PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Comprehensive Answered Review Edition
REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read each question and consider the answer options before reviewing the suggested answer.
2. Multiple-choice options are alphabetized where appropriate; option letters may differ from the source.
3. Review the rationale to understand the pharmacological principle behind each answer.
4. Items with incomplete or incorrect source options are identified in the answer or rationale section.
5. Use current course materials and clinical guidance to confirm decisions in real patient care.
, QUESTION 001 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
A 65-year-old patient asks about vaccines to prevent shingles. Based on current guidelines,
which recommendation should you provide regarding the Shingrix vaccine?
A. It can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.
B. It is not necessary if the patient has had chickenpox.
C. It is only recommended for patients under 50 years old.
D. It should be administered in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.
ANSWER
It should be administered in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the
first.
RATIONALE
Recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older and for certain
immunocompromised adults. The usual series consists of two doses, generally 2–6 months apart.
QUESTION 002 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Explain the difference between natural passive immunity and artificial passive immunity.
A. Natural passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, while artificial passive
immunity involves the administration of antibodies from an external source.
B. Natural passive immunity is acquired through vaccination, while artificial passive immunity is acquired
through natural exposure.
C. Natural passive immunity is long-lasting, while artificial passive immunity is temporary.
D. Natural passive immunity is only relevant in infants, while artificial passive immunity can be used in adults.
ANSWER
Natural passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, while
artificial passive immunity involves the administration of antibodies from an external
source.
RATIONALE
Passive immunity results from receiving ready-made antibodies rather than producing them
through one's own immune response. Maternal antibodies are natural passive immunity;
administered immune globulin is artificial passive immunity.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 2
, QUESTION 003 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Which type of immunity is characterized by the transfer of antibodies from mother to child
during breastfeeding?
A. Active immunity
B. Artificial passive immunity
C. Natural active immunity
D. Natural passive immunity
ANSWER
Natural passive immunity
RATIONALE
Passive immunity results from receiving ready-made antibodies rather than producing them
through one's own immune response. Maternal antibodies are natural passive immunity;
administered immune globulin is artificial passive immunity.
QUESTION 004 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Which medication is specifically indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus
infections?
A. Acyclovir
B. Famciclovir
C. Ribavirin
D. Valacyclovir
ANSWER
Acyclovir
RATIONALE
Acyclovir is activated preferentially in infected cells and inhibits viral DNA polymerase, limiting
replication of herpes viruses. Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir and is also used for herpes
infections.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 3
, QUESTION 005 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Why are cephalosporins considered contraindicated for patients with a penicillin allergy?
A. They are less effective than other antibiotics.
B. They are only used for viral infections.
C. They have no structural similarity to penicillin.
D. They may cause similar allergic reactions due to structural similarities.
ANSWER
They may cause similar allergic reactions due to structural similarities.
RATIONALE
A history of severe immediate allergy or symptoms such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing
raises concern for anaphylaxis. Stop the suspected drug, seek emergency assistance, and follow
the emergency treatment protocol; clarify allergy history before selecting related antibiotics.
QUESTION 006 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
A patient with chronic renal failure is experiencing constipation and is prescribed a laxative.
Which of the following laxatives should the nurse avoid administering due to its magnesium
content?
A. Docusate sodium
B. Magnesium hydroxide
C. Polyethylene glycol
D. Senna
ANSWER
Magnesium hydroxide
RATIONALE
Impaired kidneys may not clear magnesium effectively. Magnesium-containing laxatives or
antacids can cause hypermagnesemia, which may produce weakness, hypotension, respiratory
depression, and cardiac conduction problems.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 4
Comprehensive Answered Review Edition
REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read each question and consider the answer options before reviewing the suggested answer.
2. Multiple-choice options are alphabetized where appropriate; option letters may differ from the source.
3. Review the rationale to understand the pharmacological principle behind each answer.
4. Items with incomplete or incorrect source options are identified in the answer or rationale section.
5. Use current course materials and clinical guidance to confirm decisions in real patient care.
, QUESTION 001 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
A 65-year-old patient asks about vaccines to prevent shingles. Based on current guidelines,
which recommendation should you provide regarding the Shingrix vaccine?
A. It can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.
B. It is not necessary if the patient has had chickenpox.
C. It is only recommended for patients under 50 years old.
D. It should be administered in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.
ANSWER
It should be administered in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the
first.
RATIONALE
Recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older and for certain
immunocompromised adults. The usual series consists of two doses, generally 2–6 months apart.
QUESTION 002 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Explain the difference between natural passive immunity and artificial passive immunity.
A. Natural passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, while artificial passive
immunity involves the administration of antibodies from an external source.
B. Natural passive immunity is acquired through vaccination, while artificial passive immunity is acquired
through natural exposure.
C. Natural passive immunity is long-lasting, while artificial passive immunity is temporary.
D. Natural passive immunity is only relevant in infants, while artificial passive immunity can be used in adults.
ANSWER
Natural passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, while
artificial passive immunity involves the administration of antibodies from an external
source.
RATIONALE
Passive immunity results from receiving ready-made antibodies rather than producing them
through one's own immune response. Maternal antibodies are natural passive immunity;
administered immune globulin is artificial passive immunity.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 2
, QUESTION 003 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Which type of immunity is characterized by the transfer of antibodies from mother to child
during breastfeeding?
A. Active immunity
B. Artificial passive immunity
C. Natural active immunity
D. Natural passive immunity
ANSWER
Natural passive immunity
RATIONALE
Passive immunity results from receiving ready-made antibodies rather than producing them
through one's own immune response. Maternal antibodies are natural passive immunity;
administered immune globulin is artificial passive immunity.
QUESTION 004 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Which medication is specifically indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus
infections?
A. Acyclovir
B. Famciclovir
C. Ribavirin
D. Valacyclovir
ANSWER
Acyclovir
RATIONALE
Acyclovir is activated preferentially in infected cells and inhibits viral DNA polymerase, limiting
replication of herpes viruses. Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir and is also used for herpes
infections.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 3
, QUESTION 005 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
Why are cephalosporins considered contraindicated for patients with a penicillin allergy?
A. They are less effective than other antibiotics.
B. They are only used for viral infections.
C. They have no structural similarity to penicillin.
D. They may cause similar allergic reactions due to structural similarities.
ANSWER
They may cause similar allergic reactions due to structural similarities.
RATIONALE
A history of severe immediate allergy or symptoms such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing
raises concern for anaphylaxis. Stop the suspected drug, seek emergency assistance, and follow
the emergency treatment protocol; clarify allergy history before selecting related antibiotics.
QUESTION 006 PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM
A patient with chronic renal failure is experiencing constipation and is prescribed a laxative.
Which of the following laxatives should the nurse avoid administering due to its magnesium
content?
A. Docusate sodium
B. Magnesium hydroxide
C. Polyethylene glycol
D. Senna
ANSWER
Magnesium hydroxide
RATIONALE
Impaired kidneys may not clear magnesium effectively. Magnesium-containing laxatives or
antacids can cause hypermagnesemia, which may produce weakness, hypotension, respiratory
depression, and cardiac conduction problems.
PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM • ANSWERED REVIEW EDITION 4
