Page 1 of 115
,Page 2 of 115
Pharmacology Exam Study Guide | Practice
Questions & Answers | Latest Update |
Comprehensive Test Prep
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive exam covers all major pharmacology topics including:
• Peripheral Nervous System Drugs (Adrenergics, Cholinergics, Anticholinergics)
• Cardiovascular & Renal Drugs (Antihypertensives, Diuretics, Anticoagulants,
Antiarrhythmics)
• Central Nervous System Drugs (Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants,
Anticonvulsants)
• Endocrine Drugs (Insulin, Thyroid medications, Steroids)
• Respiratory Drugs (Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids)
• Gastrointestinal Drugs (Antidiarrheals, Laxatives)
• Pain Management (Opioids, NSAIDs)
• Emergency Drugs & Critical Care
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
• Drug Interactions & Adverse Effects
• Nursing Considerations & Patient Education
,Page 3 of 115
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed a non-selective beta blocker for hypertension. What is the
primary concern with this medication choice?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Bronchoconstriction
C. Hypotension
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B. Bronchoconstriction
Non-selective beta blockers block both beta1 and beta2 receptors. Beta2 receptor blockade
causes bronchial smooth muscle constriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients. Beta1 is in
the heart (one heart), beta2 is in the lungs (two lungs).
2. A patient taking warfarin reports eating large amounts of leafy green vegetables. What should
the nurse monitor closely?
A. Increased INR
B. Decreased INR
C. Increased aPTT
D. Decreased platelet count
Correct Answer: B. Decreased INR
Leafy greens contain vitamin K, which counteracts warfarin's anticoagulant effect. This leads to
decreased INR, meaning the blood is clotting more easily. Patients should maintain consistent
vitamin K intake while on warfarin.
3. Which medication is used as the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
, Page 4 of 115
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B. Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It works by replenishing
glutathione stores in the liver, allowing for detoxification of the toxic metabolite NAPQI. It must
be administered within 8-10 hours of overdose for maximum effectiveness.
4. The nurse is administering bethanechol (Urecholine) to a patient. What condition is this
medication primarily used to treat?
A. Hypertension
B. Urinary retention
C. Asthma
D. Cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: B. Urinary retention
Bethanechol is a cholinergic drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The
mnemonic "URE" in Urecholine helps remember it's for urine retention. It promotes bladder
contraction and emptying by activating muscarinic receptors.
5. A patient taking an MAO inhibitor is being discharged. Which food should the nurse instruct
the patient to avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
,Page 2 of 115
Pharmacology Exam Study Guide | Practice
Questions & Answers | Latest Update |
Comprehensive Test Prep
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive exam covers all major pharmacology topics including:
• Peripheral Nervous System Drugs (Adrenergics, Cholinergics, Anticholinergics)
• Cardiovascular & Renal Drugs (Antihypertensives, Diuretics, Anticoagulants,
Antiarrhythmics)
• Central Nervous System Drugs (Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants,
Anticonvulsants)
• Endocrine Drugs (Insulin, Thyroid medications, Steroids)
• Respiratory Drugs (Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids)
• Gastrointestinal Drugs (Antidiarrheals, Laxatives)
• Pain Management (Opioids, NSAIDs)
• Emergency Drugs & Critical Care
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
• Drug Interactions & Adverse Effects
• Nursing Considerations & Patient Education
,Page 3 of 115
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed a non-selective beta blocker for hypertension. What is the
primary concern with this medication choice?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Bronchoconstriction
C. Hypotension
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B. Bronchoconstriction
Non-selective beta blockers block both beta1 and beta2 receptors. Beta2 receptor blockade
causes bronchial smooth muscle constriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients. Beta1 is in
the heart (one heart), beta2 is in the lungs (two lungs).
2. A patient taking warfarin reports eating large amounts of leafy green vegetables. What should
the nurse monitor closely?
A. Increased INR
B. Decreased INR
C. Increased aPTT
D. Decreased platelet count
Correct Answer: B. Decreased INR
Leafy greens contain vitamin K, which counteracts warfarin's anticoagulant effect. This leads to
decreased INR, meaning the blood is clotting more easily. Patients should maintain consistent
vitamin K intake while on warfarin.
3. Which medication is used as the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
, Page 4 of 115
A. Naloxone
B. Acetylcysteine
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B. Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It works by replenishing
glutathione stores in the liver, allowing for detoxification of the toxic metabolite NAPQI. It must
be administered within 8-10 hours of overdose for maximum effectiveness.
4. The nurse is administering bethanechol (Urecholine) to a patient. What condition is this
medication primarily used to treat?
A. Hypertension
B. Urinary retention
C. Asthma
D. Cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: B. Urinary retention
Bethanechol is a cholinergic drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The
mnemonic "URE" in Urecholine helps remember it's for urine retention. It promotes bladder
contraction and emptying by activating muscarinic receptors.
5. A patient taking an MAO inhibitor is being discharged. Which food should the nurse instruct
the patient to avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
