Pharmacology Exam 2 Study Guide 2026 Galen College
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should
the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Dry, persistent cough
B. Occasional headache
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
Answer: A
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, and a common but bothersome side effect is a
dry, non-productive cough caused by the accumulation of bradykinin.
2. Which of the following medications is a selective Beta-1 blocker?
A. Metoprolol
B. Propranolol
C. Nadolol
D. Sotalol
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoprolol is cardio-selective, primarily blocking Beta-1 receptors in the heart,
whereas Propranolol is non-selective.
,3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights.
What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal aging process
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Digoxin toxicity
Answer: D
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos or blurred vision are classic
signs of Digoxin toxicity.
4. What is the antidote for Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Glucagon
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: C
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of
Heparin.
5. Which laboratory value must be monitored frequently for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Serum creatinine
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin effectiveness and safety are monitored using the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
, 6. A patient is diagnosed with asthma and is prescribed Albuterol. How does this
medication work?
A. Reduces inflammation in the airways
B. Blocks cholinergic receptors
C. Causes bronchodilation by stimulating beta-2 receptors
D. Inhibits leukotriene synthesis
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that triggers bronchodilation
by relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs.
7. Which diuretic is known for causing significant potassium loss and belongs to
the ‘Loop’ class?
A. Spironolactone
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Furosemide
D. Triamterene
Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in
the loop of Henle, leading to significant potassium excretion.
8. What is the primary mechanism of action of Nitroglycerin in treating angina?
A. Increasing heart rate
B. Increasing myocardial contractility
C. Vasodilation of coronary and peripheral vessels
D. Decreasing blood glucose levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, reducing preload and afterload, which
decreases the oxygen demand of the heart.
1. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should
the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Dry, persistent cough
B. Occasional headache
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
Answer: A
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, and a common but bothersome side effect is a
dry, non-productive cough caused by the accumulation of bradykinin.
2. Which of the following medications is a selective Beta-1 blocker?
A. Metoprolol
B. Propranolol
C. Nadolol
D. Sotalol
Answer: A
Rationale: Metoprolol is cardio-selective, primarily blocking Beta-1 receptors in the heart,
whereas Propranolol is non-selective.
,3. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights.
What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal aging process
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Digoxin toxicity
Answer: D
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos or blurred vision are classic
signs of Digoxin toxicity.
4. What is the antidote for Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Glucagon
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: C
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of
Heparin.
5. Which laboratory value must be monitored frequently for a patient receiving
Warfarin therapy?
A. PT/INR
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Serum creatinine
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin effectiveness and safety are monitored using the Prothrombin Time
(PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
, 6. A patient is diagnosed with asthma and is prescribed Albuterol. How does this
medication work?
A. Reduces inflammation in the airways
B. Blocks cholinergic receptors
C. Causes bronchodilation by stimulating beta-2 receptors
D. Inhibits leukotriene synthesis
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that triggers bronchodilation
by relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs.
7. Which diuretic is known for causing significant potassium loss and belongs to
the ‘Loop’ class?
A. Spironolactone
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Furosemide
D. Triamterene
Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in
the loop of Henle, leading to significant potassium excretion.
8. What is the primary mechanism of action of Nitroglycerin in treating angina?
A. Increasing heart rate
B. Increasing myocardial contractility
C. Vasodilation of coronary and peripheral vessels
D. Decreasing blood glucose levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, reducing preload and afterload, which
decreases the oxygen demand of the heart.
