ADAMS PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSES A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC APPROACH EXAM
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉ Classification of Drugs. Answer: - Therapeutic classification =
organized based on therapeutic usefulness
- pharmacologic classification = organization based on the way the
drug works at a molecular, tissue, or body system level, often
represents mechanism of action
◉ Anticoagulant. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- influence blood clotting
◉ Antihyperlipidemic. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- lower blood cholesterol
◉ Antihypertensive. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- lower blood pressure
◉ Antidysrhythmic. Answer: - therapeutic classification
,- restore normal cardiac rhythm
◉ Antianginal. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- treat angina
◉ Diuretic. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- lowers plasma volume
◉ Calcium Channel Blockers. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- blocks heart calcium channels
◉ Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Answer: -
pharmacologic classification
- blocks hormonal activity
◉ Adrenergic antagonist. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- blocks physiological reactions to stress
◉ Vasodilator. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- dilates peripheral blood vessels
◉ Three Basic Drug Names. Answer: 1. Chemical
, 2. Generic
3. Trade
◉ Chemical Names. Answer: - Nomenclature assigned using
established guidelines from the international Union of Pure and
Applies Chemistry (IUPAC)
- only one chemical name per drug
- drugs may be classified by a portion of the chemical structure
- ex: antibiotics may be classified as quinolone or
cephalosporins
◉ Generic Names. Answer: - assigned by US Adopted Name Council
- less complicated and easier to remember
- many organizations use generic names to describe medications
- only one generic name
- biosimilars should not be called generic medications
◉ Trade Names. Answer: - usually short and easy to remember
- assigned by the company marketing the drug
- trade names are also known as propriety product, or brand name
- usually capitalized (Benedryl)
- combination drugs contain more than one generic active ingredient
PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC APPROACH EXAM
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉ Classification of Drugs. Answer: - Therapeutic classification =
organized based on therapeutic usefulness
- pharmacologic classification = organization based on the way the
drug works at a molecular, tissue, or body system level, often
represents mechanism of action
◉ Anticoagulant. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- influence blood clotting
◉ Antihyperlipidemic. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- lower blood cholesterol
◉ Antihypertensive. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- lower blood pressure
◉ Antidysrhythmic. Answer: - therapeutic classification
,- restore normal cardiac rhythm
◉ Antianginal. Answer: - therapeutic classification
- treat angina
◉ Diuretic. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- lowers plasma volume
◉ Calcium Channel Blockers. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- blocks heart calcium channels
◉ Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Answer: -
pharmacologic classification
- blocks hormonal activity
◉ Adrenergic antagonist. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- blocks physiological reactions to stress
◉ Vasodilator. Answer: - pharmacologic classification
- dilates peripheral blood vessels
◉ Three Basic Drug Names. Answer: 1. Chemical
, 2. Generic
3. Trade
◉ Chemical Names. Answer: - Nomenclature assigned using
established guidelines from the international Union of Pure and
Applies Chemistry (IUPAC)
- only one chemical name per drug
- drugs may be classified by a portion of the chemical structure
- ex: antibiotics may be classified as quinolone or
cephalosporins
◉ Generic Names. Answer: - assigned by US Adopted Name Council
- less complicated and easier to remember
- many organizations use generic names to describe medications
- only one generic name
- biosimilars should not be called generic medications
◉ Trade Names. Answer: - usually short and easy to remember
- assigned by the company marketing the drug
- trade names are also known as propriety product, or brand name
- usually capitalized (Benedryl)
- combination drugs contain more than one generic active ingredient
