NURS 6013 Module 6 Quiz: Practice Questions and Answers with Rationales | 2026/2027 Updated –
Arkansas State University
30 Original Practice Questions
Every question includes four answer choices, the best-supported correct answer, and an
explanatory rationale.
Section Coverage Questions
A Respiratory pharmacology 1–6
B Antihistamines and medication interactions 7–10
C Gastrointestinal pharmacology 11–14
D Antiemetics 15–18
E Vitamins and deficiencies 19–23
F Antimicrobial pharmacology 24–30
Accuracy note: The student-uploaded materials contain several outdated or incorrect statements.
This original resource corrects those where necessary using established pharmacological
references. It is not an official Arkansas State University examination or answer key.
Section A – Respiratory pharmacology
Question 1. Terbutaline mechanism of action
Which intracellular signaling pathway explains the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline?
A. Muscarinic M3 activation with increased intracellular calcium B. Beta-2 receptor activation,
Gs signaling, and increased cyclic AMP C. Dopamine D2 blockade and decreased cyclic AMP
D. Histamine H1 stimulation and increased smooth-muscle contraction
Correct Answer: B — Beta-2 receptor activation, Gs signaling, and increased cyclic AMP.
Rationale: Terbutaline is a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Beta-2 receptor activation
stimulates Gs proteins and adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP).
The resulting signaling decreases bronchial smooth-muscle contraction and promotes relaxation.
This demonstrates how activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor can alter airway smooth-
muscle tone.
Question 2. Ipratropium pharmacology
, Which receptor does ipratropium primarily antagonize to reduce cholinergic
bronchoconstriction?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor B. Beta-1 adrenergic receptor C. Histamine H2 receptor D. Muscarinic
M3 receptor
Correct Answer: D — Muscarinic M3 receptor.
Rationale: Ipratropium is an antimuscarinic medication.
Acetylcholine normally stimulates muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle, contributing
to bronchoconstriction.
Blocking this signaling reduces parasympathetic-mediated airway narrowing and promotes
bronchodilation.
Question 3. Nitric oxide signaling
Which intracellular signaling molecule is primarily increased when nitric oxide activates soluble
guanylyl cyclase?
A. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) B. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) C.
Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) D. Diacylglycerol (DAG)
Correct Answer: A — cGMP.
Rationale: Nitric oxide diffuses into smooth-muscle cells and activates soluble guanylyl cyclase.
This increases cGMP formation, activating signaling pathways that promote smooth-muscle
relaxation.
This mechanism is particularly important in vascular physiology, including pulmonary vascular
relaxation.
Question 4. Theophylline mechanism
Which statement best describes the pharmacological mechanisms associated with theophylline?
A. It selectively blocks the PDE5 enzyme. B. It activates muscarinic M3 receptors. C. It inhibits
several phosphodiesterase enzymes and antagonizes adenosine receptors. D. It irreversibly
blocks beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Theophylline is a methylxanthine with multiple pharmacological actions.
Arkansas State University
30 Original Practice Questions
Every question includes four answer choices, the best-supported correct answer, and an
explanatory rationale.
Section Coverage Questions
A Respiratory pharmacology 1–6
B Antihistamines and medication interactions 7–10
C Gastrointestinal pharmacology 11–14
D Antiemetics 15–18
E Vitamins and deficiencies 19–23
F Antimicrobial pharmacology 24–30
Accuracy note: The student-uploaded materials contain several outdated or incorrect statements.
This original resource corrects those where necessary using established pharmacological
references. It is not an official Arkansas State University examination or answer key.
Section A – Respiratory pharmacology
Question 1. Terbutaline mechanism of action
Which intracellular signaling pathway explains the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline?
A. Muscarinic M3 activation with increased intracellular calcium B. Beta-2 receptor activation,
Gs signaling, and increased cyclic AMP C. Dopamine D2 blockade and decreased cyclic AMP
D. Histamine H1 stimulation and increased smooth-muscle contraction
Correct Answer: B — Beta-2 receptor activation, Gs signaling, and increased cyclic AMP.
Rationale: Terbutaline is a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Beta-2 receptor activation
stimulates Gs proteins and adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP).
The resulting signaling decreases bronchial smooth-muscle contraction and promotes relaxation.
This demonstrates how activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor can alter airway smooth-
muscle tone.
Question 2. Ipratropium pharmacology
, Which receptor does ipratropium primarily antagonize to reduce cholinergic
bronchoconstriction?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor B. Beta-1 adrenergic receptor C. Histamine H2 receptor D. Muscarinic
M3 receptor
Correct Answer: D — Muscarinic M3 receptor.
Rationale: Ipratropium is an antimuscarinic medication.
Acetylcholine normally stimulates muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle, contributing
to bronchoconstriction.
Blocking this signaling reduces parasympathetic-mediated airway narrowing and promotes
bronchodilation.
Question 3. Nitric oxide signaling
Which intracellular signaling molecule is primarily increased when nitric oxide activates soluble
guanylyl cyclase?
A. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) B. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) C.
Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) D. Diacylglycerol (DAG)
Correct Answer: A — cGMP.
Rationale: Nitric oxide diffuses into smooth-muscle cells and activates soluble guanylyl cyclase.
This increases cGMP formation, activating signaling pathways that promote smooth-muscle
relaxation.
This mechanism is particularly important in vascular physiology, including pulmonary vascular
relaxation.
Question 4. Theophylline mechanism
Which statement best describes the pharmacological mechanisms associated with theophylline?
A. It selectively blocks the PDE5 enzyme. B. It activates muscarinic M3 receptors. C. It inhibits
several phosphodiesterase enzymes and antagonizes adenosine receptors. D. It irreversibly
blocks beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Theophylline is a methylxanthine with multiple pharmacological actions.
