NURS 5663 ADVANCED
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which process describes the movement of a drug from its site of administration into the
central compartment?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Elimination
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process of drug movement into the systemic
circulation. Distribution refers to movement within body compartments, metabolism is
chemical alteration, and elimination is removal from the body.
,2. A patient is prescribed a drug with a narrow therapeutic index. What does this indicate to
the prescribing clinician?
A. The drug is highly effective at low doses.
B. The drug has a very long half-life.
C. The margin between therapeutic and toxic doses is small.
D. The drug is easily cleared by the kidneys.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is little difference
between the dose that produces a beneficial effect and the dose that produces toxicity,
requiring close monitoring.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in the treatment of
hypertension?
A. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
B. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
C. Inhibiting the release of renin
D. Antagonizing the AT1 receptor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme,
preventing the formation of the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
, 4. Which of the following is a classic adverse effect associated specifically with ACE inhibitors
due to bradykinin accumulation?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dry, non-productive cough
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The inhibition of ACE prevents the breakdown of bradykinin in
the lungs, which can lead to a persistent dry cough in about 10-20% of patients.
5. A patient with asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which of the following is
the safest choice?
A. Metoprolol
B. Nadolol
C. Propranolol
D. Timolol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker, making it safer
for patients with obstructive airway disease compared to non-selective blockers like
Propranolol.
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which process describes the movement of a drug from its site of administration into the
central compartment?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Elimination
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process of drug movement into the systemic
circulation. Distribution refers to movement within body compartments, metabolism is
chemical alteration, and elimination is removal from the body.
,2. A patient is prescribed a drug with a narrow therapeutic index. What does this indicate to
the prescribing clinician?
A. The drug is highly effective at low doses.
B. The drug has a very long half-life.
C. The margin between therapeutic and toxic doses is small.
D. The drug is easily cleared by the kidneys.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is little difference
between the dose that produces a beneficial effect and the dose that produces toxicity,
requiring close monitoring.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in the treatment of
hypertension?
A. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
B. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
C. Inhibiting the release of renin
D. Antagonizing the AT1 receptor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme,
preventing the formation of the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
, 4. Which of the following is a classic adverse effect associated specifically with ACE inhibitors
due to bradykinin accumulation?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dry, non-productive cough
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The inhibition of ACE prevents the breakdown of bradykinin in
the lungs, which can lead to a persistent dry cough in about 10-20% of patients.
5. A patient with asthma requires a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which of the following is
the safest choice?
A. Metoprolol
B. Nadolol
C. Propranolol
D. Timolol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker, making it safer
for patients with obstructive airway disease compared to non-selective blockers like
Propranolol.
