NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
NR 566 Final Exam – Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Chamberlain (2026/2027) Expected
Questions & Answers
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Doxylamine (Unisom)
Two most common H1 antagonist sleep aids
What are H1 antagonists used to treat in allergic disorders?
Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
What are the anticholinergic adverse effects of H1 antagonists?
Dry mouth and urinary retention
What depressive effects can H1 antagonists cause?
Sedation and impaired ability, more common in FGA due to crossing the BBB
What behavioral adverse effects are associated with H1 antagonists?
Confusion and apathy
What stimulatory effects can H1 antagonists have?
10/2/2026
Muscle spasm and appetite stimulation
1
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
What gastrointestinal adverse effects can occur with H1 antagonists?
Discomfort
What can happen at high doses of H1 antagonists?
CNS seizures and hallucinations
In which populations are H1 antagonists contraindicated?
Newborns, children under the age of 2, and women who are breastfeeding.
What conditions contraindicate the use of H1 antagonists?
Narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and acute exacerbation of asthma.
What is the effect of H1 antagonists on allergic rhinitis?
Reduces sneezing, nasal discharge, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of H1 antagonists?
H1 antagonists work by blocking H1 histamine receptors.
What effect do H1 antagonists have on histamine in the body?
10/2/2026
They help to reduce the effects of histamine in the body.
2
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
How does blocking histamine action affect wakefulness?
Blocking histamine action can lead to sedation and help induce sleep.
What is a common side effect of H1 antagonists when used as a sleep aid?
Daytime Drowsiness: Users may experience lingering sedation the next day.
What are some anticholinergic effects of H1 antagonists?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
What CNS effects can H1 antagonists cause, particularly in older adults?
Dizziness, confusion, and incoordination.
What is the effect of H1 antagonists on urticaria?
Diminishes redness, itching, and swelling.
Which first-generation H1 antagonists are effective for motion sickness?
Promethazine and dimenhydrinate.
How do certain H1 antagonists help with motion sickness?
10/2/2026
They inhibit muscarinic receptors.
3
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
Why are first-generation H1 antagonists included in sleep aids?
For short-term management of sleep disturbances.
What are the anticholinergic effects that older adults are more susceptible to?
Dizziness, confusion, and sedation.
Why should first-generation antihistamines be used cautiously in older adults?
They can increase sedation and anticholinergic effects, raising the risk of falls and accidents.
What criteria advises against the use of first-generation antihistamines in older adults?
Beers Criteria.
What is a concern regarding polypharmacy in older adults?
Increased risk of drug interactions and cumulative side effects.
What effect can first-generation antihistamines have on children?
They can cause paradoxical excitation, leading to increased agitation or insomnia.
What is advised for the use of antihistamines in infants?
10/2/2026
Over-the-counter cold remedies should generally be avoided in children under four years old.
4
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
NR 566 Final Exam – Advanced Pharmacology for Care
of the Family Chamberlain (2026/2027) Expected
Questions & Answers
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Doxylamine (Unisom)
Two most common H1 antagonist sleep aids
What are H1 antagonists used to treat in allergic disorders?
Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
What are the anticholinergic adverse effects of H1 antagonists?
Dry mouth and urinary retention
What depressive effects can H1 antagonists cause?
Sedation and impaired ability, more common in FGA due to crossing the BBB
What behavioral adverse effects are associated with H1 antagonists?
Confusion and apathy
What stimulatory effects can H1 antagonists have?
10/2/2026
Muscle spasm and appetite stimulation
1
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
What gastrointestinal adverse effects can occur with H1 antagonists?
Discomfort
What can happen at high doses of H1 antagonists?
CNS seizures and hallucinations
In which populations are H1 antagonists contraindicated?
Newborns, children under the age of 2, and women who are breastfeeding.
What conditions contraindicate the use of H1 antagonists?
Narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and acute exacerbation of asthma.
What is the effect of H1 antagonists on allergic rhinitis?
Reduces sneezing, nasal discharge, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of H1 antagonists?
H1 antagonists work by blocking H1 histamine receptors.
What effect do H1 antagonists have on histamine in the body?
10/2/2026
They help to reduce the effects of histamine in the body.
2
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
How does blocking histamine action affect wakefulness?
Blocking histamine action can lead to sedation and help induce sleep.
What is a common side effect of H1 antagonists when used as a sleep aid?
Daytime Drowsiness: Users may experience lingering sedation the next day.
What are some anticholinergic effects of H1 antagonists?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
What CNS effects can H1 antagonists cause, particularly in older adults?
Dizziness, confusion, and incoordination.
What is the effect of H1 antagonists on urticaria?
Diminishes redness, itching, and swelling.
Which first-generation H1 antagonists are effective for motion sickness?
Promethazine and dimenhydrinate.
How do certain H1 antagonists help with motion sickness?
10/2/2026
They inhibit muscarinic receptors.
3
, NR 566 FINAL EXAM – ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR CARE OF
THE FAMILY
10/02/2026
Why are first-generation H1 antagonists included in sleep aids?
For short-term management of sleep disturbances.
What are the anticholinergic effects that older adults are more susceptible to?
Dizziness, confusion, and sedation.
Why should first-generation antihistamines be used cautiously in older adults?
They can increase sedation and anticholinergic effects, raising the risk of falls and accidents.
What criteria advises against the use of first-generation antihistamines in older adults?
Beers Criteria.
What is a concern regarding polypharmacy in older adults?
Increased risk of drug interactions and cumulative side effects.
What effect can first-generation antihistamines have on children?
They can cause paradoxical excitation, leading to increased agitation or insomnia.
What is advised for the use of antihistamines in infants?
10/2/2026
Over-the-counter cold remedies should generally be avoided in children under four years old.
4
