PHARMACOLOGY WEEK (NURS 180)
2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which pharmacokinetic process involves the biochemical transformation of a drug into an
inactive metabolite, a more soluble compound, or a more potent active metabolite?
A. Metabolism
B. Absorption
C. Distribution
D. Excretion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolism, primarily occurring in the liver, is the process by
which the body chemically changes drugs into forms that can be more easily excreted.
2. A patient is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Which concurrent condition would be
a contraindication for this medication?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hyperthyroidism
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. Blocking beta-2
receptors in the lungs can lead to bronchoconstriction, making it dangerous for patients
with asthma.
3. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels increase the sensitivity of the cardiac
muscle to Digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity.
4. The ‘Therapeutic Index’ of a drug is a ratio that compares the blood concentration at which
a drug becomes toxic and the concentration at which the drug is effective. A narrow
therapeutic index implies:
A. The drug is very safe and requires little monitoring.
B. The difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.
C. The drug has a long half-life.
, D. The drug is highly protein-bound.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is a slim margin of
safety between the effective dose and the lethal or toxic dose, requiring close monitoring.
5. A patient is receiving Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring which of the following?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Peripheral pulses
D. Serum creatinine and BUN
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known for nephrotoxicity
and ototoxicity; monitoring renal function (BUN/Creatinine) is vital.
6. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting Alendronate for
osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a meal to prevent GI upset.
B. Take with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes.
C. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
D. Take the medication at bedtime.
2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which pharmacokinetic process involves the biochemical transformation of a drug into an
inactive metabolite, a more soluble compound, or a more potent active metabolite?
A. Metabolism
B. Absorption
C. Distribution
D. Excretion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolism, primarily occurring in the liver, is the process by
which the body chemically changes drugs into forms that can be more easily excreted.
2. A patient is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Which concurrent condition would be
a contraindication for this medication?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hyperthyroidism
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. Blocking beta-2
receptors in the lungs can lead to bronchoconstriction, making it dangerous for patients
with asthma.
3. A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels increase the sensitivity of the cardiac
muscle to Digoxin, significantly raising the risk of toxicity.
4. The ‘Therapeutic Index’ of a drug is a ratio that compares the blood concentration at which
a drug becomes toxic and the concentration at which the drug is effective. A narrow
therapeutic index implies:
A. The drug is very safe and requires little monitoring.
B. The difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.
C. The drug has a long half-life.
, D. The drug is highly protein-bound.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is a slim margin of
safety between the effective dose and the lethal or toxic dose, requiring close monitoring.
5. A patient is receiving Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring which of the following?
A. Visual acuity
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Peripheral pulses
D. Serum creatinine and BUN
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides like Gentamicin are known for nephrotoxicity
and ototoxicity; monitoring renal function (BUN/Creatinine) is vital.
6. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting Alendronate for
osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a meal to prevent GI upset.
B. Take with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes.
C. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
D. Take the medication at bedtime.
