Grand Canyon University
4 MAXE · 613 GSN
★ ★
GCU College of Nursing & Health Care Professions
EST. 1949
F I N D YO U R P U R P O S E
GCU NSG 316 Nursing Pharm 1 Exam 4
P H A R M ACO LO G Y — PA I N M A N AG E M E N T & O P I O I D P H A R M ACO LO G Y
INSTITUTION Grand Canyon University COURSE CODE NSG 316
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE GCU NSG 316 Nursing Pharm 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS 112 Questions
Exam 4
COURSE TITLE Pharmacology I FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Opioid pharmacology, addiction, pain management, and drug classifications are all testable content.
▸ Key terms and definitions from the course are emphasized throughout.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current pharmacology and nursing practice standards.
, SECTION I — PAIN MANAGEMENT & OPIOID
Questions 1 – 112
PHARMACOLOGY
1. What should the nurse say to a patient who refuses opioid pain medication due to a stated
history of opioid addiction?
A. "I will call the healthcare provider for a non-opioid pain reliever"
B. "You need to take this medication as ordered"
C. "Let me get you some water to take this pill"
D. "I will come back later to see if you change your mind"
CORRECT ANSWER A — "I will call the healthcare provider for a non-opioid pain reliever"
RATIONALE When a patient refuses opioid pain medication due to a history of addiction, the
nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and advocate for alternative pain
management. The nurse should contact the healthcare provider to request a non-
opioid pain reliever that addresses the patient's pain while respecting their
concerns about addiction.
2. What condition is a contraindication for cyclobenzaprine?
A. Epilepsy/seizures
B. Hypertension
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. Asthma
CORRECT ANSWER A — Epilepsy/seizures
RATIONALE Cyclobenzaprine should never be given to a patient with a history of epilepsy or
seizures. This medication can lower the seizure threshold and exacerbate seizure
disorders. The nurse must perform a thorough history and identify this
contraindication before administration.
,3. What is the BEERS Criteria?
A. A suggested list of medications not to use in adults 65+ due to reduced liver/kidney
function and increased adverse reactions
B. A list of controlled substances
C. Guidelines for pediatric medication dosing
D. A chart for opioid conversion
CORRECT ANSWER A — A suggested list of medications not to use in adults 65+ due to reduced
liver/kidney function and increased adverse reactions
RATIONALE The BEERS Criteria is a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for
adults 65 years and older. These medications may cause increased adverse
reactions or be ineffective due to age-related changes in liver and kidney function.
It is a critical reference for safe prescribing in older adults.
4. What is an adjuvant drug for pain that can make you smile?
A. Antidepressant
B. Anticonvulsant
C. Corticosteroid
D. NSAID
CORRECT ANSWER A — Antidepressant
RATIONALE Antidepressants are adjuvant drugs for pain that can affect mood, potentially
making patients feel better emotionally. The phrase "can make you smile" refers
to the mood-elevating effects of antidepressants. These medications are often
used as adjuncts in chronic pain management.
, 5. What syndrome can affect a newborn of a pregnant addicted female?
A. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
B. Sudden infant death syndrome
C. Respiratory distress syndrome
D. Down syndrome
CORRECT ANSWER A — Neonatal abstinence syndrome
RATIONALE Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) can affect newborns of pregnant addicted
females. It occurs when the newborn is exposed to addictive substances in utero
and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth. This is a serious condition
requiring careful monitoring and management.
6. How should children receive opioids?
A. Carefully calculated to age and weight
B. Standard adult doses adjusted by age only
C. The same dosing as adults
D. Based on the child's height only
CORRECT ANSWER A — Carefully calculated to age and weight
RATIONALE Children need opioids carefully calculated to age and weight. Pediatric dosing is
weight-based and requires precise calculations to ensure safety and effectiveness
while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or overdose. The nurse must verify all
pediatric opioid calculations.
4 MAXE · 613 GSN
★ ★
GCU College of Nursing & Health Care Professions
EST. 1949
F I N D YO U R P U R P O S E
GCU NSG 316 Nursing Pharm 1 Exam 4
P H A R M ACO LO G Y — PA I N M A N AG E M E N T & O P I O I D P H A R M ACO LO G Y
INSTITUTION Grand Canyon University COURSE CODE NSG 316
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE GCU NSG 316 Nursing Pharm 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS 112 Questions
Exam 4
COURSE TITLE Pharmacology I FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Opioid pharmacology, addiction, pain management, and drug classifications are all testable content.
▸ Key terms and definitions from the course are emphasized throughout.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current pharmacology and nursing practice standards.
, SECTION I — PAIN MANAGEMENT & OPIOID
Questions 1 – 112
PHARMACOLOGY
1. What should the nurse say to a patient who refuses opioid pain medication due to a stated
history of opioid addiction?
A. "I will call the healthcare provider for a non-opioid pain reliever"
B. "You need to take this medication as ordered"
C. "Let me get you some water to take this pill"
D. "I will come back later to see if you change your mind"
CORRECT ANSWER A — "I will call the healthcare provider for a non-opioid pain reliever"
RATIONALE When a patient refuses opioid pain medication due to a history of addiction, the
nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and advocate for alternative pain
management. The nurse should contact the healthcare provider to request a non-
opioid pain reliever that addresses the patient's pain while respecting their
concerns about addiction.
2. What condition is a contraindication for cyclobenzaprine?
A. Epilepsy/seizures
B. Hypertension
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. Asthma
CORRECT ANSWER A — Epilepsy/seizures
RATIONALE Cyclobenzaprine should never be given to a patient with a history of epilepsy or
seizures. This medication can lower the seizure threshold and exacerbate seizure
disorders. The nurse must perform a thorough history and identify this
contraindication before administration.
,3. What is the BEERS Criteria?
A. A suggested list of medications not to use in adults 65+ due to reduced liver/kidney
function and increased adverse reactions
B. A list of controlled substances
C. Guidelines for pediatric medication dosing
D. A chart for opioid conversion
CORRECT ANSWER A — A suggested list of medications not to use in adults 65+ due to reduced
liver/kidney function and increased adverse reactions
RATIONALE The BEERS Criteria is a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for
adults 65 years and older. These medications may cause increased adverse
reactions or be ineffective due to age-related changes in liver and kidney function.
It is a critical reference for safe prescribing in older adults.
4. What is an adjuvant drug for pain that can make you smile?
A. Antidepressant
B. Anticonvulsant
C. Corticosteroid
D. NSAID
CORRECT ANSWER A — Antidepressant
RATIONALE Antidepressants are adjuvant drugs for pain that can affect mood, potentially
making patients feel better emotionally. The phrase "can make you smile" refers
to the mood-elevating effects of antidepressants. These medications are often
used as adjuncts in chronic pain management.
, 5. What syndrome can affect a newborn of a pregnant addicted female?
A. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
B. Sudden infant death syndrome
C. Respiratory distress syndrome
D. Down syndrome
CORRECT ANSWER A — Neonatal abstinence syndrome
RATIONALE Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) can affect newborns of pregnant addicted
females. It occurs when the newborn is exposed to addictive substances in utero
and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth. This is a serious condition
requiring careful monitoring and management.
6. How should children receive opioids?
A. Carefully calculated to age and weight
B. Standard adult doses adjusted by age only
C. The same dosing as adults
D. Based on the child's height only
CORRECT ANSWER A — Carefully calculated to age and weight
RATIONALE Children need opioids carefully calculated to age and weight. Pediatric dosing is
weight-based and requires precise calculations to ensure safety and effectiveness
while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or overdose. The nurse must verify all
pediatric opioid calculations.
