NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology Exam 1: 2026/2027
Questions and Answers – UTA
OVERVIEW:
NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology Exam 1 covers core pharmacokinetics
including half-life, steady-state, volume of distribution, first-pass metabolism,
CYP3A4, and drug absorption, with emphasis on special populations: elderly,
neonates, pediatrics, pregnancy, and lactation. Key drug classes include alpha-1
blockers for BPH, bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, glaucoma agents, urinary
analgesics, antibiotics, and controlled substances. Focus areas include adverse
effects like ototoxicity, esophagitis, hypotension, narrow therapeutic index
monitoring, and Beers Criteria for safe prescribing
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. A patient is prescribed Drug A, which has a half-life of 8 hours. How long will it take to reach
steady-state concentration with regular dosing?
A. 8 hours
B. 16 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 40 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Steady-state is reached after approximately 5 half-lives, so 5 x 8 =40 hours.
2. Which statement best describes a drug with high first-pass metabolism?
A. It is well absorbed in the GI tract
B. It is highly bioavailable
C. It is extensively metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation
D. It is not affected by liver enzymes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High first-pass metabolism means the drug is significantly metabolized in the liver
before reaching systemic circulation, reducing its bioavailability.
, 3. Which side effect is most commonly associated with tamsulosin?
A. Constipation
B. Hypotension
C. Dry mouth
D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, often causes orthostatic hypotension.
4. A male patient taking sildenafil should be warned to avoid which medication due to the risk
of severe hypotension?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Amlodipine
C. Nitrates
D. NSAIDs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sildenafil and nitrates both lower blood pressure and can cause a dangerous drop
when combined.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in elderly patients?
A. Increased renal clearance
B. Increased liver enzyme activity
C. Increased body water
D. Decreased renal function
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aging decreases renal function, affecting drug clearance.
6. Which of the following drugs is safest for use in pregnancy?
A. Warfarin
B. Lisinopril
C. Acetaminophen
D. Isotretinoin
Correct Answer: C
Questions and Answers – UTA
OVERVIEW:
NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology Exam 1 covers core pharmacokinetics
including half-life, steady-state, volume of distribution, first-pass metabolism,
CYP3A4, and drug absorption, with emphasis on special populations: elderly,
neonates, pediatrics, pregnancy, and lactation. Key drug classes include alpha-1
blockers for BPH, bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, glaucoma agents, urinary
analgesics, antibiotics, and controlled substances. Focus areas include adverse
effects like ototoxicity, esophagitis, hypotension, narrow therapeutic index
monitoring, and Beers Criteria for safe prescribing
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. A patient is prescribed Drug A, which has a half-life of 8 hours. How long will it take to reach
steady-state concentration with regular dosing?
A. 8 hours
B. 16 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 40 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Steady-state is reached after approximately 5 half-lives, so 5 x 8 =40 hours.
2. Which statement best describes a drug with high first-pass metabolism?
A. It is well absorbed in the GI tract
B. It is highly bioavailable
C. It is extensively metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation
D. It is not affected by liver enzymes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High first-pass metabolism means the drug is significantly metabolized in the liver
before reaching systemic circulation, reducing its bioavailability.
, 3. Which side effect is most commonly associated with tamsulosin?
A. Constipation
B. Hypotension
C. Dry mouth
D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, often causes orthostatic hypotension.
4. A male patient taking sildenafil should be warned to avoid which medication due to the risk
of severe hypotension?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Amlodipine
C. Nitrates
D. NSAIDs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sildenafil and nitrates both lower blood pressure and can cause a dangerous drop
when combined.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in elderly patients?
A. Increased renal clearance
B. Increased liver enzyme activity
C. Increased body water
D. Decreased renal function
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aging decreases renal function, affecting drug clearance.
6. Which of the following drugs is safest for use in pregnancy?
A. Warfarin
B. Lisinopril
C. Acetaminophen
D. Isotretinoin
Correct Answer: C
