NCLEX-Style Pharmacology Review 2026 PDF for
Nursing Students | Medication Classes, Mechanisms,
Therapeutic Uses, Side Effects, Drug Interactions,
Nursing Considerations, and Patient Safety |
Comprehensive NCLEX Pharmacology Exam
Preparation to Strengthen Critical Thinking, Clinical
Judgment, and Test-Taking Confidence
,Question 1
Which medication is classified as an ACE inhibitor?
A) Lisinopril
B) Metoprolol
C) Furosemide
D) Atorvastatin
Correct Option: A) Lisinopril
Rationale:
Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is primarily used to
treat hypertension and heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme
responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This
action leads to reduced blood pressure and decreased workload on the heart. In
contrast, Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, Furosemide is a diuretic, and Atorvastatin is a
statin used for lowering cholesterol levels.
Question 2
What is the primary purpose of administering naloxone?
A) To treat respiratory depression due to opioid overdose
B) To reverse the effects of benzodiazepines
C) To manage hypertension
D) To induce vomiting
Correct Option: A) To treat respiratory depression due to opioid overdose
Rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is used primarily to reverse the effects of opioid
overdose, particularly respiratory depression. It works by competitively binding to opioid
receptors in the brain, displacing opioids and reversing their effects. While it is effective
for opioid overdoses, naloxone does not reverse benzodiazepine effects, manage
hypertension, or induce vomiting. Its rapid action makes it a critical tool in emergency
situations involving opioid intoxication.
Question 3
Which of the following medications is contraindicated in patients with a history of
severe asthma?
A) Aspirin
B) Acetaminophen
C) Ibuprofen
D) Prednisone
, Correct Option: A) Aspirin
Rationale:
Aspirin is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe asthma because it can
trigger bronchospasm and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This reaction is part of the
"aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease" phenomenon. In contrast, acetaminophen
and prednisone are generally safe for asthmatic patients, and ibuprofen may be used
with caution but can also induce bronchospasm in some sensitive individuals. It is
essential to evaluate each patient’s individual history prior to medication
administration.
Question 4
Which of the following is a common side effect of statin medications?
A) Weight gain
B) Muscle pain
C) Insomnia
D) Increased appetite
Correct Option: B) Muscle pain
Rationale:
Muscle pain (myopathy) is a well-known side effect associated with statin medications,
which are prescribed primarily for cholesterol lowering. Statins can cause muscle
inflammation that can lead to conditions like rhabdomyolysis in severe cases. While
weight gain and increased appetite are not typical side effects, insomnia can occur with
various medications, statins among them do not commonly report it as a prominent
effect. Monitoring for muscle pain is critical for individuals on statin therapy to prevent
serious complications.
Question 5
What is the mechanism of action of beta-blockers?
A) Vasodilation
B) Decreased heart rate and contractility
C) Increased insulin sensitivity
D) Decreased gastric acid secretion
Correct Option: B) Decreased heart rate and contractility
Rationale:
Beta-blockers primarily work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a
decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility, thereby reducing cardiac workload
and oxygen demand. This makes them valuable in treating various cardiovascular
Nursing Students | Medication Classes, Mechanisms,
Therapeutic Uses, Side Effects, Drug Interactions,
Nursing Considerations, and Patient Safety |
Comprehensive NCLEX Pharmacology Exam
Preparation to Strengthen Critical Thinking, Clinical
Judgment, and Test-Taking Confidence
,Question 1
Which medication is classified as an ACE inhibitor?
A) Lisinopril
B) Metoprolol
C) Furosemide
D) Atorvastatin
Correct Option: A) Lisinopril
Rationale:
Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is primarily used to
treat hypertension and heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme
responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This
action leads to reduced blood pressure and decreased workload on the heart. In
contrast, Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, Furosemide is a diuretic, and Atorvastatin is a
statin used for lowering cholesterol levels.
Question 2
What is the primary purpose of administering naloxone?
A) To treat respiratory depression due to opioid overdose
B) To reverse the effects of benzodiazepines
C) To manage hypertension
D) To induce vomiting
Correct Option: A) To treat respiratory depression due to opioid overdose
Rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is used primarily to reverse the effects of opioid
overdose, particularly respiratory depression. It works by competitively binding to opioid
receptors in the brain, displacing opioids and reversing their effects. While it is effective
for opioid overdoses, naloxone does not reverse benzodiazepine effects, manage
hypertension, or induce vomiting. Its rapid action makes it a critical tool in emergency
situations involving opioid intoxication.
Question 3
Which of the following medications is contraindicated in patients with a history of
severe asthma?
A) Aspirin
B) Acetaminophen
C) Ibuprofen
D) Prednisone
, Correct Option: A) Aspirin
Rationale:
Aspirin is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe asthma because it can
trigger bronchospasm and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This reaction is part of the
"aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease" phenomenon. In contrast, acetaminophen
and prednisone are generally safe for asthmatic patients, and ibuprofen may be used
with caution but can also induce bronchospasm in some sensitive individuals. It is
essential to evaluate each patient’s individual history prior to medication
administration.
Question 4
Which of the following is a common side effect of statin medications?
A) Weight gain
B) Muscle pain
C) Insomnia
D) Increased appetite
Correct Option: B) Muscle pain
Rationale:
Muscle pain (myopathy) is a well-known side effect associated with statin medications,
which are prescribed primarily for cholesterol lowering. Statins can cause muscle
inflammation that can lead to conditions like rhabdomyolysis in severe cases. While
weight gain and increased appetite are not typical side effects, insomnia can occur with
various medications, statins among them do not commonly report it as a prominent
effect. Monitoring for muscle pain is critical for individuals on statin therapy to prevent
serious complications.
Question 5
What is the mechanism of action of beta-blockers?
A) Vasodilation
B) Decreased heart rate and contractility
C) Increased insulin sensitivity
D) Decreased gastric acid secretion
Correct Option: B) Decreased heart rate and contractility
Rationale:
Beta-blockers primarily work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a
decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility, thereby reducing cardiac workload
and oxygen demand. This makes them valuable in treating various cardiovascular
