NURS 615 PHARM EXAM 1 MARYVILLE STUDY
GUIDE SUMMARY 2025/2026 WITH TESTED
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
ALREADY GRADED A+
◍ APRN KEY AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE. Answer: 1.
Pathophysiology - Know the disease to choose the right med
2.Mechanism of Action - Know what the drug does and how it helps
3. Special Populations - Be aware of how kids, elderly, pregnant women,
etc., process drugs differently
4.Baseline Monitoring - Know what labs/vitals you need before and after
prescribing
5.Pharmacokinetics/Dynamics - Be able to apply both when choosing
medications
◍ RATIONAL PRESCRIBING PROCESS. Answer: 1. Define the
Problem
,Use your health assessment + pathophys knowledge
Make an accurate diagnosis
2. Specify the Therapeutic Goal
What are you trying to achieve? (e.g., reduce BP, eliminate infection)
3. Choose the Right Drug
Use evidence-based guidelines
Check if OTC or Rx is needed
Consider the mechanism of action
◍ RATIONAL PRESCRIBING PROCESS. Answer: 4. Consider
Cost and Access
Does the patient have insurance?
Can they afford the med?
Will their plan cover it?
5. Educate the Patient
What the drug is for
How to take it
Possible side effects
Why they need to stick to the schedule
,Memory Tip:"Teach the 'what, how, and why' = better try (adherence)."
6. Monitor and Follow Up
When should the patient come back?
What outcomes or side effects should you check?
◍ I Can PresCribe A Drug. Answer:
◍ PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY. Answer: Know Your State Laws!
Every state defines what APRNs can and cannot prescribe
Know if your state requires:
Collaborative practice agreements
Supervision
Restrictions on controlled substances
Memory Tip:"No law, no Rx. Know the rules before you choose."
◍ KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PRESCRIBING. Answer: 1.
New Drugs on Market
, Are they well-tested?
Is the patient a good candidate?
2. Insurance and Formulary
Use drugs that are covered if possible
Choose cost-effective alternatives
3. OTC vs Prescription
Could an over-the-counter med work just as well?
4. Cultural & Social Factors
Consider patient beliefs, literacy, and preferences
◍ How to Choose the Right Medication. Answer: Considerations:
1. Evidence-based guidelines
2. Pharmacokinetics & dynamics
How is it absorbed, distributed, metabolized, excreted?
Can the patient's body handle the drug?
3. Safety and efficacy
GUIDE SUMMARY 2025/2026 WITH TESTED
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
ALREADY GRADED A+
◍ APRN KEY AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE. Answer: 1.
Pathophysiology - Know the disease to choose the right med
2.Mechanism of Action - Know what the drug does and how it helps
3. Special Populations - Be aware of how kids, elderly, pregnant women,
etc., process drugs differently
4.Baseline Monitoring - Know what labs/vitals you need before and after
prescribing
5.Pharmacokinetics/Dynamics - Be able to apply both when choosing
medications
◍ RATIONAL PRESCRIBING PROCESS. Answer: 1. Define the
Problem
,Use your health assessment + pathophys knowledge
Make an accurate diagnosis
2. Specify the Therapeutic Goal
What are you trying to achieve? (e.g., reduce BP, eliminate infection)
3. Choose the Right Drug
Use evidence-based guidelines
Check if OTC or Rx is needed
Consider the mechanism of action
◍ RATIONAL PRESCRIBING PROCESS. Answer: 4. Consider
Cost and Access
Does the patient have insurance?
Can they afford the med?
Will their plan cover it?
5. Educate the Patient
What the drug is for
How to take it
Possible side effects
Why they need to stick to the schedule
,Memory Tip:"Teach the 'what, how, and why' = better try (adherence)."
6. Monitor and Follow Up
When should the patient come back?
What outcomes or side effects should you check?
◍ I Can PresCribe A Drug. Answer:
◍ PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY. Answer: Know Your State Laws!
Every state defines what APRNs can and cannot prescribe
Know if your state requires:
Collaborative practice agreements
Supervision
Restrictions on controlled substances
Memory Tip:"No law, no Rx. Know the rules before you choose."
◍ KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PRESCRIBING. Answer: 1.
New Drugs on Market
, Are they well-tested?
Is the patient a good candidate?
2. Insurance and Formulary
Use drugs that are covered if possible
Choose cost-effective alternatives
3. OTC vs Prescription
Could an over-the-counter med work just as well?
4. Cultural & Social Factors
Consider patient beliefs, literacy, and preferences
◍ How to Choose the Right Medication. Answer: Considerations:
1. Evidence-based guidelines
2. Pharmacokinetics & dynamics
How is it absorbed, distributed, metabolized, excreted?
Can the patient's body handle the drug?
3. Safety and efficacy
