NSG-318 NURSING FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | PHARMACOLOGY
CONCEPTS | DRUG ACTIONS, ADVERSE EFFECTS & SAFE MEDICATION
ADMINISTRATION
1. What is the definition of 'excretion' in the context of pharmacology?
The process of distributing drugs throughout the body.
The process of metabolizing drugs into active forms.
The process of absorbing drugs into the bloodstream.
The process of eliminating drugs and their metabolites from the
body.
2. A healthcare provider prescribed opioids to help reduce a patient's pain.
What education should you provide to the patient who is receiving opioids?
Opioids can cause hypertension and increase your HR; if you
experience these symptoms it's important to let the nursing staff know
You may be at risk for constipation from taking opioids; you should
frequently walk and drink plenty of water
You should not walk while taking opioids because they can make you
dizzy
Although you are taking these medications, it's important to remember
they can be addictive; you should take less than what was prescribed
3. Which laboratory tests are commonly monitored in patients with liver
disease?
Blood glucose levels
Thyroid function tests
Liver function tests (LFTs)
Complete blood count (CBC)
,4. A contraindication is:
Using a drug via extra-label use
How a drug is selected
the reason for using a drug
The reason for not using a drug
5. Name one complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used
for inflammation.
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Turmeric
Aspirin
6. What are the adverse effects of infertility agents such as clomiphene
(Clomid)?
dyspepsia, HA, flushing, visual loss
tachycardia, hypovolemia, DVT, dizziness, HA, flushing, depression,
restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, nausea, bloating,
constipation, vomiting, anorexia, urticaria, ovarian hyperstimulation,
multiple pregnancy (Kate plus 8), blurred vision, diplopia,
photosensitivity, breast pain
liver dysfunction (cholestatic jaundice), thrombophlebitis,
thromboembolic disorders such as PR, n/v, amenorrhea, spotting,
edema, weight gain or loss
HTN, fluid overload (antidiuretic effect), overstimulation of uterus in
labor, uterine rupture
,7. What is the primary medication used to treat hypocalcemia?
Magnesium sulfate
Calcium gluconate
Vitamin D
Potassium chloride
8. Describe how antihistamines work to alleviate symptoms of allergies like
sneezing.
Antihistamines increase the production of histamine to reduce
symptoms.
Antihistamines stimulate the immune system to fight allergies.
Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a substance in the
body that causes allergic symptoms.
Antihistamines enhance the effects of histamine in the body.
9. Which of the following CAM therapies is utilized as an antidiabetic aid and
unsafe during pregnancy?
Ginger
Vitamin B6
Calcium
Bitter melon
10. What is the primary risk associated with the combined use of Glipizide and
Metformin?
Hypertension
Dehydration
, Nausea
Hypoglycemia
11. What is a critical step to take before administering rapid insulin lispro?
Check the patient's blood glucose level.
Administer the medication without checking.
Consult the patient's family.
Review the patient's medical history.
12. Discuss how St. John's Wort is believed to affect mental health.
St. John's Wort acts as a sedative, calming the nervous system.
St. John's Wort is thought to work by increasing serotonin levels in
the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
St. John's Wort is used to enhance memory and cognitive function.
St. John's Wort detoxifies the body from harmful substances.
13. The process of drug movement throughout the body that is necessary to
achieve drug action
pharmacokinetics
pharmacovigilance
pharmacognosy
pharmacodynamics
14. A patient with gout is experiencing frequent flare-ups due to high uric acid
levels. If they are prescribed allopurinol, what important patient education
point should be emphasized?
CONCEPTS | DRUG ACTIONS, ADVERSE EFFECTS & SAFE MEDICATION
ADMINISTRATION
1. What is the definition of 'excretion' in the context of pharmacology?
The process of distributing drugs throughout the body.
The process of metabolizing drugs into active forms.
The process of absorbing drugs into the bloodstream.
The process of eliminating drugs and their metabolites from the
body.
2. A healthcare provider prescribed opioids to help reduce a patient's pain.
What education should you provide to the patient who is receiving opioids?
Opioids can cause hypertension and increase your HR; if you
experience these symptoms it's important to let the nursing staff know
You may be at risk for constipation from taking opioids; you should
frequently walk and drink plenty of water
You should not walk while taking opioids because they can make you
dizzy
Although you are taking these medications, it's important to remember
they can be addictive; you should take less than what was prescribed
3. Which laboratory tests are commonly monitored in patients with liver
disease?
Blood glucose levels
Thyroid function tests
Liver function tests (LFTs)
Complete blood count (CBC)
,4. A contraindication is:
Using a drug via extra-label use
How a drug is selected
the reason for using a drug
The reason for not using a drug
5. Name one complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used
for inflammation.
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Turmeric
Aspirin
6. What are the adverse effects of infertility agents such as clomiphene
(Clomid)?
dyspepsia, HA, flushing, visual loss
tachycardia, hypovolemia, DVT, dizziness, HA, flushing, depression,
restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, nausea, bloating,
constipation, vomiting, anorexia, urticaria, ovarian hyperstimulation,
multiple pregnancy (Kate plus 8), blurred vision, diplopia,
photosensitivity, breast pain
liver dysfunction (cholestatic jaundice), thrombophlebitis,
thromboembolic disorders such as PR, n/v, amenorrhea, spotting,
edema, weight gain or loss
HTN, fluid overload (antidiuretic effect), overstimulation of uterus in
labor, uterine rupture
,7. What is the primary medication used to treat hypocalcemia?
Magnesium sulfate
Calcium gluconate
Vitamin D
Potassium chloride
8. Describe how antihistamines work to alleviate symptoms of allergies like
sneezing.
Antihistamines increase the production of histamine to reduce
symptoms.
Antihistamines stimulate the immune system to fight allergies.
Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a substance in the
body that causes allergic symptoms.
Antihistamines enhance the effects of histamine in the body.
9. Which of the following CAM therapies is utilized as an antidiabetic aid and
unsafe during pregnancy?
Ginger
Vitamin B6
Calcium
Bitter melon
10. What is the primary risk associated with the combined use of Glipizide and
Metformin?
Hypertension
Dehydration
, Nausea
Hypoglycemia
11. What is a critical step to take before administering rapid insulin lispro?
Check the patient's blood glucose level.
Administer the medication without checking.
Consult the patient's family.
Review the patient's medical history.
12. Discuss how St. John's Wort is believed to affect mental health.
St. John's Wort acts as a sedative, calming the nervous system.
St. John's Wort is thought to work by increasing serotonin levels in
the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
St. John's Wort is used to enhance memory and cognitive function.
St. John's Wort detoxifies the body from harmful substances.
13. The process of drug movement throughout the body that is necessary to
achieve drug action
pharmacokinetics
pharmacovigilance
pharmacognosy
pharmacodynamics
14. A patient with gout is experiencing frequent flare-ups due to high uric acid
levels. If they are prescribed allopurinol, what important patient education
point should be emphasized?
