Here’s a comprehensive practice exam structure for NU 553 – Exam 2
(Sacred Heart University, 2026/2027 Update) with a table of contents,
verified answers, and rationales. This format is designed as a
professional study guide — clear, exam-focused, and marketplace-ready.
NU 553 – Exam 2 Practice Questions &
Correct Answers (2026/2027 Update)
Rated A+ | 100% Verified | Sacred Heart University
📑 Table of Contents
1. Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
2. Cardiovascular & Renal Agents
3. Respiratory & GI Pharmacology
4. Endocrine & Reproductive Drugs
5. Neurological & Psychiatric Agents
6. Pain Management & Anesthetics
7. Antimicrobials & Chemotherapy
8. Case Scenarios & Critical Thinking
Section 1: Pharmacokinetics &
Pharmacodynamics
Q1. The “first-pass effect” refers to: Correct Answer: Hepatic metabolism
reducing drug bioavailability Rationale: Oral drugs undergo liver metabolism before
systemic circulation.
Q2. Half-life determines: Correct Answer: Time for plasma concentration to
decrease by 50% Rationale: Guides dosing intervals and steady-state achievement.
, Q3. Therapeutic index measures: Correct Answer: Margin between effective
and toxic dose Rationale: Narrow index drugs require close monitoring.
Section 2: Cardiovascular & Renal Agents
Q4. ACE inhibitors commonly cause: Correct Answer: Persistent dry cough
Rationale: Due to bradykinin accumulation.
Q5. Furosemide adverse effect: Correct Answer: Hypokalemia Rationale: Loop
diuretics increase potassium excretion.
Q6. Digoxin toxicity signs: Correct Answer: Nausea, visual disturbances,
arrhythmias Rationale: Narrow therapeutic window requires monitoring.
Section 3: Respiratory & GI Pharmacology
Q7. Albuterol is classified as: Correct Answer: Short-acting beta-2 agonist
Rationale: Provides rapid bronchodilation in asthma.
Q8. Adverse effect of corticosteroid inhalers: Correct Answer: Oral candidiasis
(thrush) Rationale: Local immunosuppression increases fungal risk.
Q9. Proton pump inhibitors reduce: Correct Answer: Gastric acid secretion
Rationale: Effective in GERD and peptic ulcer disease.
Section 4: Endocrine & Reproductive Drugs
Q10. Insulin lispro is: Correct Answer: Rapid-acting insulin Rationale:
Administered before meals for postprandial glucose control.
Q11. Levothyroxine treats: Correct Answer: Hypothyroidism Rationale: Synthetic
T4 replacement.
Q12. Oral contraceptives risk: Correct Answer: Thromboembolism Rationale:
Estrogen increases clotting factors.
Section 5: Neurological & Psychiatric Agents
Q13. SSRIs are first-line for: Correct Answer: Depression Rationale: Increase
serotonin with fewer side effects than TCAs.
Q14. Lithium toxicity signs: Correct Answer: Tremors, confusion, polyuria
Rationale: Narrow therapeutic range requires monitoring.
(Sacred Heart University, 2026/2027 Update) with a table of contents,
verified answers, and rationales. This format is designed as a
professional study guide — clear, exam-focused, and marketplace-ready.
NU 553 – Exam 2 Practice Questions &
Correct Answers (2026/2027 Update)
Rated A+ | 100% Verified | Sacred Heart University
📑 Table of Contents
1. Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
2. Cardiovascular & Renal Agents
3. Respiratory & GI Pharmacology
4. Endocrine & Reproductive Drugs
5. Neurological & Psychiatric Agents
6. Pain Management & Anesthetics
7. Antimicrobials & Chemotherapy
8. Case Scenarios & Critical Thinking
Section 1: Pharmacokinetics &
Pharmacodynamics
Q1. The “first-pass effect” refers to: Correct Answer: Hepatic metabolism
reducing drug bioavailability Rationale: Oral drugs undergo liver metabolism before
systemic circulation.
Q2. Half-life determines: Correct Answer: Time for plasma concentration to
decrease by 50% Rationale: Guides dosing intervals and steady-state achievement.
, Q3. Therapeutic index measures: Correct Answer: Margin between effective
and toxic dose Rationale: Narrow index drugs require close monitoring.
Section 2: Cardiovascular & Renal Agents
Q4. ACE inhibitors commonly cause: Correct Answer: Persistent dry cough
Rationale: Due to bradykinin accumulation.
Q5. Furosemide adverse effect: Correct Answer: Hypokalemia Rationale: Loop
diuretics increase potassium excretion.
Q6. Digoxin toxicity signs: Correct Answer: Nausea, visual disturbances,
arrhythmias Rationale: Narrow therapeutic window requires monitoring.
Section 3: Respiratory & GI Pharmacology
Q7. Albuterol is classified as: Correct Answer: Short-acting beta-2 agonist
Rationale: Provides rapid bronchodilation in asthma.
Q8. Adverse effect of corticosteroid inhalers: Correct Answer: Oral candidiasis
(thrush) Rationale: Local immunosuppression increases fungal risk.
Q9. Proton pump inhibitors reduce: Correct Answer: Gastric acid secretion
Rationale: Effective in GERD and peptic ulcer disease.
Section 4: Endocrine & Reproductive Drugs
Q10. Insulin lispro is: Correct Answer: Rapid-acting insulin Rationale:
Administered before meals for postprandial glucose control.
Q11. Levothyroxine treats: Correct Answer: Hypothyroidism Rationale: Synthetic
T4 replacement.
Q12. Oral contraceptives risk: Correct Answer: Thromboembolism Rationale:
Estrogen increases clotting factors.
Section 5: Neurological & Psychiatric Agents
Q13. SSRIs are first-line for: Correct Answer: Depression Rationale: Increase
serotonin with fewer side effects than TCAs.
Q14. Lithium toxicity signs: Correct Answer: Tremors, confusion, polyuria
Rationale: Narrow therapeutic range requires monitoring.
