RELIAS ASSESSMENTS ASSISTANCE MATERIAL RN
PHARMACOLOGY FREQUENTLY TESTED ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Question 1.
Histamine-2 Antagonist: Generic and Brand Names
ANSWER
Here is a table of the most commonly used H2 antagonists.
ClassificationGeneric nameBrand nameHistamine-2
antagonistscimetidineTagametranitidineZantacfamotidinePepcidnizatidineAxid
Question 2.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
ANSWER
Antiarrhythmics address arrhythmia by altering cells' automaticity and conductivity.
All cells in the heart are capable of undergoing spontaneous contractions (automaticity).
Therefore, these cells are capable of generating excitatory impulses. Disruptions in the
conduction of these impulses affect contractility of the heart as well as the volume of blood
pumped by the heart each minute (cardiac output). Arrhythmia is the term applied for
disruptions that interfere with generation of impulses and conduction of these impulses to the
myocardium.
Question 3.
Salicylates
ANSWER
Anti-inflammatory agents are drugs that block the effects of the inflammatory response. A
popular and one of the oldest groups of anti-inflammatory agents is the salicylates.
Salicylates are salicylic acid compounds with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever-blocking),
and analgesic (pain-blocking) properties. These drugs are widely available as nonprescription
drugs and are relatively nontoxic when used as directed. However, an individual's response to
different salicylates may vary.
Since salicylates are widely available over the counter (OTC), there is potential for abuse and
overdosing. These drugs may also block the signs and symptoms of a present illness,
contributing to the possibility of misdiagnosis.
, Question 4.
What are Inhaled Steroids?
ANSWER
Inhaled steroids are used to decrease the inflammatory response in the airway. Inhaling the
steroid tends to decrease the numerous systemic effects that are associated with steroid use.
It is usually useful to try another preparation if one is not effective within 2 to 3 weeks.
Question 5.
Muscle Relaxants
ANSWER
Local damage to skeletal muscles can happen due to injuries and accidents. If the damage is
severe, normal muscular functioning and central nervous system may be permanently
damaged.
Spasticity is a condition characterized by sustained contractions of the muscle.
It is due to the loss of nerves responsible for the maintenance of balance in corresponding
muscle activities.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are agents that can treat both temporary and permanent neuronal
damage. They do this by interfering with the pain and spasm cycle.
Question 6.
Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics)
ANSWER
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) works to keep the body's homeostasis against internal
and external changes in the environment which alter the body's internal functions (e.g., blood
pressure regulation, urinary excretion, water balance, and digestive functions).
Adrenergic agonists are autonomic nervous system drugs that stimulate the adrenergic
receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), either directly (by reacting with receptor
sites) or indirectly (by increasing norepinephrine levels). An adrenergic agonist is also called a
sympathomimetic because it stimulates the effects of SNS.
Adrenergic agonists are further classified into three: alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists,
alpha-specific adrenergic agonists, and beta-specific adrenergic agonists.
PHARMACOLOGY FREQUENTLY TESTED ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Question 1.
Histamine-2 Antagonist: Generic and Brand Names
ANSWER
Here is a table of the most commonly used H2 antagonists.
ClassificationGeneric nameBrand nameHistamine-2
antagonistscimetidineTagametranitidineZantacfamotidinePepcidnizatidineAxid
Question 2.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
ANSWER
Antiarrhythmics address arrhythmia by altering cells' automaticity and conductivity.
All cells in the heart are capable of undergoing spontaneous contractions (automaticity).
Therefore, these cells are capable of generating excitatory impulses. Disruptions in the
conduction of these impulses affect contractility of the heart as well as the volume of blood
pumped by the heart each minute (cardiac output). Arrhythmia is the term applied for
disruptions that interfere with generation of impulses and conduction of these impulses to the
myocardium.
Question 3.
Salicylates
ANSWER
Anti-inflammatory agents are drugs that block the effects of the inflammatory response. A
popular and one of the oldest groups of anti-inflammatory agents is the salicylates.
Salicylates are salicylic acid compounds with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever-blocking),
and analgesic (pain-blocking) properties. These drugs are widely available as nonprescription
drugs and are relatively nontoxic when used as directed. However, an individual's response to
different salicylates may vary.
Since salicylates are widely available over the counter (OTC), there is potential for abuse and
overdosing. These drugs may also block the signs and symptoms of a present illness,
contributing to the possibility of misdiagnosis.
, Question 4.
What are Inhaled Steroids?
ANSWER
Inhaled steroids are used to decrease the inflammatory response in the airway. Inhaling the
steroid tends to decrease the numerous systemic effects that are associated with steroid use.
It is usually useful to try another preparation if one is not effective within 2 to 3 weeks.
Question 5.
Muscle Relaxants
ANSWER
Local damage to skeletal muscles can happen due to injuries and accidents. If the damage is
severe, normal muscular functioning and central nervous system may be permanently
damaged.
Spasticity is a condition characterized by sustained contractions of the muscle.
It is due to the loss of nerves responsible for the maintenance of balance in corresponding
muscle activities.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are agents that can treat both temporary and permanent neuronal
damage. They do this by interfering with the pain and spasm cycle.
Question 6.
Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics)
ANSWER
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) works to keep the body's homeostasis against internal
and external changes in the environment which alter the body's internal functions (e.g., blood
pressure regulation, urinary excretion, water balance, and digestive functions).
Adrenergic agonists are autonomic nervous system drugs that stimulate the adrenergic
receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), either directly (by reacting with receptor
sites) or indirectly (by increasing norepinephrine levels). An adrenergic agonist is also called a
sympathomimetic because it stimulates the effects of SNS.
Adrenergic agonists are further classified into three: alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists,
alpha-specific adrenergic agonists, and beta-specific adrenergic agonists.
