Spring Semester February 2026 NCLEX Pharmacology Exam Prep | High-Yield Drug Class Review, Safe Medication Administration, Adverse Effects & Contraindications, Dosage Calculations, Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Style Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX P

Spring Semester February 2026 NCLEX Pharmacology Exam Prep | High-
Yield Drug Class Review, Safe Medication Administration, Adverse Effects
& Contraindications, Dosage Calculations, Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
Style Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX Pass Readiness Guide
Question 1:
Which of the following medications is classified as an Ace Inhibitor?
A) Lisinopril
B) Metoprolol
C) Amlodipine
D) Atorvastatin
Correct Answer: A) Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used primarily for the treatment of high blood
pressure and heart failure. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels, making it easier for
the heart to pump blood.


Question 2:
What is the primary action of Anticoagulants?
A) Increase platelet production
B) Dissolve existing clots
C) Prevent formation of new clots
D) Thicken blood
Correct Answer: C) Prevent formation of new clots
Rationale: Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, work by inhibiting the clotting
factors in the blood, which prevents the formation of new blood clots. They do not
dissolve existing clots; that action is referred to as thrombolysis, which is done by
different medications.


Question 3:
Which medication is used to treat anaphylactic shock?
A) Epinephrine
B) Diphenhydramine
C) Albuterol
D) Furosemide
Correct Answer: A) Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock as it works
quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels, dilating air passages,

,and improving heart function. Other options may be used for allergic reactions but are
not effective in emergency situations like anaphylaxis.


Question 4:
What is the mechanism of action for beta-blockers?
A) They inhibit the Na+/K+ pump.
B) They block beta-adrenergic receptors.
C) They increase insulin sensitivity.
D) They inhibit proton pumps.
Correct Answer: B) They block beta-adrenergic receptors.
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on
beta-adrenergic receptors, which results in decreased heart rate and contractility,
ultimately lowering blood pressure and heart workload. They are commonly used in
hypertension and heart failure.


Question 5:
Which of the following should be monitored when a patient is taking potassium-
sparing diuretics?
A) Serum potassium levels
B) Serum sodium levels
C) Serum calcium levels
D) Serum glucose levels
Correct Answer: A) Serum potassium levels
Rationale: Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, can lead to
hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) as they prevent potassium loss. It is vital to
monitor serum potassium levels to prevent serious cardiovascular complications.
Question 6:
Which medication is classified as a Thrombolytic agent?
A) Aspirin
B) Streptokinase
C) Clopidogrel
D) Warfarin
Correct Answer: B) Streptokinase

,Rationale: Streptokinase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots in
conditions such as myocardial infarction. It acts by activating plasminogen, which
breaks down fibrin, the protein that makes up the majority of blood clots.


Question 7:
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
A) Flumazenil
B) Naloxone
C) N-acetylcysteine
D) Activated charcoal
Correct Answer: C) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose,
as it replenishes glutathione levels, facilitating the detoxification of the harmful
metabolite formed during acetaminophen metabolism.


Question 8:
Which of the following medications requires monitoring of blood glucose levels?
A) Metformin
B) Lisinopril
C) Atorvastatin
D) Amlodipine
Correct Answer: A) Metformin
Rationale: Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent used in type 2 diabetes
management, may cause changes in blood glucose levels, making regular monitoring
necessary to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.


Question 9:
What is the primary purpose of administering digoxin?
A) Lower blood pressure
B) Increase heart rate
C) Improve myocardial contractility
D) Reduce heart workload
Correct Answer: C) Improve myocardial contractility

, Rationale: Digoxin is used to increase the force of myocardial contraction, thus
improving heart function in conditions such as heart failure. It also has a secondary
effect of slowing down the heart rate.


Question 10:
Which laboratory test is critical for a patient on warfarin therapy?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Liver function tests
C) Prothrombin time (PT)/INR
D) Serum electrolytes
Correct Answer: C) Prothrombin time (PT)/INR
Rationale: The PT/INR test is critical for patients on warfarin to ensure that their blood
coagulation levels remain within the therapeutic range, thereby preventing the risk of
thromboembolism or bleeding complications.


Question 11:
Which medication is a commonly prescribed Statin?
A) Simvastatin
B) Furosemide
C) Metoprolol
D) Albuterol
Correct Answer: A) Simvastatin
Rationale: Simvastatin is a statin drug used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA
reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.


Question 12:
What is the major side effect of opioid analgesics?
A) Hypertension
B) Constipation
C) Diarrhea
D) Tachycardia
Correct Answer: B) Constipation