NSG 533 – Advanced Pharmacology | Exam 2 Study
Guide | Wilkes University | 2025/2026 Edition | Verified
Coverage | Graded A+
This Exam 2 Study Guide provides a comprehensive review of pharmacologic concepts, drug
classifications, and prescriptive responsibilities required for advanced practice nurses. Updated
for the 2025/2026 academic year, this resource emphasizes evidence-based practice and aligns
with Wilkes University’s NSG 533 course objectives. The guide includes 50 questions, consistent
with the typical format of Exam 2 for graduate-level pharmacology assessments.
Exam 2 Coverage Includes:
✔ Respiratory Pharmacology: Asthma management (stepwise approach, inhaled
corticosteroids, LABAs, leukotriene modifiers, biologics), COPD management (bronchodilators,
anticholinergics, ICS), antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants
✔ Renal & Fluid/Electrolyte Pharmacology: Diuretic classes (loop, thiazide, K-sparing,
osmotic), drugs for electrolyte imbalances
✔ Gastrointestinal Pharmacology: GERD/PUD treatments (PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids,
sucralfate), antiemetics, antidiarrheals, laxatives, IBD agents
✔ Endocrine Pharmacology: Diabetes mellitus (insulin, oral antihyperglycemics),
adrenal/pituitary disorders
✔ Women’s & Men’s Health: Hormone therapy, contraceptives, fertility agents, BPH, erectile
dysfunction
✔ Oncology & Immunology: Chemotherapeutics, immunosuppressants, vaccines, biologics
✔ Prescribing Considerations: Black box warnings, monitoring, patient education, APRN
legal/ethical responsibilities
Answer Format
Correct answers are shown in bold green, with evidence-based rationales to support clinical
decision-making and exam preparation.
1. What is the first-line controller therapy for persistent asthma?
a) Albuterol
b) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
c) Montelukast
d) Salmeterol
b) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Rationale: ICS (e.g., budesonide) are first-line for persistent asthma to reduce airway
inflammation (GINA, 2025).
2. Which drug is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used in asthma?
a) Ipratropium
, b) Formoterol
c) Cromolyn
d) Theophylline
b) Formoterol
Rationale: Formoterol is a LABA used as an add-on therapy with ICS for asthma control.
3. What is the mechanism of action of montelukast?
a) Inhibits leukotriene receptors
b) Blocks histamine receptors
c) Stimulates beta receptors
d) Inhibits muscarinic receptors
a) Inhibits leukotriene receptors
Rationale: Montelukast, a leukotriene modifier, reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
4. Which drug is first-line for COPD maintenance?
a) Albuterol
b) Tiotropium
c) Prednisone
d) Azithromycin
b) Tiotropium
Rationale: Tiotropium, a long-acting anticholinergic, is first-line for COPD to improve airflow
(GOLD, 2025).
5. What is a common side effect of antihistamines like cetirizine?
a) Hypertension
b) Drowsiness
c) Hypoglycemia
d) Tachycardia
b) Drowsiness
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines (and some second-generation) cause sedation due to
CNS effects.
6. Which diuretic is most effective for acute pulmonary edema?
a) Hydrochlorothiazide
b) Furosemide
c) Spironolactone
d) Triamterene
b) Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, rapidly reduces fluid overload in acute pulmonary
edema.
7. What is a key monitoring parameter for patients on loop diuretics?
a) Blood glucose
b) Serum potassium
c) Liver enzymes
d) Hemoglobin
Guide | Wilkes University | 2025/2026 Edition | Verified
Coverage | Graded A+
This Exam 2 Study Guide provides a comprehensive review of pharmacologic concepts, drug
classifications, and prescriptive responsibilities required for advanced practice nurses. Updated
for the 2025/2026 academic year, this resource emphasizes evidence-based practice and aligns
with Wilkes University’s NSG 533 course objectives. The guide includes 50 questions, consistent
with the typical format of Exam 2 for graduate-level pharmacology assessments.
Exam 2 Coverage Includes:
✔ Respiratory Pharmacology: Asthma management (stepwise approach, inhaled
corticosteroids, LABAs, leukotriene modifiers, biologics), COPD management (bronchodilators,
anticholinergics, ICS), antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants
✔ Renal & Fluid/Electrolyte Pharmacology: Diuretic classes (loop, thiazide, K-sparing,
osmotic), drugs for electrolyte imbalances
✔ Gastrointestinal Pharmacology: GERD/PUD treatments (PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids,
sucralfate), antiemetics, antidiarrheals, laxatives, IBD agents
✔ Endocrine Pharmacology: Diabetes mellitus (insulin, oral antihyperglycemics),
adrenal/pituitary disorders
✔ Women’s & Men’s Health: Hormone therapy, contraceptives, fertility agents, BPH, erectile
dysfunction
✔ Oncology & Immunology: Chemotherapeutics, immunosuppressants, vaccines, biologics
✔ Prescribing Considerations: Black box warnings, monitoring, patient education, APRN
legal/ethical responsibilities
Answer Format
Correct answers are shown in bold green, with evidence-based rationales to support clinical
decision-making and exam preparation.
1. What is the first-line controller therapy for persistent asthma?
a) Albuterol
b) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
c) Montelukast
d) Salmeterol
b) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Rationale: ICS (e.g., budesonide) are first-line for persistent asthma to reduce airway
inflammation (GINA, 2025).
2. Which drug is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used in asthma?
a) Ipratropium
, b) Formoterol
c) Cromolyn
d) Theophylline
b) Formoterol
Rationale: Formoterol is a LABA used as an add-on therapy with ICS for asthma control.
3. What is the mechanism of action of montelukast?
a) Inhibits leukotriene receptors
b) Blocks histamine receptors
c) Stimulates beta receptors
d) Inhibits muscarinic receptors
a) Inhibits leukotriene receptors
Rationale: Montelukast, a leukotriene modifier, reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
4. Which drug is first-line for COPD maintenance?
a) Albuterol
b) Tiotropium
c) Prednisone
d) Azithromycin
b) Tiotropium
Rationale: Tiotropium, a long-acting anticholinergic, is first-line for COPD to improve airflow
(GOLD, 2025).
5. What is a common side effect of antihistamines like cetirizine?
a) Hypertension
b) Drowsiness
c) Hypoglycemia
d) Tachycardia
b) Drowsiness
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines (and some second-generation) cause sedation due to
CNS effects.
6. Which diuretic is most effective for acute pulmonary edema?
a) Hydrochlorothiazide
b) Furosemide
c) Spironolactone
d) Triamterene
b) Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, rapidly reduces fluid overload in acute pulmonary
edema.
7. What is a key monitoring parameter for patients on loop diuretics?
a) Blood glucose
b) Serum potassium
c) Liver enzymes
d) Hemoglobin
