2026/2027
BIOD 351 Pharmacology Final Exam
Comprehensive Study Guide and
Practice Questions 2026/2027
Portage Learning Edition for Exam
Preparation and Review
Question 1
A patient receiving nitroglycerin therapy is prescribed daily nitrate-free periods. What
is the primary reason for this intervention?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To enhance renal elimination of the drug
C. To prevent development of tolerance
D. To reduce risk of bradycardia
Correct Answer: C. To prevent development of tolerance
Rationale: Continuous exposure to nitrates such as nitroglycerin leads to reduced
responsiveness, known as tolerance. A nitrate-free period allows receptor sensitivity
to recover, maintaining drug effectiveness. The other options are incorrect because
nitrate-free intervals are not related to renal elimination, reflex bradycardia, or
rebound hypertension.
Question 2
A low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level most commonly indicates which
condition?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperthyroidism
C. Thyroid cancer
D. Pituitary failure
Correct Answer: B. Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: Low TSH occurs when circulating thyroid hormones are elevated,
suppressing pituitary release, which is characteristic of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism typically shows elevated TSH, not decreased levels.
,2026/2027
Question 3
A patient is newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which medication is commonly
used for symptomatic control?
A. Propanolol
B. Levothyroxine
C. Digoxin
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: A. Propanolol
Rationale: Beta-blockers such as propranolol reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism
like tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety. Levothyroxine is used for hypothyroidism,
while digoxin and atropine do not treat thyroid dysfunction.
Question 4
Spironolactone exerts its primary effect by:
A. Blocking calcium channels
B. Inhibiting angiotensin II production
C. Antagonizing aldosterone receptors
D. Stimulating sodium reabsorption
Correct Answer: C. Antagonizing aldosterone receptors
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone in
the distal tubule, reducing sodium and water retention while conserving potassium.
Question 5
Heparin achieves its anticoagulant effect by:
A. Direct thrombin inhibition
B. Activating antithrombin III
C. Blocking vitamin K synthesis
D. Inhibiting platelet aggregation
Correct Answer: B. Activating antithrombin III
Rationale: Heparin enhances antithrombin III activity, which inactivates thrombin and
other clotting factors. Warfarin, not heparin, inhibits vitamin K.
Question 6
,2026/2027
During an anaphylactic reaction, which physiological process occurs?
A. Histamine release from mast cells
B. Increased insulin secretion
C. Decreased vascular permeability
D. Bronchodilation due to cortisol release
Correct Answer: A. Histamine release from mast cells
Rationale: Anaphylaxis triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing histamine, which
causes vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and edema.
Question 7
Which medication is a first-line treatment for stage I hypertension?
A. Loop diuretics
B. Thiazide diuretics
C. Beta agonists
D. ACE inhibitors only
Correct Answer: B. Thiazide diuretics
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are first-line therapy for uncomplicated stage I
hypertension due to effectiveness and low cost.
Question 8
Which medication reduces cardiac contractility and heart rate?
A. Digitalis glycosides
B. Epinephrine
C. Atropine
D. Dopamine
Correct Answer: A. Digitalis glycosides
Rationale: Digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect, slowing heart rate and
improving cardiac efficiency.
Question 9
Which anticoagulant lab test is most appropriate for outpatient warfarin therapy
monitoring?
A. aPTT
B. INR
, 2026/2027
C. Bleeding time
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B. INR
Rationale: INR standardizes prothrombin time results and is used to monitor warfarin
therapy.
Question 10
Which dietary instruction helps reduce LDL cholesterol?
A. Increase red meat intake
B. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs
C. Increase saturated fats
D. Avoid vegetables
Correct Answer: B. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs
Rationale: Egg whites contain no cholesterol, helping reduce dietary LDL intake.
Question 11
Which symptom indicates possible DVT after femoral catheterization?
A. Bilateral leg warmth
B. Numbness in affected limb
C. Mild headache
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: B. Numbness in affected limb
Rationale: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compromise,
requiring urgent assessment.
Question 12
Which condition is a risk factor for wound dehiscence?
A. Asthma
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Diabetes mellitus
BIOD 351 Pharmacology Final Exam
Comprehensive Study Guide and
Practice Questions 2026/2027
Portage Learning Edition for Exam
Preparation and Review
Question 1
A patient receiving nitroglycerin therapy is prescribed daily nitrate-free periods. What
is the primary reason for this intervention?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To enhance renal elimination of the drug
C. To prevent development of tolerance
D. To reduce risk of bradycardia
Correct Answer: C. To prevent development of tolerance
Rationale: Continuous exposure to nitrates such as nitroglycerin leads to reduced
responsiveness, known as tolerance. A nitrate-free period allows receptor sensitivity
to recover, maintaining drug effectiveness. The other options are incorrect because
nitrate-free intervals are not related to renal elimination, reflex bradycardia, or
rebound hypertension.
Question 2
A low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level most commonly indicates which
condition?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperthyroidism
C. Thyroid cancer
D. Pituitary failure
Correct Answer: B. Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: Low TSH occurs when circulating thyroid hormones are elevated,
suppressing pituitary release, which is characteristic of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism typically shows elevated TSH, not decreased levels.
,2026/2027
Question 3
A patient is newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which medication is commonly
used for symptomatic control?
A. Propanolol
B. Levothyroxine
C. Digoxin
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: A. Propanolol
Rationale: Beta-blockers such as propranolol reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism
like tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety. Levothyroxine is used for hypothyroidism,
while digoxin and atropine do not treat thyroid dysfunction.
Question 4
Spironolactone exerts its primary effect by:
A. Blocking calcium channels
B. Inhibiting angiotensin II production
C. Antagonizing aldosterone receptors
D. Stimulating sodium reabsorption
Correct Answer: C. Antagonizing aldosterone receptors
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone in
the distal tubule, reducing sodium and water retention while conserving potassium.
Question 5
Heparin achieves its anticoagulant effect by:
A. Direct thrombin inhibition
B. Activating antithrombin III
C. Blocking vitamin K synthesis
D. Inhibiting platelet aggregation
Correct Answer: B. Activating antithrombin III
Rationale: Heparin enhances antithrombin III activity, which inactivates thrombin and
other clotting factors. Warfarin, not heparin, inhibits vitamin K.
Question 6
,2026/2027
During an anaphylactic reaction, which physiological process occurs?
A. Histamine release from mast cells
B. Increased insulin secretion
C. Decreased vascular permeability
D. Bronchodilation due to cortisol release
Correct Answer: A. Histamine release from mast cells
Rationale: Anaphylaxis triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing histamine, which
causes vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and edema.
Question 7
Which medication is a first-line treatment for stage I hypertension?
A. Loop diuretics
B. Thiazide diuretics
C. Beta agonists
D. ACE inhibitors only
Correct Answer: B. Thiazide diuretics
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are first-line therapy for uncomplicated stage I
hypertension due to effectiveness and low cost.
Question 8
Which medication reduces cardiac contractility and heart rate?
A. Digitalis glycosides
B. Epinephrine
C. Atropine
D. Dopamine
Correct Answer: A. Digitalis glycosides
Rationale: Digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect, slowing heart rate and
improving cardiac efficiency.
Question 9
Which anticoagulant lab test is most appropriate for outpatient warfarin therapy
monitoring?
A. aPTT
B. INR
, 2026/2027
C. Bleeding time
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B. INR
Rationale: INR standardizes prothrombin time results and is used to monitor warfarin
therapy.
Question 10
Which dietary instruction helps reduce LDL cholesterol?
A. Increase red meat intake
B. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs
C. Increase saturated fats
D. Avoid vegetables
Correct Answer: B. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs
Rationale: Egg whites contain no cholesterol, helping reduce dietary LDL intake.
Question 11
Which symptom indicates possible DVT after femoral catheterization?
A. Bilateral leg warmth
B. Numbness in affected limb
C. Mild headache
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: B. Numbness in affected limb
Rationale: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compromise,
requiring urgent assessment.
Question 12
Which condition is a risk factor for wound dehiscence?
A. Asthma
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Diabetes mellitus
