Galen NUR 210 Exam 1 2026/2027 | Principles of Pharmacology Study Guide | Complete Q&A with Verified Answers | Pharmacokinetics, Drug Classifications & Medication Safety

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD—This comprehensive study guide is specifically designed for Galen College of Nursing students preparing for NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology Exam 1 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 1 : Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics : The four phases of pharmacokinetics—absorption (drug movement from GI tract into bloodstream) ; distribution (transport of drugs throughout the body) ; metabolism (biotransformation of drugs, primarily in the liver) ; excretion (elimination of drugs, primarily through kidneys). First-pass effect—oral drugs undergo hepatic metabolism before reaching systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability. Protein binding—drugs bound to albumin are inactive; only free (unbound) drug produces therapeutic effect. Half-life—time for drug concentration to decrease by 50%; determines dosing interval. Therapeutic index—ratio of toxic dose to effective dose; narrow therapeutic index drugs require monitoring (lithium, digoxin, warfarin) . Medication Safety & Administration : Rights of medication administration (right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation) ; high-alert medications (insulin, heparin, opioids) require independent double-check. Medication reconciliation—comparing patient's current medications with newly prescribed orders to prevent errors. Adverse drug reactions—unexpected effects; side effects—predictable effects. Allergic reactions—immune-mediated response (rash, anaphylaxis). Drug interactions—additive, synergistic, antagonistic effects; drug-food interactions; drug-lab interactions . Nursing Process in Pharmacology : Assessment—health history, medication history, allergies, lab values (creatinine, BUN, liver enzymes) ; Diagnosis—identify potential problems (knowledge deficit, risk for injury) ; Planning—establish goals with patient ; Implementation—administer medications safely, patient education ; Evaluation—monitor therapeutic response, side effects . Dosage Calculations : Basic formula (D/H × Q = X) ; conversions (1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 oz = 30 mL, 1 kg = 2.2 lb) ; IV flow rates (mL/hr, gtt/min) ; safe dose ranges (pediatric dosing by weight) ; reconstitution calculations . Anticonvulsants (Antiepileptics) : Phenytoin (Dilantin) —MOA: stabilizes neuronal membranes, decreases seizure activity. Therapeutic range: 10-20 mcg/mL. Side effects: gingival hyperplasia (good oral hygiene), nystagmus, ataxia, drowsiness. Toxicity: above 20 mcg/mL (nystagmus, ataxia, confusion) ; above 30 mcg/mL (coma). Administration: IV push no faster than 50 mg/min to prevent cardiac arrhythmias; monitor for "purple glove syndrome" (extravasation). Valproic Acid (Depakote) —broad-spectrum anticonvulsant; hepatotoxicity risk (monitor LFTs) ; teratogenic (neural tube defects) ; side effects: weight gain, hair loss, thrombocytopenia. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) —autoinduction (metabolizes itself, requiring dose adjustment) ; monitor for blood dyscrasias; drug interactions with oral contraceptives, warfarin . Antipsychotics : First-generation (Typical) Antipsychotics —haloperidol (Haldol) , chlorpromazine. MOA: dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Side effects: extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)—acute dystonia, akathisia, pseudoparkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia (irreversible). Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)—fever, rigidity, autonomic instability, elevated CK; medical emergency. Second-generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics —aripiprazole (Abilify) , risperidone (Risperdal) , olanzapine (Zyprexa) , quetiapine (Seroquel). MOA: 5HT2A and D2 antagonism. Fewer EPS but increased metabolic side effects (weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia). Clozapine (Clozaril) —requires weekly ANC monitoring for agranulocytosis risk. AIMS scale —monitoring for tardive dyskinesia . Antidepressants : SSRIs —fluoxetine (Prozac) , sertraline (Zoloft) , citalopram (Celexa) . MOA: inhibit serotonin reuptake. Onset: 2-6 weeks. Side effects: GI upset, insomnia/sedation, sexual dysfunction, weight gain. Discontinuation syndrome—taper over 2-4 weeks. Serotonin syndrome —agitation, confusion, tachycardia, hyperthermia, rigidity; avoid combining with MAOIs, tramadol, St. John's wort. SNRIs —venlafaxine (Effexor) , duloxetine (Cymbalta) . Monitor BP. TCAs —amitriptyline, nortriptyline. Side effects: anticholinergic (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention) , cardiac toxicity (prolonged QRS, QT) ; overdose can be fatal. MAOIs —phenelzine (Nardil) , tranylcypromine (Parnate) . Dietary restrictions: tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats, red wine) → hypertensive crisis. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) —NDRI; no sexual side effects; contraindicated in seizure disorders, eating disorders . Sample Questions Include : "What are the four phases of pharmacokinetics?" → Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion "What is the first-pass effect?" → Oral drugs undergo hepatic metabolism before reaching systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability "What is the therapeutic range for phenytoin (Dilantin)?" → 10-20 mcg/mL "What side effect is associated with long-term phenytoin use?" → Gingival hyperplasia "What is the most serious adverse effect of clozapine?" → Agranulocytosis "What scale is used to monitor for tardive dyskinesia?" → AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) "What foods should patients taking MAOIs avoid?" → Tyramine-rich foods: aged cheese, cured meats, red wine "What is the onset time for SSRIs?" → 2-6 weeks All questions include complete rationales based on current evidence-based practice, pharmacology standards, and Galen College curriculum requirements . 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