NU 578 UNIT 3 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy
Respiratory Pharmacology
Anti-infective Agents
Endocrine Pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics in Special Populations
Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Interactions
Introduction
This examination assesses advanced pharmacology competencies
essential for safe prescribing and clinical decision-making in
advanced practice nursing. The test evaluates mastery of
pharmacokinetic principles, pharmacodynamic mechanisms, and
evidence-based pharmacotherapeutics across major drug
classifications. Questions integrate foundational theory with applied
clinical scenarios requiring critical reasoning about drug selection,
monitoring parameters, adverse effects, and patient-specific
considerations. The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure
mirrors real-world prescribing challenges, emphasizing regulatory
compliance, ethical standards, and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to synthesize
pharmacological knowledge with clinical judgment to manage
complex patient presentations safely and effectively.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which of the following should
be limited to no more than 5 consecutive days of use?
A. Antihistamines
B. Oral adrenergics
C. Topical vasoconstrictors
D. Topical glucocorticoids
🟢 C. Topical vasoconstrictors
🔴 RATIONALE: Topical nasal vasoconstrictors (e.g.,
oxymetazoline) provide rapid relief of nasal congestion but can
cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used longer
than 3–5 days. Antihistamines and topical steroids can be used
longer safely.
Question 2
The patient must be informed of possible damage to the lungs
when prescribed oral therapy with which of the following drugs?
A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B. Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
C. Propafenone (Rhythmol)
D. Sotalol (Betapace)
,🟢 A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
🔴 RATIONALE: Amiodarone is associated with potentially fatal
pulmonary toxicity, including pulmonary fibrosis. Patients should
be instructed to report cough and dyspnea.
Question 3
A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is prescribed
aspirin. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Take the aspirin with food
B. Discontinue the aspirin immediately
C. Take the aspirin with an antacid
D. Switch to ibuprofen
🟢 A. Take the aspirin with food
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin should be taken with food to reduce
gastric irritation in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Stopping
aspirin should only be done under provider guidance; ibuprofen is
also an NSAID.
Question 4
Calcium channel blockers that are dihydropyridines:
A. Work primarily on the SA node
B. Include Verapamil and Diltiazem
C. Interact strongly with grapefruit juice
, D. Are often combined with a beta blocker to suppress reflex
tachycardia
🟢 D. Are often combined with a beta blocker to suppress reflex
tachycardia
🔴 RATIONALE: Dihydropyridines (e.g., nifedipine) cause
vasodilation and reflex tachycardia; combining with beta blockers
blunts this reflex. Verapamil and diltiazem are non-
dihydropyridines acting on cardiac conduction.
Question 5
Which of the following is a true statement?
A. Dextromethorphan has not been shown to be effective in
suppressing cough associated with the common cold
B. Guaifenesin acts by promoting a more vigorous cough
C. Oral sympathomimetics can cause rebound congestion after a
few days
D. Antihistamines reduce itching, sneezing, and congestion
🟢 B. Guaifenesin acts by promoting a more vigorous cough
🔴 RATIONALE: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins bronchial
secretions, making coughs more productive. Antihistamines
reduce itching and sneezing but have limited effect on
congestion. Rebound congestion is caused by topical, not oral,
sympathomimetics.
Question 6
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy
Respiratory Pharmacology
Anti-infective Agents
Endocrine Pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics in Special Populations
Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Interactions
Introduction
This examination assesses advanced pharmacology competencies
essential for safe prescribing and clinical decision-making in
advanced practice nursing. The test evaluates mastery of
pharmacokinetic principles, pharmacodynamic mechanisms, and
evidence-based pharmacotherapeutics across major drug
classifications. Questions integrate foundational theory with applied
clinical scenarios requiring critical reasoning about drug selection,
monitoring parameters, adverse effects, and patient-specific
considerations. The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure
mirrors real-world prescribing challenges, emphasizing regulatory
compliance, ethical standards, and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to synthesize
pharmacological knowledge with clinical judgment to manage
complex patient presentations safely and effectively.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which of the following should
be limited to no more than 5 consecutive days of use?
A. Antihistamines
B. Oral adrenergics
C. Topical vasoconstrictors
D. Topical glucocorticoids
🟢 C. Topical vasoconstrictors
🔴 RATIONALE: Topical nasal vasoconstrictors (e.g.,
oxymetazoline) provide rapid relief of nasal congestion but can
cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used longer
than 3–5 days. Antihistamines and topical steroids can be used
longer safely.
Question 2
The patient must be informed of possible damage to the lungs
when prescribed oral therapy with which of the following drugs?
A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B. Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
C. Propafenone (Rhythmol)
D. Sotalol (Betapace)
,🟢 A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
🔴 RATIONALE: Amiodarone is associated with potentially fatal
pulmonary toxicity, including pulmonary fibrosis. Patients should
be instructed to report cough and dyspnea.
Question 3
A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is prescribed
aspirin. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Take the aspirin with food
B. Discontinue the aspirin immediately
C. Take the aspirin with an antacid
D. Switch to ibuprofen
🟢 A. Take the aspirin with food
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin should be taken with food to reduce
gastric irritation in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Stopping
aspirin should only be done under provider guidance; ibuprofen is
also an NSAID.
Question 4
Calcium channel blockers that are dihydropyridines:
A. Work primarily on the SA node
B. Include Verapamil and Diltiazem
C. Interact strongly with grapefruit juice
, D. Are often combined with a beta blocker to suppress reflex
tachycardia
🟢 D. Are often combined with a beta blocker to suppress reflex
tachycardia
🔴 RATIONALE: Dihydropyridines (e.g., nifedipine) cause
vasodilation and reflex tachycardia; combining with beta blockers
blunts this reflex. Verapamil and diltiazem are non-
dihydropyridines acting on cardiac conduction.
Question 5
Which of the following is a true statement?
A. Dextromethorphan has not been shown to be effective in
suppressing cough associated with the common cold
B. Guaifenesin acts by promoting a more vigorous cough
C. Oral sympathomimetics can cause rebound congestion after a
few days
D. Antihistamines reduce itching, sneezing, and congestion
🟢 B. Guaifenesin acts by promoting a more vigorous cough
🔴 RATIONALE: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins bronchial
secretions, making coughs more productive. Antihistamines
reduce itching and sneezing but have limited effect on
congestion. Rebound congestion is caused by topical, not oral,
sympathomimetics.
Question 6
