,NSG 124 Exam 2 Pharmacology Questions And Answers 2026/2027
HERZING UNIVERSITY
Q1. Which statement best describes selective toxicity?
A) A medication destroys all cells in the body equally
B) A medication harms the microorganism more than the host
C) A medication affects only human cells
D) A medication prevents all adverse effects
Correct Answer: B) A medication harms the microorganism more than the
host
Rationale: Selective toxicity means an antimicrobial targets structures or
processes of the microorganism while causing relatively less harm to the
host.
Q2. Which characteristic describes a broad-spectrum antimicrobial?
A) It acts against only one specific organism
B) It is active against a wide variety of microorganisms
C) It affects viruses only
D) It can be used without concern for resistance
Correct Answer: B) It is active against a wide variety of microorganisms
Rationale: Broad-spectrum drugs act against multiple types of
microorganisms, whereas narrow-spectrum agents have activity against
fewer organisms.
Q3. Why should antimicrobial therapy ideally be directed at the
specific causative organism?
A) To increase unnecessary exposure to medications
B) To maximize appropriate treatment while limiting unnecessary effects on
normal flora
C) To guarantee that resistance develops
D) To eliminate the need for cultures
Correct Answer: B) To maximize appropriate treatment while limiting
unnecessary effects on normal flora
Rationale: Targeted antimicrobial therapy treats the pathogen while
reducing unnecessary antimicrobial exposure and disruption of normal flora.
Q4. Which action is most appropriate before initiating treatment for
a serious suspected bacterial infection when cultures are ordered?
A) Obtain cultures as ordered before the first antibiotic dose when this can
be done without delaying urgent treatment
B) Wait several days before collecting cultures
C) Avoid obtaining cultures entirely
, D) Administer multiple unrelated antibiotics before collecting any specimen
Correct Answer: A) Obtain cultures as ordered before the first antibiotic dose
when this can be done without delaying urgent treatment
Rationale: Cultures obtained before antimicrobial exposure may improve
identification of the causative organism and support appropriate therapy.
Q5. Which term describes antimicrobial treatment given to prevent
an infection rather than to treat an established infection?
A) Prophylactic therapy
B) Replacement therapy
C) Rescue therapy
D) Palliative therapy
Correct Answer: A) Prophylactic therapy
Rationale: Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is used when infection is
anticipated, such as in selected surgical situations.
Q6. Which practice contributes most directly to antimicrobial
resistance?
A) Taking an antimicrobial exactly as prescribed
B) Using antimicrobials only when indicated
C) Unnecessary or inappropriate antimicrobial use
D) Obtaining cultures when appropriate
Correct Answer: C) Unnecessary or inappropriate antimicrobial use
Rationale: Excessive, inappropriate, or unnecessary antimicrobial exposure
promotes survival and transmission of resistant organisms.
Q7. A client stops taking an antibiotic when symptoms disappear
even though doses remain. What is the primary concern?
A) Increased effectiveness of the medication
B) Inadequate treatment and possible selection of resistant organisms
C) Prevention of adverse effects
D) Faster elimination of the infection in every case
Correct Answer: B) Inadequate treatment and possible selection of resistant
organisms
Rationale: Premature discontinuation can leave infection inadequately
treated and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Q8. Which finding most strongly indicates an allergic reaction to an
antimicrobial?
A) Improved fever
B) Wheezing and facial swelling
C) Reduced pain
HERZING UNIVERSITY
Q1. Which statement best describes selective toxicity?
A) A medication destroys all cells in the body equally
B) A medication harms the microorganism more than the host
C) A medication affects only human cells
D) A medication prevents all adverse effects
Correct Answer: B) A medication harms the microorganism more than the
host
Rationale: Selective toxicity means an antimicrobial targets structures or
processes of the microorganism while causing relatively less harm to the
host.
Q2. Which characteristic describes a broad-spectrum antimicrobial?
A) It acts against only one specific organism
B) It is active against a wide variety of microorganisms
C) It affects viruses only
D) It can be used without concern for resistance
Correct Answer: B) It is active against a wide variety of microorganisms
Rationale: Broad-spectrum drugs act against multiple types of
microorganisms, whereas narrow-spectrum agents have activity against
fewer organisms.
Q3. Why should antimicrobial therapy ideally be directed at the
specific causative organism?
A) To increase unnecessary exposure to medications
B) To maximize appropriate treatment while limiting unnecessary effects on
normal flora
C) To guarantee that resistance develops
D) To eliminate the need for cultures
Correct Answer: B) To maximize appropriate treatment while limiting
unnecessary effects on normal flora
Rationale: Targeted antimicrobial therapy treats the pathogen while
reducing unnecessary antimicrobial exposure and disruption of normal flora.
Q4. Which action is most appropriate before initiating treatment for
a serious suspected bacterial infection when cultures are ordered?
A) Obtain cultures as ordered before the first antibiotic dose when this can
be done without delaying urgent treatment
B) Wait several days before collecting cultures
C) Avoid obtaining cultures entirely
, D) Administer multiple unrelated antibiotics before collecting any specimen
Correct Answer: A) Obtain cultures as ordered before the first antibiotic dose
when this can be done without delaying urgent treatment
Rationale: Cultures obtained before antimicrobial exposure may improve
identification of the causative organism and support appropriate therapy.
Q5. Which term describes antimicrobial treatment given to prevent
an infection rather than to treat an established infection?
A) Prophylactic therapy
B) Replacement therapy
C) Rescue therapy
D) Palliative therapy
Correct Answer: A) Prophylactic therapy
Rationale: Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is used when infection is
anticipated, such as in selected surgical situations.
Q6. Which practice contributes most directly to antimicrobial
resistance?
A) Taking an antimicrobial exactly as prescribed
B) Using antimicrobials only when indicated
C) Unnecessary or inappropriate antimicrobial use
D) Obtaining cultures when appropriate
Correct Answer: C) Unnecessary or inappropriate antimicrobial use
Rationale: Excessive, inappropriate, or unnecessary antimicrobial exposure
promotes survival and transmission of resistant organisms.
Q7. A client stops taking an antibiotic when symptoms disappear
even though doses remain. What is the primary concern?
A) Increased effectiveness of the medication
B) Inadequate treatment and possible selection of resistant organisms
C) Prevention of adverse effects
D) Faster elimination of the infection in every case
Correct Answer: B) Inadequate treatment and possible selection of resistant
organisms
Rationale: Premature discontinuation can leave infection inadequately
treated and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Q8. Which finding most strongly indicates an allergic reaction to an
antimicrobial?
A) Improved fever
B) Wheezing and facial swelling
C) Reduced pain
