PHARMACOLOGY WEEK QUIZ (NURS
180) 2026 - COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that is known to have a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would result in the lowest bioavailability for this drug?
A. Oral
B. Sublingual
C. Intravenous
D. Transdermal
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Oral administration subjects a drug to the ‘first-pass effect’ in
the liver via the portal vein, significantly reducing the amount of active drug that reaches
systemic circulation. Other routes bypass the liver initially.
2. When administering a medication with a narrow therapeutic index, which nursing action is
the priority?
A. Administer the drug on an empty stomach.
,B. Monitor serum drug levels frequently.
C. Instruct the patient to increase fluid intake.
D. Assess for a history of allergic reactions.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small; therefore, monitoring blood levels is essential
for safety.
3. A patient with myasthenia gravis is receiving pyridostigmine. Which finding indicates the
medication is having the desired effect?
A. Increased muscle strength
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Reduced salivation
D. Dilation of the pupils
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to improve
muscle contraction and strength in patients with myasthenia gravis.
4. Which of the following is a major contraindication for the use of non-selective beta-
blockers like propranolol?
A. Tachycardia
, B. Hypertension
C. Glaucoma
D. Asthma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers block Beta-2 receptors in the lungs,
which can cause bronchoconstriction, making them dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD.
5. A patient is receiving atropine preoperatively. The nurse should inform the patient to
expect which side effect?
A. Diarrhea
B. Dry mouth
C. Excessive sweating
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks muscarinic
receptors, leading to decreased secretions (dry mouth), urinary retention, and tachycardia.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension?
A. Increasing the excretion of potassium
B. Stimulating Beta-1 receptors
180) 2026 - COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that is known to have a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would result in the lowest bioavailability for this drug?
A. Oral
B. Sublingual
C. Intravenous
D. Transdermal
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Oral administration subjects a drug to the ‘first-pass effect’ in
the liver via the portal vein, significantly reducing the amount of active drug that reaches
systemic circulation. Other routes bypass the liver initially.
2. When administering a medication with a narrow therapeutic index, which nursing action is
the priority?
A. Administer the drug on an empty stomach.
,B. Monitor serum drug levels frequently.
C. Instruct the patient to increase fluid intake.
D. Assess for a history of allergic reactions.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small; therefore, monitoring blood levels is essential
for safety.
3. A patient with myasthenia gravis is receiving pyridostigmine. Which finding indicates the
medication is having the desired effect?
A. Increased muscle strength
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Reduced salivation
D. Dilation of the pupils
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to improve
muscle contraction and strength in patients with myasthenia gravis.
4. Which of the following is a major contraindication for the use of non-selective beta-
blockers like propranolol?
A. Tachycardia
, B. Hypertension
C. Glaucoma
D. Asthma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers block Beta-2 receptors in the lungs,
which can cause bronchoconstriction, making them dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD.
5. A patient is receiving atropine preoperatively. The nurse should inform the patient to
expect which side effect?
A. Diarrhea
B. Dry mouth
C. Excessive sweating
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks muscarinic
receptors, leading to decreased secretions (dry mouth), urinary retention, and tachycardia.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension?
A. Increasing the excretion of potassium
B. Stimulating Beta-1 receptors
