NUR 354 Pharmacology II Exam 1 Comprehensive Review
Questions and Correct Answers plus Rationales | Already
Graded A+ | New 2026-2027 Update
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the DSM-5-TR in
psychiatric nursing?
A) To provide a standardized classification system for diagnosing mental disorders
B) To outline the legal rights of psychiatric patients
C) To describe the scope of practice for psychiatric nurses
D) To guide reimbursement for mental health services
Correct Answer: To provide a standardized classification system for diagnosing
mental disorders
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. It provides standardized criteria for
diagnosing mental health conditions, ensuring consistency across providers. It is
not a legal document or a scope-of-practice guide, though it may be used for
billing purposes.
What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
A) Controlling voluntary muscle movements
B) Regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion
C) Processing sensory information from the environment
D) Storing and retrieving memories
,Correct Answer: Regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate and
digestion
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary responses,
including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and glandular secretion. It is
divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Voluntary movement
is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
According to Peplau's theory, which phase of the nurse-patient relationship
involves establishing trust and clarifying expectations?
A) Preinteraction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: Peplau's orientation phase is when the nurse and patient meet,
establish trust, clarify expectations, and set treatment goals. The preinteraction
phase occurs before the first meeting. The working phase involves exploring
feelings and implementing interventions, and the termination phase concludes
the relationship.
Which term refers to the study of the body's response to drugs, including what
the drug does to the body?
A) Pharmacokinetics
B) Pharmacodynamics
,C) Pharmacogenetics
D) Pharmacotherapy
Correct Answer: Pharmacodynamics
Rationale: Pharmacodynamics is the study of what a drug does to the body,
including its mechanism of action, receptor interactions, and therapeutic effects.
Pharmacokinetics describes what the body does to the drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
What is the most likely outcome if a nurse fails to recognize signs of neuroleptic
malignant syndrome in a patient taking antipsychotics?
A) The patient may develop severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic
instability
B) The patient may experience mild drowsiness and dry mouth
C) The patient may develop a rash and photosensitivity
D) The patient may experience increased appetite and weight gain
Correct Answer: The patient may develop severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
and autonomic instability
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction to
antipsychotic medications characterized by severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
autonomic instability, and altered mental status. Prompt recognition and
treatment, including discontinuation of the offending agent and administration of
dantrolene, are critical.
, Which principle explains the need to monitor serum lithium levels in a patient
with bipolar disorder?
A) Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause toxicity
B) Lithium is rapidly metabolized by the liver
C) Lithium has no adverse effects at any dose
D) Lithium is excreted unchanged in the urine without risk
Correct Answer: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause toxicity
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), and levels
above this range can cause toxicity, including tremor, confusion, seizures, and
renal failure. Regular monitoring is essential. It is excreted renally, and
dehydration or NSAID use can increase levels.
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Ask the patient what the voices are saying
B) Tell the patient to ignore the voices
C) Administer an antipsychotic medication
D) Place the patient in seclusion
Correct Answer: Ask the patient what the voices are saying
Rationale: The first action is to assess the content of the hallucinations to
determine if they are commanding the patient to harm themselves or others. This
guides the plan of care. Administering medication may be appropriate but is not
the first step. Seclusion is a last resort.
Questions and Correct Answers plus Rationales | Already
Graded A+ | New 2026-2027 Update
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the DSM-5-TR in
psychiatric nursing?
A) To provide a standardized classification system for diagnosing mental disorders
B) To outline the legal rights of psychiatric patients
C) To describe the scope of practice for psychiatric nurses
D) To guide reimbursement for mental health services
Correct Answer: To provide a standardized classification system for diagnosing
mental disorders
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. It provides standardized criteria for
diagnosing mental health conditions, ensuring consistency across providers. It is
not a legal document or a scope-of-practice guide, though it may be used for
billing purposes.
What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
A) Controlling voluntary muscle movements
B) Regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion
C) Processing sensory information from the environment
D) Storing and retrieving memories
,Correct Answer: Regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate and
digestion
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary responses,
including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and glandular secretion. It is
divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Voluntary movement
is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
According to Peplau's theory, which phase of the nurse-patient relationship
involves establishing trust and clarifying expectations?
A) Preinteraction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: Peplau's orientation phase is when the nurse and patient meet,
establish trust, clarify expectations, and set treatment goals. The preinteraction
phase occurs before the first meeting. The working phase involves exploring
feelings and implementing interventions, and the termination phase concludes
the relationship.
Which term refers to the study of the body's response to drugs, including what
the drug does to the body?
A) Pharmacokinetics
B) Pharmacodynamics
,C) Pharmacogenetics
D) Pharmacotherapy
Correct Answer: Pharmacodynamics
Rationale: Pharmacodynamics is the study of what a drug does to the body,
including its mechanism of action, receptor interactions, and therapeutic effects.
Pharmacokinetics describes what the body does to the drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
What is the most likely outcome if a nurse fails to recognize signs of neuroleptic
malignant syndrome in a patient taking antipsychotics?
A) The patient may develop severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic
instability
B) The patient may experience mild drowsiness and dry mouth
C) The patient may develop a rash and photosensitivity
D) The patient may experience increased appetite and weight gain
Correct Answer: The patient may develop severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
and autonomic instability
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction to
antipsychotic medications characterized by severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
autonomic instability, and altered mental status. Prompt recognition and
treatment, including discontinuation of the offending agent and administration of
dantrolene, are critical.
, Which principle explains the need to monitor serum lithium levels in a patient
with bipolar disorder?
A) Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause toxicity
B) Lithium is rapidly metabolized by the liver
C) Lithium has no adverse effects at any dose
D) Lithium is excreted unchanged in the urine without risk
Correct Answer: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause toxicity
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), and levels
above this range can cause toxicity, including tremor, confusion, seizures, and
renal failure. Regular monitoring is essential. It is excreted renally, and
dehydration or NSAID use can increase levels.
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Ask the patient what the voices are saying
B) Tell the patient to ignore the voices
C) Administer an antipsychotic medication
D) Place the patient in seclusion
Correct Answer: Ask the patient what the voices are saying
Rationale: The first action is to assess the content of the hallucinations to
determine if they are commanding the patient to harm themselves or others. This
guides the plan of care. Administering medication may be appropriate but is not
the first step. Seclusion is a last resort.
