Galen NUR 210 Exam 2 2026/2027 | Principles of Pharmacology | Complete Study Guide with Q&A | Autonomic Nervous System, Adrenergic & Cholinergic Drugs, Sedative-Hypnotics | Verified Answers with Rationales | Grade A+

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD—This comprehensive study guide is specifically designed for Galen College of Nursing students preparing for NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology Exam 2 for the 2026/2027 academic year. Based on verified exam materials from top-selling student resources, this resource contains expertly verified practice questions and 100% correct answers with detailed rationales to help you master core pharmacology concepts and achieve a top score (Grade A+). This comprehensive guide covers all major topics tested on NUR 210 Exam 2 : Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics) : Epinephrine (nonselective) stimulates alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors; effects include increased HR, bronchodilation, vasoconstriction, increased blood glucose. Used for anaphylaxis, status asthmaticus, cardiac arrest. Beta-2 agonists (albuterol) cause bronchodilation and increased blood flow; adverse effects include tachycardia, hypertension, tremors. Alpha-1 agonists cause vasoconstriction (increase BP). Therapeutic response target: HR 60-100 BPM . Adrenergic Antagonists (Blockers) : Alpha-1 blockers (-osin) cause vasodilation, decreased BP; used for hypertension and BPH; side effects: orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, headache; assess for first-dose syncope . Beta blockers (-olol) block beta-1 (decrease HR, contractility) and beta-2 (bronchoconstriction). Selective beta-1 blockers (metoprolol, atenolol) are safer for patients with COPD/asthma . Non-selective (propranolol) causes bronchoconstriction. Never stop abruptly—taper over 1-2 weeks to prevent rebound tachycardia, hypertension, MI . Cholinergic Agonists (Parasympathomimetics) : Bethanechol stimulates cholinergic receptors, contracts bladder, increases GI motility. Used for urinary retention (neurogenic bladder). Therapeutic response: increased urine output (30 mL/hr). Side effects: blurred vision, increased secretions, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia. Contraindications: COPD/asthma, peptic ulcer, bradycardia, Parkinson's disease. Pilocarpine constricts pupils, promotes drainage of aqueous humor; used for glaucoma . Anticholinergics (Parasympatholytics) : Atropine inhibits acetylcholine, increases HR (vagal blockade), dries secretions, dilates pupils, decreases GI motility. Used preoperatively, for bradycardia, eye exams. Side effects: "dry them out"—dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, inability to sweat (heat stroke risk). Contraindications: glaucoma, BPH, tachycardia, myasthenia gravis . Sedative-Hypnotics & Sleep Aids : Benzodiazepines (temazepam, flurazepam) potentiate GABA, reduce neuron excitability. Used for insomnia (short-term). Adverse effects: hypotension, respiratory depression, dependency, seizures upon withdrawal. Antidote: flumazenil. Non-benzodiazepines (zolpidem/Ambien, eszopiclone/Lunesta) inhibit neurotransmitters, cause CNS depression; duration 6-8 hours. Ramelteon (Rozerem) —melatonin receptor agonist. Non-pharmacologic sleep management: same bedtime/wake time, avoid caffeine/alcohol/nicotine 6 hours before bed, limit naps, warm bath, white noise . Anesthetics & Local Anesthetics : Balanced anesthesia uses multiple drugs (opioid, benzodiazepine, anticholinergic, short-acting barbiturate, inhaled gas, muscle relaxant). Midazolam (Versed) —benzodiazepine for conscious sedation; monitor respiratory depression; antidote: flumazenil. Topical anesthetics numb skin layers. Spinal/epidural administered into CSF; common side effect: headache; adverse reactions: hypotension, respiratory distress . Cardiac & Anti-inflammatory Drugs : Digoxin —cardiac glycoside increases contractility (positive inotropic), decreases HR (negative chronotropic). Hold if HR 60. Signs of toxicity: visual changes (yellow/green halos), bradycardia, nausea/anorexia. Monitor potassium levels (hypokalemia increases toxicity risk). Target serum level: 0.5-2 ng/mL . NSAIDs (ibuprofen, ketorolac) inhibit COX-1 and COX-2, decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. Monitor for GI upset, bleeding. COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) reduce GI effects but increase cardiovascular risk . Key Pharmacology Concepts : Selectivity —selective drugs bind to primary receptor sites; non-selective bind to multiple sites, increasing side effects. Potency —dose required to produce desired effect. Therapeutic window —dosing range for safest, most effective treatment. Toxicity —drug levels exceed therapeutic range. Agonist —activates receptor. Antagonist —blocks receptor. Synergistic effect —combined effect greater than sum of individual drugs. Adherence vs. compliance —adherence implies partnership; compliance implies one-sided direction . Sample Questions Include : "The nurse administers a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist (albuterol) to treat bronchospasm. This drug can potentially cause which side effect?" → Increased heart rate (beta-2 stimulation causes bronchodilation but can also cause tachycardia) "A patient with asthma requires a beta blocker. Which drug is safest?" → Metoprolol (Lopressor) (selective beta-1 blocker less likely to cause bronchoconstriction) "The nurse administers epinephrine for anaphylaxis. What is expected?" → Tachycardia, increased BP, bronchodilation (epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta receptors) "A patient with asthma has tremors, restlessness, and HR 120 after using albuterol. The nurse suspects:" → Overused the albuterol (signs of excessive beta-agonist stimulation) "What is the most important instruction for a patient starting digoxin?" → Hold dose if heart rate is below 60 beats per minute "What is the correct sequence for applying eye drops?" → Perform hand hygiene, wear gloves, gently pull skin below eye, apply drops to middle third of conjunctival sac, apply pressure over lacrimal duct, wait 2-5 minutes before next medication All questions include complete rationales based on current evidence-based practice, pharmacology standards, and Galen College curriculum requirements . DOCUMENT ACCESS: This study guide is available as an instant digital download (PDF) immediately upon purchase. Fully text-searchable, printable, and accessible anytime through your user account. 100% satisfaction guarantee. Trusted by thousands of Galen nursing students for NUR 210 exam preparation and mastering pharmacology competencies.