PHARMACOLOGY WEEK (NURS 180)
2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following pharmacokinetic processes is most significantly affected by a drug
having a high first-pass effect?
A. Drug Distribution
B. Drug Excretion
C. Protein Binding
D. Bioavailability
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the rapid hepatic metabolism of a
drug before it reaches systemic circulation, which directly reduces its bioavailability.
2. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block aldosterone secretion, which leads to the
retention of potassium and the excretion of sodium and water.
3. Which medication is the specific reversal agent for a heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Flumazenil
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
4. When administering an inhaled Beta-2 agonist like Albuterol, what is the primary
physiological response expected?
A. Bronchoconstriction
B. Increased GI motility
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchodilation
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Beta-2 adrenergic agonists stimulate receptors in the bronchial
smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and bronchodilation.
5. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Gentamicin, are primarily associated with which two
major toxicities?
A. Hepatotoxicity and Cardiotoxicity
B. Hematologic toxicity and Dermatologic toxicity
C. Neurotoxicity and Pulmonary toxicity
D. Nephrotoxicity and Ototoxicity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides are known to accumulate in the renal tubules
and the inner ear, causing potential kidney damage and hearing loss/balance issues.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which clinical assessment is a priority before
giving the dose?
A. Apical pulse for one full minute
B. Blood pressure in both arms
C. Respiratory rate for one full minute
D. Temperature measurement
Answer: A
2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following pharmacokinetic processes is most significantly affected by a drug
having a high first-pass effect?
A. Drug Distribution
B. Drug Excretion
C. Protein Binding
D. Bioavailability
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the rapid hepatic metabolism of a
drug before it reaches systemic circulation, which directly reduces its bioavailability.
2. A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which electrolyte abnormality
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block aldosterone secretion, which leads to the
retention of potassium and the excretion of sodium and water.
3. Which medication is the specific reversal agent for a heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Flumazenil
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
4. When administering an inhaled Beta-2 agonist like Albuterol, what is the primary
physiological response expected?
A. Bronchoconstriction
B. Increased GI motility
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchodilation
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Beta-2 adrenergic agonists stimulate receptors in the bronchial
smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and bronchodilation.
5. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Gentamicin, are primarily associated with which two
major toxicities?
A. Hepatotoxicity and Cardiotoxicity
B. Hematologic toxicity and Dermatologic toxicity
C. Neurotoxicity and Pulmonary toxicity
D. Nephrotoxicity and Ototoxicity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aminoglycosides are known to accumulate in the renal tubules
and the inner ear, causing potential kidney damage and hearing loss/balance issues.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which clinical assessment is a priority before
giving the dose?
A. Apical pulse for one full minute
B. Blood pressure in both arms
C. Respiratory rate for one full minute
D. Temperature measurement
Answer: A
