Pharmacology Exam #2 Latest Updated
2025 Questions With Complete Answers
What drug category is Atropine, and what is it used to treat? - ANSWERS-Atropine is a
anticholinergic drug that is used to treat cholinergic crisis (excessive fluid loss; drop in
BP). It emits a sympathetic response and drys up all fluids and increasing BP.
What is a benzodiazaine used to treat? How? (Know the drug) - ANSWERS-
Lorazepam. It is used to treat anxiety and mild insomnia. Increases the effect of GABBA
(main inhibitory enzyme). Wide margin of safety and wide therapeutic margin.
Nursing implications for taking benzos - ANSWERS-May cause dizziness, drowsiness,
vertigo, blurred vision (think sedative). Also a paradoxical reaction (opposite) may
occur; likely in older adults, psychiatric patients, and hyperactive children. There is a
high risk for DEPENDENCE.
What should benzos not be taken with? (drugs and contraindications) - ANSWERS-
Should not be taking when pregnant or lactating. History of substance abuse; high risk
of dependence. While taking oral contraceptives (mess with metabolism; can increase
or reduce effect)
What are barbiturates used to treat? How do they work? (know the drug) - ANSWERS-
phenobarbitol (Luminal). It is a sedative-hypnotic. Low doses treat anxiety, moderate
doses treat seizures, and high doses are hypnotics. It has SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
and therefore therapy is LIMITED TO 14 DAYS (schedule II drug). Increases GABBA
activity.
Side effects of barbiturates? - ANSWERS-1. Hangover effect: feel lethargic and odd
after taking
2. Paradoxical restlessness
3. Rebound effect: drug is no longer effective
4. Respiratory depression
5. Tolerance and dependence (schedule II)
Contraindications and interaction of barbiturates? - ANSWERS-1. Should not be taken
with previous suicidal thoughts; fatal with OD
2. Other CNS depression
3. Decrease effect of digoxin and TCA's
What are CNS stimulants, such as Adrenal and Ritalin, used to treat? - ANSWERS-1.
Hyperactivity; paradoxical reaction
, 2. Narcolepsy
3. Migraines
4. weight management; appetite suppressant
How do CNS stimulants effect both the CNS and SNS? - ANSWERS-They promote
norepinephrine release (sympathomimetic) and causes the CNS do release dopamine
by INHIBITING REUPTAKE and at high doses serotonin (migraines).
Side effects of CNS stimulants - ANSWERS-1. Irritability
2. Tachycardia
3. Insomnia; take before 4 pm
4. Weight loss; appetite suppressant
5. Euphoria; sometimes used as mood elevator (dopamine and serotonin)
6. Growth inhibition; stops when drug is discontinued
BLACK BOX WARNING; HIGH RISK OF DEPENDENCE
What are some nursing considerations when teaching about CNS stimulants? -
ANSWERS-1. Never crush extended release or enteric coated
2. Should not have history of substance abuse
3. Do not abruptly discontinue; withdrawal (ween)
4. May cause insomnia
5. Contraindicated in Tourette's
How do anti seizure medications work? - ANSWERS-They suppress neuron discharges
thus preventing seizure (disruption in electrical activity of the brain) by controlling
electrolyte movement across membranes. Off label use is treatment of anxiety and as a
muscle relaxant
Describe the pathophysiology of depression. - ANSWERS-1. Low neurotransmitter
levels; norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine.
2. Hormones impact; women, thyroid, etc.
3. Environment
4. Genetic; increased risk of 1st degree relative has it
How do TCA's, such as Tofranil, work? - ANSWERS-They block the reuptake of
serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing more to be available in the synapse for use.
Side effects of TCA's? - ANSWERS-1. Parasympathetic effect; hypotension
2. Increased suicide risk; adolescents
3. Cardiac dysrhythmia's; what causes death
When should TCA's not be used? - ANSWERS-1. Seizure disorder; lowers the seizure
threshold
can be fatal if OD
2025 Questions With Complete Answers
What drug category is Atropine, and what is it used to treat? - ANSWERS-Atropine is a
anticholinergic drug that is used to treat cholinergic crisis (excessive fluid loss; drop in
BP). It emits a sympathetic response and drys up all fluids and increasing BP.
What is a benzodiazaine used to treat? How? (Know the drug) - ANSWERS-
Lorazepam. It is used to treat anxiety and mild insomnia. Increases the effect of GABBA
(main inhibitory enzyme). Wide margin of safety and wide therapeutic margin.
Nursing implications for taking benzos - ANSWERS-May cause dizziness, drowsiness,
vertigo, blurred vision (think sedative). Also a paradoxical reaction (opposite) may
occur; likely in older adults, psychiatric patients, and hyperactive children. There is a
high risk for DEPENDENCE.
What should benzos not be taken with? (drugs and contraindications) - ANSWERS-
Should not be taking when pregnant or lactating. History of substance abuse; high risk
of dependence. While taking oral contraceptives (mess with metabolism; can increase
or reduce effect)
What are barbiturates used to treat? How do they work? (know the drug) - ANSWERS-
phenobarbitol (Luminal). It is a sedative-hypnotic. Low doses treat anxiety, moderate
doses treat seizures, and high doses are hypnotics. It has SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
and therefore therapy is LIMITED TO 14 DAYS (schedule II drug). Increases GABBA
activity.
Side effects of barbiturates? - ANSWERS-1. Hangover effect: feel lethargic and odd
after taking
2. Paradoxical restlessness
3. Rebound effect: drug is no longer effective
4. Respiratory depression
5. Tolerance and dependence (schedule II)
Contraindications and interaction of barbiturates? - ANSWERS-1. Should not be taken
with previous suicidal thoughts; fatal with OD
2. Other CNS depression
3. Decrease effect of digoxin and TCA's
What are CNS stimulants, such as Adrenal and Ritalin, used to treat? - ANSWERS-1.
Hyperactivity; paradoxical reaction
, 2. Narcolepsy
3. Migraines
4. weight management; appetite suppressant
How do CNS stimulants effect both the CNS and SNS? - ANSWERS-They promote
norepinephrine release (sympathomimetic) and causes the CNS do release dopamine
by INHIBITING REUPTAKE and at high doses serotonin (migraines).
Side effects of CNS stimulants - ANSWERS-1. Irritability
2. Tachycardia
3. Insomnia; take before 4 pm
4. Weight loss; appetite suppressant
5. Euphoria; sometimes used as mood elevator (dopamine and serotonin)
6. Growth inhibition; stops when drug is discontinued
BLACK BOX WARNING; HIGH RISK OF DEPENDENCE
What are some nursing considerations when teaching about CNS stimulants? -
ANSWERS-1. Never crush extended release or enteric coated
2. Should not have history of substance abuse
3. Do not abruptly discontinue; withdrawal (ween)
4. May cause insomnia
5. Contraindicated in Tourette's
How do anti seizure medications work? - ANSWERS-They suppress neuron discharges
thus preventing seizure (disruption in electrical activity of the brain) by controlling
electrolyte movement across membranes. Off label use is treatment of anxiety and as a
muscle relaxant
Describe the pathophysiology of depression. - ANSWERS-1. Low neurotransmitter
levels; norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine.
2. Hormones impact; women, thyroid, etc.
3. Environment
4. Genetic; increased risk of 1st degree relative has it
How do TCA's, such as Tofranil, work? - ANSWERS-They block the reuptake of
serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing more to be available in the synapse for use.
Side effects of TCA's? - ANSWERS-1. Parasympathetic effect; hypotension
2. Increased suicide risk; adolescents
3. Cardiac dysrhythmia's; what causes death
When should TCA's not be used? - ANSWERS-1. Seizure disorder; lowers the seizure
threshold
can be fatal if OD
