Written by students who passed Immediately available after payment Read online or as PDF Wrong document? Swap it for free 4.6 TrustPilot
logo-home
Exam (elaborations)

Galen NUR 210 Exam 1 2026/2027 | Principles of Pharmacology Study Guide | Complete Q&A with Verified Answers | Pharmacokinetics, Drug Classifications & Medication Safety

Rating
-
Sold
-
Pages
45
Grade
A+
Uploaded on
26-03-2026
Written in
2025/2026

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD—This comprehensive study guide is specifically designed for Galen College of Nursing students preparing for NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology Exam 1 for the 2026/2027 academic year. Based on verified exam materials from top-selling student resources, this resource contains expertly verified practice questions and 100% correct answers with detailed rationales to help you master core pharmacology concepts and achieve a top score (Grade A+). This comprehensive guide covers all major topics tested on NUR 210 Exam 1 : Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics : The four phases of pharmacokinetics—absorption (drug movement from GI tract into bloodstream) ; distribution (transport of drugs throughout the body) ; metabolism (biotransformation of drugs, primarily in the liver) ; excretion (elimination of drugs, primarily through kidneys). First-pass effect—oral drugs undergo hepatic metabolism before reaching systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability. Protein binding—drugs bound to albumin are inactive; only free (unbound) drug produces therapeutic effect. Half-life—time for drug concentration to decrease by 50%; determines dosing interval. Therapeutic index—ratio of toxic dose to effective dose; narrow therapeutic index drugs require monitoring (lithium, digoxin, warfarin) . Medication Safety & Administration : Rights of medication administration (right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation) ; high-alert medications (insulin, heparin, opioids) require independent double-check. Medication reconciliation—comparing patient's current medications with newly prescribed orders to prevent errors. Adverse drug reactions—unexpected effects; side effects—predictable effects. Allergic reactions—immune-mediated response (rash, anaphylaxis). Drug interactions—additive, synergistic, antagonistic effects; drug-food interactions; drug-lab interactions . Nursing Process in Pharmacology : Assessment—health history, medication history, allergies, lab values (creatinine, BUN, liver enzymes) ; Diagnosis—identify potential problems (knowledge deficit, risk for injury) ; Planning—establish goals with patient ; Implementation—administer medications safely, patient education ; Evaluation—monitor therapeutic response, side effects . Dosage Calculations : Basic formula (D/H × Q = X) ; conversions (1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 oz = 30 mL, 1 kg = 2.2 lb) ; IV flow rates (mL/hr, gtt/min) ; safe dose ranges (pediatric dosing by weight) ; reconstitution calculations . Anticonvulsants (Antiepileptics) : Phenytoin (Dilantin) —MOA: stabilizes neuronal membranes, decreases seizure activity. Therapeutic range: 10-20 mcg/mL. Side effects: gingival hyperplasia (good oral hygiene), nystagmus, ataxia, drowsiness. Toxicity: above 20 mcg/mL (nystagmus, ataxia, confusion) ; above 30 mcg/mL (coma). Administration: IV push no faster than 50 mg/min to prevent cardiac arrhythmias; monitor for "purple glove syndrome" (extravasation). Valproic Acid (Depakote) —broad-spectrum anticonvulsant; hepatotoxicity risk (monitor LFTs) ; teratogenic (neural tube defects) ; side effects: weight gain, hair loss, thrombocytopenia. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) —autoinduction (metabolizes itself, requiring dose adjustment) ; monitor for blood dyscrasias; drug interactions with oral contraceptives, warfarin . Antipsychotics : First-generation (Typical) Antipsychotics —haloperidol (Haldol) , chlorpromazine. MOA: dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Side effects: extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)—acute dystonia, akathisia, pseudoparkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia (irreversible). Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)—fever, rigidity, autonomic instability, elevated CK; medical emergency. Second-generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics —aripiprazole (Abilify) , risperidone (Risperdal) , olanzapine (Zyprexa) , quetiapine (Seroquel). MOA: 5HT2A and D2 antagonism. Fewer EPS but increased metabolic side effects (weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia). Clozapine (Clozaril) —requires weekly ANC monitoring for agranulocytosis risk. AIMS scale —monitoring for tardive dyskinesia . Antidepressants : SSRIs —fluoxetine (Prozac) , sertraline (Zoloft) , citalopram (Celexa) . MOA: inhibit serotonin reuptake. Onset: 2-6 weeks. Side effects: GI upset, insomnia/sedation, sexual dysfunction, weight gain. Discontinuation syndrome—taper over 2-4 weeks. Serotonin syndrome —agitation, confusion, tachycardia, hyperthermia, rigidity; avoid combining with MAOIs, tramadol, St. John's wort. SNRIs —venlafaxine (Effexor) , duloxetine (Cymbalta) . Monitor BP. TCAs —amitriptyline, nortriptyline. Side effects: anticholinergic (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention) , cardiac toxicity (prolonged QRS, QT) ; overdose can be fatal. MAOIs —phenelzine (Nardil) , tranylcypromine (Parnate) . Dietary restrictions: tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats, red wine) → hypertensive crisis. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) —NDRI; no sexual side effects; contraindicated in seizure disorders, eating disorders . Sample Questions Include : "What are the four phases of pharmacokinetics?" → Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion "What is the first-pass effect?" → Oral drugs undergo hepatic metabolism before reaching systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability "What is the therapeutic range for phenytoin (Dilantin)?" → 10-20 mcg/mL "What side effect is associated with long-term phenytoin use?" → Gingival hyperplasia "What is the most serious adverse effect of clozapine?" → Agranulocytosis "What scale is used to monitor for tardive dyskinesia?" → AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) "What foods should patients taking MAOIs avoid?" → Tyramine-rich foods: aged cheese, cured meats, red wine "What is the onset time for SSRIs?" → 2-6 weeks All questions include complete rationales based on current evidence-based practice, pharmacology standards, and Galen College curriculum requirements . DOCUMENT ACCESS: This study guide is available as an instant digital download (PDF) immediately upon purchase. Fully text-searchable, printable, and accessible anytime through your user account. 100% satisfaction guarantee. Trusted by thousands of Galen nursing students for NUR 210 exam preparation and mastering pharmacology competencies .

Show more Read less

Content preview

1|Page




NUR 210 Exam 1 2026/2027 Galen Principles of

Pharmacology Actual Exam Verified Answers with

Detailed Rationales Study Guide Grade A




1. What are the Standards of Professional Practice?

A. Guidelines for hospital administration

B. Specific to nursing practice; establish expectations for professional behavior to

protect the nurse, client, and facility; hold nurses accountable for following a code of

conduct

C. Rules for medical billing and coding

D. Federal regulations for healthcare facilities

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Standards of Professional Practice establish expectations for professional

behavior, protect all parties, and hold nurses accountable for following a code of

conduct.

,2|Page


2. What/Who regulates nursing practice?

A. Federal government

B. State Boards of Nursing (e.g., North Carolina Board of Nursing)

C. American Nurses Association

D. Joint Commission

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: State Boards of Nursing regulate nursing practice, including scope of practice,

education, and curriculum requirements.



3. What does the Nurse Practice Act do?

A. Establishes hospital policies

B. Provides legal guidelines for nursing practice within each state

C. Sets federal nursing standards

D. Regulates medical billing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act is a state law that defines the scope of nursing

practice and establishes legal guidelines for nurses.

,3|Page


4. According to Benner's Novice to Expert Theory, what characterizes the Novice

stage?

A. 2-3 years after graduation; able to plan and organize care

B. First year; beginner with no prior experience, relying heavily on rules and instruction

C. Perceives situations as a whole; recognizes patterns and changes

D. Demonstrates intuitive grasp of complex situations

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Novice stage is the first year of practice, characterized by no prior

experience and heavy reliance on rules and instruction.



5. According to Benner's Novice to Expert Theory, what characterizes the Advanced

Beginner stage?

A. First year; beginner with no prior experience

B. 2-3 years after graduation; able to plan and organize care

C. Senior/new graduate; gains some experience, recognizes recurring patterns, still

relies on rules

D. Level 4 RN; perceives situations as a whole

Correct Answer: C

, 4|Page


Rationale: The Advanced Beginner stage includes senior nursing students and new

graduates who gain experience and recognize patterns but still rely on rules.



6. According to Benner's Novice to Expert Theory, what characterizes the Competent

stage?

A. First year; beginner with no prior experience

B. 2-3 years after graduation; able to plan and organize care based on prior experiences

C. Senior/new graduate; gains some experience

D. Demonstrates intuitive grasp of complex situations

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Competent stage occurs 2-3 years after graduation, where nurses can

plan and organize care based on prior experiences.



7. According to Benner's Novice to Expert Theory, what characterizes the Proficient

stage?

A. First year; beginner with no prior experience

B. 2-3 years after graduation; able to plan and organize care

C. Level 4 RN; perceives situations as a whole, recognizes patterns and changes, can

modify plans

Document information

Uploaded on
March 26, 2026
Number of pages
45
Written in
2025/2026
Type
Exam (elaborations)
Contains
Questions & answers

Subjects

$12.49
Get access to the full document:

Wrong document? Swap it for free Within 14 days of purchase and before downloading, you can choose a different document. You can simply spend the amount again.
Written by students who passed
Immediately available after payment
Read online or as PDF


Also available in package deal

Thumbnail
Package deal
Galen NUR 210 Exam 1, 2, 3, 4 & Final Exams | Principles of Pharmacology | STUDY PACK
-
10 2026
$ 51.45 More info

Get to know the seller

Seller avatar
Reputation scores are based on the amount of documents a seller has sold for a fee and the reviews they have received for those documents. There are three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The better the reputation, the more your can rely on the quality of the sellers work.
ExamitorMagnus Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
View profile
Follow You need to be logged in order to follow users or courses
Sold
117
Member since
2 year
Number of followers
7
Documents
1756
Last sold
1 week ago
Top Score

I am a professional writer with knowledge across diverse academic fields. I provide quality work and I guarantee superb, timely and original content. I know the pain of getting a shoddy work, and I would never wish this on any client! I guarantee a topnotch paper, with a fast High-score turnaround. I provide quality work guaranteed to give you an exemplary grade. Furthermore, I am a tutor of Research paper, Dissertation, proposal, management studies, economics, educational studies, sociology and psychology, marketing, Geography, History, Management, English, Literature, Education. Medical studies, Health Care studies and Nursing, Biology, Economics among other subjects.

Read more Read less
3.5

22 reviews

5
8
4
3
3
6
2
2
1
3

Why students choose Stuvia

Created by fellow students, verified by reviews

Quality you can trust: written by students who passed their tests and reviewed by others who've used these notes.

Didn't get what you expected? Choose another document

No worries! You can instantly pick a different document that better fits what you're looking for.

Pay as you like, start learning right away

No subscription, no commitments. Pay the way you're used to via credit card and download your PDF document instantly.

Student with book image

“Bought, downloaded, and aced it. It really can be that simple.”

Alisha Student

Working on your references?

Create accurate citations in APA, MLA and Harvard with our free citation generator.

Working on your references?

Frequently asked questions