Pharmacology for Nurses 2025
Comprehensive Study Guide with 100 Questions and Verified Answers
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS (Questions 1-20)
1. Q: What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors? A:
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II,
reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, thereby lowering
blood pressure and reducing cardiac workload.
2. Q: Which electrolyte should be monitored closely in patients taking
digoxin? A: Potassium. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias.
3. Q: What is the antidote for warfarin overdose? A: Vitamin K
(phytonadione) for non-emergency situations, or fresh frozen
plasma/prothrombin complex concentrate for emergency reversal.
4. Q: Name three common side effects of beta-blockers. A:
Bradycardia, hypotension, and fatigue. May also cause bronchospasm in
patients with asthma.
5. Q: What laboratory value should be monitored before
administering digoxin? A: Serum potassium and digoxin levels. Normal
therapeutic range is 0.5-2.0 ng/mL.
6. Q: Which calcium channel blocker is contraindicated in heart
failure? A: Immediate-release nifedipine due to its negative inotropic
effects and potential to worsen heart failure.
, 7. Q: What is the first-line treatment for hypertensive emergency? A:
IV antihypertensives such as nicardipine, clevidipine, or labetalol, with
careful monitoring to avoid precipitous BP drops.
8. Q: How do diuretics reduce blood pressure? A: By reducing blood
volume through increased sodium and water excretion, and through
direct vasodilation effects.
9. Q: What is the target INR range for patients on warfarin for atrial
fibrillation? A: 2.0-3.0 for most indications, including atrial fibrillation
and venous thromboembolism.
10. Q: Which statin has the highest risk of drug interactions? A:
Simvastatin, particularly at higher doses, due to extensive CYP3A4
metabolism.
11. Q: What is the mechanism of action of clopidogrel? A: Irreversibly
blocks P2Y12 ADP receptors on platelets, preventing platelet
aggregation.
12. Q: Name two contraindications for thrombolytic therapy. A: Active
internal bleeding and recent stroke (within 3 months for most agents).
13. Q: What electrolyte imbalance is most common with loop
diuretics? A: Hypokalemia, followed by hyponatremia and
hypomagnesemia.
14. Q: How should sublingual nitroglycerin be stored? A: In original
dark glass container, away from light and heat, and replaced every 6
months after opening.
15. Q: What is the maximum number of sublingual nitroglycerin
tablets a patient should take for chest pain? A: Three tablets, one
Comprehensive Study Guide with 100 Questions and Verified Answers
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS (Questions 1-20)
1. Q: What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors? A:
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II,
reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, thereby lowering
blood pressure and reducing cardiac workload.
2. Q: Which electrolyte should be monitored closely in patients taking
digoxin? A: Potassium. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias.
3. Q: What is the antidote for warfarin overdose? A: Vitamin K
(phytonadione) for non-emergency situations, or fresh frozen
plasma/prothrombin complex concentrate for emergency reversal.
4. Q: Name three common side effects of beta-blockers. A:
Bradycardia, hypotension, and fatigue. May also cause bronchospasm in
patients with asthma.
5. Q: What laboratory value should be monitored before
administering digoxin? A: Serum potassium and digoxin levels. Normal
therapeutic range is 0.5-2.0 ng/mL.
6. Q: Which calcium channel blocker is contraindicated in heart
failure? A: Immediate-release nifedipine due to its negative inotropic
effects and potential to worsen heart failure.
, 7. Q: What is the first-line treatment for hypertensive emergency? A:
IV antihypertensives such as nicardipine, clevidipine, or labetalol, with
careful monitoring to avoid precipitous BP drops.
8. Q: How do diuretics reduce blood pressure? A: By reducing blood
volume through increased sodium and water excretion, and through
direct vasodilation effects.
9. Q: What is the target INR range for patients on warfarin for atrial
fibrillation? A: 2.0-3.0 for most indications, including atrial fibrillation
and venous thromboembolism.
10. Q: Which statin has the highest risk of drug interactions? A:
Simvastatin, particularly at higher doses, due to extensive CYP3A4
metabolism.
11. Q: What is the mechanism of action of clopidogrel? A: Irreversibly
blocks P2Y12 ADP receptors on platelets, preventing platelet
aggregation.
12. Q: Name two contraindications for thrombolytic therapy. A: Active
internal bleeding and recent stroke (within 3 months for most agents).
13. Q: What electrolyte imbalance is most common with loop
diuretics? A: Hypokalemia, followed by hyponatremia and
hypomagnesemia.
14. Q: How should sublingual nitroglycerin be stored? A: In original
dark glass container, away from light and heat, and replaced every 6
months after opening.
15. Q: What is the maximum number of sublingual nitroglycerin
tablets a patient should take for chest pain? A: Three tablets, one
