NR 566 Final Exam Prep – Advanced
Pharmacology – 100 Questions &
Answers (Chamberlain 2026)
EXAM OVERVIEW
Componen Details
t
Course NR 566 – Advanced
Pharmacology for
the Care of the
Family
Institution Chamberlain
University
Exam Type Final Exam (Weeks
5–8)
Format 100 multiple-choice
questions
Content Pharmacotherapy
Areas for Eyes, Ears, Nose,
Skin; Mental Health;
CNS Disorders;
, Health Promotion &
Weight Loss
SECTION 1: PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR EYES,
EARS, NOSE & SKIN (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
Which adverse effect is the main reason first-generation H₁
antihistamines are avoided in most older adults?
A. Diarrhea
B. Nephrotoxicity
C. Sedation with anticholinergic effects
D. Hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines cross the blood–brain
barrier and have strong anticholinergic properties, leading to
confusion, falls, urinary retention, and dry mouth in older adults. These
risks make them Beers-criteria drugs that are generally avoided when
safer second-generation options exist.
Question 2
A patient taking diphenhydramine nightly for sleep reports daytime
grogginess and decreased effectiveness after a week. What is the
best explanation?
,A. The drug has accumulated to toxic levels
B. Tolerance has developed to the sedative effects
C. The half-life is too short to maintain sleep
D. The patient is experiencing withdrawal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine can initially aid sleep, but tolerance to its
sedating effect often develops within a few days, while anticholinergic
adverse effects persist. This pattern explains ongoing grogginess
without sustained benefit.
Question 3
A patient has used a topical nasal decongestant spray multiple times
daily for 2 weeks and now reports worsening congestion. What is the
most likely cause?
A. Allergic reaction to the preservative
B. Nasal septal perforation
C. Rebound congestion from overuse
D. Progression to bacterial sinusitis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prolonged use of topical sympathomimetic decongestants
beyond 3–5 days can cause rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound
congestion), where nasal stuffiness worsens when the drug is stopped
or wears off.
, Question 4
Which patient should avoid oral pseudoephedrine or use it with
extreme caution?
A. 12-year-old with mild seasonal rhinitis
B. Adult with controlled hypertension and narrow-angle glaucoma
C. Young adult with history of eczema
D. Postpartum patient who is breastfeeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oral sympathomimetic decongestants can raise blood
pressure and intraocular pressure. They are relatively contraindicated
in patients with hypertension and glaucoma because vasoconstriction
can exacerbate these conditions.
Question 5
Which statement about dextromethorphan is most accurate?
A. It is an opioid agonist that causes strong respiratory depression at
normal doses
B. It is indicated for productive coughs with copious sputum
C. It acts centrally to suppress the cough reflex without typical opioid
effects at normal doses
D. It is contraindicated in all patients with asthma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dextromethorphan is a centrally acting antitussive that
suppresses the cough reflex. At normal doses, it does not produce
typical opioid effects or significant respiratory depression. It is used
Pharmacology – 100 Questions &
Answers (Chamberlain 2026)
EXAM OVERVIEW
Componen Details
t
Course NR 566 – Advanced
Pharmacology for
the Care of the
Family
Institution Chamberlain
University
Exam Type Final Exam (Weeks
5–8)
Format 100 multiple-choice
questions
Content Pharmacotherapy
Areas for Eyes, Ears, Nose,
Skin; Mental Health;
CNS Disorders;
, Health Promotion &
Weight Loss
SECTION 1: PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR EYES,
EARS, NOSE & SKIN (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
Which adverse effect is the main reason first-generation H₁
antihistamines are avoided in most older adults?
A. Diarrhea
B. Nephrotoxicity
C. Sedation with anticholinergic effects
D. Hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines cross the blood–brain
barrier and have strong anticholinergic properties, leading to
confusion, falls, urinary retention, and dry mouth in older adults. These
risks make them Beers-criteria drugs that are generally avoided when
safer second-generation options exist.
Question 2
A patient taking diphenhydramine nightly for sleep reports daytime
grogginess and decreased effectiveness after a week. What is the
best explanation?
,A. The drug has accumulated to toxic levels
B. Tolerance has developed to the sedative effects
C. The half-life is too short to maintain sleep
D. The patient is experiencing withdrawal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine can initially aid sleep, but tolerance to its
sedating effect often develops within a few days, while anticholinergic
adverse effects persist. This pattern explains ongoing grogginess
without sustained benefit.
Question 3
A patient has used a topical nasal decongestant spray multiple times
daily for 2 weeks and now reports worsening congestion. What is the
most likely cause?
A. Allergic reaction to the preservative
B. Nasal septal perforation
C. Rebound congestion from overuse
D. Progression to bacterial sinusitis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prolonged use of topical sympathomimetic decongestants
beyond 3–5 days can cause rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound
congestion), where nasal stuffiness worsens when the drug is stopped
or wears off.
, Question 4
Which patient should avoid oral pseudoephedrine or use it with
extreme caution?
A. 12-year-old with mild seasonal rhinitis
B. Adult with controlled hypertension and narrow-angle glaucoma
C. Young adult with history of eczema
D. Postpartum patient who is breastfeeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oral sympathomimetic decongestants can raise blood
pressure and intraocular pressure. They are relatively contraindicated
in patients with hypertension and glaucoma because vasoconstriction
can exacerbate these conditions.
Question 5
Which statement about dextromethorphan is most accurate?
A. It is an opioid agonist that causes strong respiratory depression at
normal doses
B. It is indicated for productive coughs with copious sputum
C. It acts centrally to suppress the cough reflex without typical opioid
effects at normal doses
D. It is contraindicated in all patients with asthma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dextromethorphan is a centrally acting antitussive that
suppresses the cough reflex. At normal doses, it does not produce
typical opioid effects or significant respiratory depression. It is used
