UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA — COLLEGE OF NURSING
NU 578 Pharmacology
Unit 2 Complete Study
Guide
All 179 Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Opioids, CNS Stimulants, Sedative-Hypnotics, Antidepressants,
Antiepileptics, Parkinson's, MS, Alzheimer's
Edition 1 · August 2026 · 179 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Opioids (Questions 1–25) 2
3. CNS Stimulants (Questions 26–40) 4
4. Sedative-Hypnotics & Antianxiety (Questions 41–60) 5
,5. Antidepressants (Questions 61–90) 7
6. Lithium & Local Anesthetics (Questions 91–105) 9
7. Parkinson's Disease (Questions 106–130) 10
8. Alzheimer's Disease (Questions 131–145) 12
9. Multiple Sclerosis (Questions 146–160) 13
10. Antiepileptic Drugs (Questions 161–179) 14
NU 578 Pharmacology Page 1
, NU 578 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE OPIOIDS — Q1–25
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. All 179 questions are derived directly from the source material and verified for
accuracy.
Category: Opioids — Questions 1–25
1 What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of opioid drugs?
A Bind to opiate receptors in the brain, disrupting transmission of pain signals in the
CNS; mimic actions of endogenous opiates (endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins);
primarily activate mu receptors
B Block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
C Inhibit the breakdown of GABA
D Activate dopamine receptors in the limbic system
Why A is correct: Opioids bind to opiate receptors (primarily mu, but also kappa) in the
brain, disrupting pain signal transmission. They mimic endogenous opioids (endorphins,
enkephalins, dynorphins).
B — This describes the action of SNRIs or TCAs.
C — This describes benzodiazepine action.
D — This describes stimulant action.
NU 578 Pharmacology
Unit 2 Complete Study
Guide
All 179 Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Opioids, CNS Stimulants, Sedative-Hypnotics, Antidepressants,
Antiepileptics, Parkinson's, MS, Alzheimer's
Edition 1 · August 2026 · 179 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Opioids (Questions 1–25) 2
3. CNS Stimulants (Questions 26–40) 4
4. Sedative-Hypnotics & Antianxiety (Questions 41–60) 5
,5. Antidepressants (Questions 61–90) 7
6. Lithium & Local Anesthetics (Questions 91–105) 9
7. Parkinson's Disease (Questions 106–130) 10
8. Alzheimer's Disease (Questions 131–145) 12
9. Multiple Sclerosis (Questions 146–160) 13
10. Antiepileptic Drugs (Questions 161–179) 14
NU 578 Pharmacology Page 1
, NU 578 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE OPIOIDS — Q1–25
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. All 179 questions are derived directly from the source material and verified for
accuracy.
Category: Opioids — Questions 1–25
1 What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of opioid drugs?
A Bind to opiate receptors in the brain, disrupting transmission of pain signals in the
CNS; mimic actions of endogenous opiates (endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins);
primarily activate mu receptors
B Block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
C Inhibit the breakdown of GABA
D Activate dopamine receptors in the limbic system
Why A is correct: Opioids bind to opiate receptors (primarily mu, but also kappa) in the
brain, disrupting pain signal transmission. They mimic endogenous opioids (endorphins,
enkephalins, dynorphins).
B — This describes the action of SNRIs or TCAs.
C — This describes benzodiazepine action.
D — This describes stimulant action.
