OAKLAND UNIVERSITY NRS 2020
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE QUESTIONS
2026/2027 COMPLIED FROM REAL
EXAMS
What are the four major pharmacokinetic processes?
drug absorption, drug distribution, drug metabolism, drug excretion
drug absorption
movement of drug from site of administration into the blood
drug distribution
passage of a drug from the blood to the tissues and organs of the body
drug metabolism
the enzymatic biotransformation of a drug into metabolites
drug excretion
elimination of a drug from the body
What is drug half-life?
the time required for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by 50%
what are some of the characteristics that influence pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic processes in patients?
age, gender, weight, genetics; pathological variables include kidneys and liver/other
major organs of drug elimination
What is an allergic reaction and what are the signs and symptoms?
an immune response and can range from itching to anaphylaxis
,high alert medications
medications that have a high risk of causing patient harm when used in error
- extra care with storage and administration is necessary for all high alert medications
Atropine (Atropen)
muscarinic antagonist (anticholinergic)
- therapeutic uses: increased HR, decrease secretions, relaxes bronchi
- adverse effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision/increased intraocular pressure, urinary
retention, constipation, anhidrosis, tachycardia
cholinergic receptors
activates ACh
adrenergic receptors
receptor sites for the sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
Adrenergic receptor subtypes
alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2
Alpha 1 receptors
Vasoconstriction of arterioles in skin, viscera, & mucous membranes and in veins.
Alpha 2 receptors
-located in nerve terminals
-relief of severe pain
Beta 1 receptors
-located in the heart and kidney
-increase heart rate
Beta 2 receptors
, -located in lungs and skeletal muscle
-bronchodilation
Acetylcholine
makes things "wet" --> increased secretions
Anticholinergic drugs
drugs that block the action of acetylcholine (dries out the body)
Drugs capable of activating alpha 1 receptors
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Phenylephrine
Dopamine
Epinephrine
-drug class: vasopressor
-activates all for adrenergic receptors
epinephrine adverse effects
Hypertensive crisis: vasoconstriction as a result of excessive alpha 1 activation
Dysrhythmias
Angina pectoris
Necrosis following extravasation
Hyperglycemia
nursing considerations for epinephrine
patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and HTN would be at higher risk for
adverse effects
PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE QUESTIONS
2026/2027 COMPLIED FROM REAL
EXAMS
What are the four major pharmacokinetic processes?
drug absorption, drug distribution, drug metabolism, drug excretion
drug absorption
movement of drug from site of administration into the blood
drug distribution
passage of a drug from the blood to the tissues and organs of the body
drug metabolism
the enzymatic biotransformation of a drug into metabolites
drug excretion
elimination of a drug from the body
What is drug half-life?
the time required for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by 50%
what are some of the characteristics that influence pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic processes in patients?
age, gender, weight, genetics; pathological variables include kidneys and liver/other
major organs of drug elimination
What is an allergic reaction and what are the signs and symptoms?
an immune response and can range from itching to anaphylaxis
,high alert medications
medications that have a high risk of causing patient harm when used in error
- extra care with storage and administration is necessary for all high alert medications
Atropine (Atropen)
muscarinic antagonist (anticholinergic)
- therapeutic uses: increased HR, decrease secretions, relaxes bronchi
- adverse effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision/increased intraocular pressure, urinary
retention, constipation, anhidrosis, tachycardia
cholinergic receptors
activates ACh
adrenergic receptors
receptor sites for the sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
Adrenergic receptor subtypes
alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2
Alpha 1 receptors
Vasoconstriction of arterioles in skin, viscera, & mucous membranes and in veins.
Alpha 2 receptors
-located in nerve terminals
-relief of severe pain
Beta 1 receptors
-located in the heart and kidney
-increase heart rate
Beta 2 receptors
, -located in lungs and skeletal muscle
-bronchodilation
Acetylcholine
makes things "wet" --> increased secretions
Anticholinergic drugs
drugs that block the action of acetylcholine (dries out the body)
Drugs capable of activating alpha 1 receptors
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Phenylephrine
Dopamine
Epinephrine
-drug class: vasopressor
-activates all for adrenergic receptors
epinephrine adverse effects
Hypertensive crisis: vasoconstriction as a result of excessive alpha 1 activation
Dysrhythmias
Angina pectoris
Necrosis following extravasation
Hyperglycemia
nursing considerations for epinephrine
patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and HTN would be at higher risk for
adverse effects
