TEST BANK FOR PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2 | GALEN COLLEGE | Q&A 2026/2027 EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Test Bank for Pharmacology
Exam 2 | Galen College | Q&A
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
99 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 99 exam questions, each accompanied by the correct answers and detailed
rationales, focusing on pharmacology concepts. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students
preparing for exams or certifications in nursing and pharmacology. By utilizing this test bank, learners can
effectively study and review key pharmacological principles to enhance their understanding and
performance in assessments.
CONTENTS
01 Anaphylaxis Management Q1–Q4
02 Adrenergic Pharmacology Q5–Q8
03 Respiratory Pharmacology Q9–Q13
04 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Q14–Q20
05 Cholinergic Pharmacology Q21–Q35
06 Parkinson's Disease Management Q36–Q44
07 Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Q45–Q48
08 Antidysrhythmic Agents Q49–Q51
Page 1
, 09 Antiplatelet Therapy Q52–Q55
10 Additional Questions Q56–Q99
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department presents with anaphylaxis, exhibiting a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg and a heart
rate of 130 bpm. The charge nurse must decide on the most effective immediate intervention to stabilize the patient's
condition. Which medication should she administer first to activate the sympathetic nervous system and address
hypotension?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Isoproterenol
C) Epinephrine
D) Phenylephrine
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Epinephrine
RATIONALE
Epinephrine is the preferred treatment in anaphylaxis as it stimulates alpha1 receptors to increase blood pressure and beta1
receptors to elevate heart rate, effectively countering the effects of severe hypotension and shock.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department presents with stridor and severe respiratory distress after a bee sting. Vital signs
reveal a heart rate of 120 bpm and a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg. What is the immediate treatment priority for this
patient?
A) Administer oral antihistamines
B) Provide oxygen therapy only
C) Administer epinephrine intramuscularly
D) Initiate intravenous fluids promptly
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Administer epinephrine intramuscularly
RATIONALE
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, acting quickly to reverse airway constriction and improve blood pressure. In
emergencies, timely administration significantly reduces morbidity and mortality associated with severe allergic reactions.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department receives 0.3 mg of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Shortly after administration, the
nurse notes the patient exhibits tachycardia at 130 bpm and reports chest palpitations. Which intervention should the
nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer a beta-blocker to decrease heart rate
B) Prepare to assess for potential necrosis at the IV site
C) Monitor the patient’s blood glucose levels for hyperglycemia
D) Document the findings and continue to monitor vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Prepare to assess for potential necrosis at the IV site
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can cause significant vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of necrosis at the IV site. Prompt assessment of the IV site is
critical to prevent tissue damage before addressing other symptoms.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 99
A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes is prescribed epinephrine for anaphylactic shock. After
reviewing the medication, the charge nurse notes the potential contraindications. Which condition should the nurse
prioritize in this situation?
A) Closed-angle glaucoma
B) Congestive heart failure
C) Active bleeding disorder
D) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Closed-angle glaucoma
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can exacerbate closed-angle glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure, necessitating careful assessment before
administration. In patients with this condition, the risk of adverse effects outweighs the benefits, highlighting the need for
thorough contraindication evaluation.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 99
Activation of adrenergic receptors by agonists in the sympathetic nervous system leads to several physiological effects.
Which of the following responses is most indicative of this activation?
A) Increased gastrointestinal secretions and motility
Page 3
, B) Constriction of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure
C) Decreased heart rate and reduced myocardial contractility
D) Increased urinary output and bladder contraction
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Constriction of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure
RATIONALE
Agonists that activate adrenergic receptors stimulate vasoconstriction and elevate blood pressure, typical of the sympathetic
nervous system's fight-or-flight response, contrasting with the effects of parasympathetic activation.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 99
During a code blue situation, a critical care nurse administers 0.5 mg of epinephrine to a patient experiencing cardiac
arrest. After administration, the nurse notes the patient exhibiting agitation and sweating. Which additional effect should
the nurse monitor for as a potential adverse reaction?
A) Hypotension
B) Bradycardia
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Respiratory depression
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Hyperglycemia
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can cause hyperglycemia due to its effects on glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, which may exacerbate conditions
such as diabetes. Monitoring for this effect is critical in managing the patient's response to the drug.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 99
Which medications may interact with epinephrine, leading to altered cardiovascular effects or increased blood sugar
levels in patients?
A) Beta blockers
B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
C) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
D) Calcium channel blockers
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Beta blockers
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Test Bank for Pharmacology
Exam 2 | Galen College | Q&A
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
99 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 99 exam questions, each accompanied by the correct answers and detailed
rationales, focusing on pharmacology concepts. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students
preparing for exams or certifications in nursing and pharmacology. By utilizing this test bank, learners can
effectively study and review key pharmacological principles to enhance their understanding and
performance in assessments.
CONTENTS
01 Anaphylaxis Management Q1–Q4
02 Adrenergic Pharmacology Q5–Q8
03 Respiratory Pharmacology Q9–Q13
04 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Q14–Q20
05 Cholinergic Pharmacology Q21–Q35
06 Parkinson's Disease Management Q36–Q44
07 Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Q45–Q48
08 Antidysrhythmic Agents Q49–Q51
Page 1
, 09 Antiplatelet Therapy Q52–Q55
10 Additional Questions Q56–Q99
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department presents with anaphylaxis, exhibiting a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg and a heart
rate of 130 bpm. The charge nurse must decide on the most effective immediate intervention to stabilize the patient's
condition. Which medication should she administer first to activate the sympathetic nervous system and address
hypotension?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Isoproterenol
C) Epinephrine
D) Phenylephrine
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Epinephrine
RATIONALE
Epinephrine is the preferred treatment in anaphylaxis as it stimulates alpha1 receptors to increase blood pressure and beta1
receptors to elevate heart rate, effectively countering the effects of severe hypotension and shock.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department presents with stridor and severe respiratory distress after a bee sting. Vital signs
reveal a heart rate of 120 bpm and a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg. What is the immediate treatment priority for this
patient?
A) Administer oral antihistamines
B) Provide oxygen therapy only
C) Administer epinephrine intramuscularly
D) Initiate intravenous fluids promptly
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Administer epinephrine intramuscularly
RATIONALE
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, acting quickly to reverse airway constriction and improve blood pressure. In
emergencies, timely administration significantly reduces morbidity and mortality associated with severe allergic reactions.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 99
A patient in the emergency department receives 0.3 mg of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Shortly after administration, the
nurse notes the patient exhibits tachycardia at 130 bpm and reports chest palpitations. Which intervention should the
nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer a beta-blocker to decrease heart rate
B) Prepare to assess for potential necrosis at the IV site
C) Monitor the patient’s blood glucose levels for hyperglycemia
D) Document the findings and continue to monitor vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Prepare to assess for potential necrosis at the IV site
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can cause significant vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of necrosis at the IV site. Prompt assessment of the IV site is
critical to prevent tissue damage before addressing other symptoms.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 99
A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes is prescribed epinephrine for anaphylactic shock. After
reviewing the medication, the charge nurse notes the potential contraindications. Which condition should the nurse
prioritize in this situation?
A) Closed-angle glaucoma
B) Congestive heart failure
C) Active bleeding disorder
D) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Closed-angle glaucoma
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can exacerbate closed-angle glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure, necessitating careful assessment before
administration. In patients with this condition, the risk of adverse effects outweighs the benefits, highlighting the need for
thorough contraindication evaluation.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 99
Activation of adrenergic receptors by agonists in the sympathetic nervous system leads to several physiological effects.
Which of the following responses is most indicative of this activation?
A) Increased gastrointestinal secretions and motility
Page 3
, B) Constriction of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure
C) Decreased heart rate and reduced myocardial contractility
D) Increased urinary output and bladder contraction
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Constriction of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure
RATIONALE
Agonists that activate adrenergic receptors stimulate vasoconstriction and elevate blood pressure, typical of the sympathetic
nervous system's fight-or-flight response, contrasting with the effects of parasympathetic activation.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 99
During a code blue situation, a critical care nurse administers 0.5 mg of epinephrine to a patient experiencing cardiac
arrest. After administration, the nurse notes the patient exhibiting agitation and sweating. Which additional effect should
the nurse monitor for as a potential adverse reaction?
A) Hypotension
B) Bradycardia
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Respiratory depression
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Hyperglycemia
RATIONALE
Epinephrine can cause hyperglycemia due to its effects on glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, which may exacerbate conditions
such as diabetes. Monitoring for this effect is critical in managing the patient's response to the drug.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 99
Which medications may interact with epinephrine, leading to altered cardiovascular effects or increased blood sugar
levels in patients?
A) Beta blockers
B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
C) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
D) Calcium channel blockers
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Beta blockers
Page 4
