bradycardia with atropine, for excess
overdose, administer Digibind to prevent absorption
Antianginal Medications Organic nitrates, beta adrenergic-blocking agents, and calcium channel blockers
to treat pain related to imbalances between myocardial oxygen supply and
demand.
, Organic Nitrates Relax peripheral vascular smooth muscles, resulting in dilation of arteries and
veins, thus reducing venous blood return (reduced preload) to the heart, which
leads to decreased oxygen demands on the heart. Increase myocardial oxygen
supply by dilating large coronary arteries and redistributing blood flow.
Organic Nitrates Meds Nitrostat (sublingual), nitrolingual (translingual spray), nitro-bid (topical ointment),
nitro-dur (transderm patch)
Organic Nitrate Precautions/interactions Contraindicated in clients with head injury, hypotensive risk with antihypertensive
meds, erectile dysfunction meds may increase life-threatening hypotension
Organic Nitrates side effects Headache, orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, tolerance
Organic Nitrate Interventions Sublingual: give, wait 5 mins, give again, if not relief call 911, may take up to three
doses. May be used prophylactically before exercise.
Nitrobid (topical ointment) administration Wear gloves, do not massage or rub area, apply to area without hair, cover area
where patch is placed with clear plastic wrap and tape in place, gradually reduce
over 4-6 weeks.
Nitro-Dur (transderm patch) Skin irritation may alter medication absorption, optimal locations for patch are
upper chest or side, pelvis, inner/upper arm, rotate skin sites daily
Antidysrhythmic Agents Complex agents with multiple mechanisms of action. They are classified according
to their effects on the electrical conduction system of the heart (class I, II, III, IV)
Antidysrhythmic Medications Adenosine, amiodarone, atropine
Adenosine (Adenocard) Antidysrhythmic agent. Slows conduction time through the AV node, interrupts AV
node pathways to restore NSR. Converts supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) to
sinus rhythm. Rapid IV (1-2 seconds) push, flush immediately with normal saline.
