NUR 210 PRINCIPLES OF
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that has a very high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be most appropriate to ensure the drug reaches systemic circulation
effectively?
A. Oral
B. Sublingual
C. Nasogastric tube
D. Rectal suppository
A.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized in the
liver before reaching systemic circulation, primarily affecting oral medications. Sublingual
administration bypasses the liver and goes directly into the bloodstream.
2. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient takes a 200 mg dose, how much of the drug will
remain in the body after 12 hours?
A. 100 mg
,B. 50 mg
C. 25 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: After one half-life (4 hours), 100 mg remains. After two half-
lives (8 hours), 50 mg remains. After three half-lives (12 hours), 25 mg remains.
3. When assessing a patient for therapeutic drug monitoring, the nurse notes the drug has a
‘narrow therapeutic index’. What does this indicate?
A. The drug is very safe and requires no monitoring.
B. The drug has a long half-life and stays in the body for days.
C. The difference between the effective dose and toxic dose is small.
D. The drug is only effective when given intravenously.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is a small margin of
safety between a dose that is effective and a dose that is toxic, requiring frequent blood
level monitoring.
, 4. A patient with Myasthenia Gravis is receiving pyridostigmine. The nurse observes increased
muscle weakness, excessive salivation, and pupillary constriction. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Myasthenic crisis
B. Drug withdrawal syndrome
C. Cholinergic crisis
D. Normal therapeutic response
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cholinergic crisis is caused by an overdose of
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, leading to parasympathetic overstimulation (SLUDGE
symptoms). A myasthenic crisis would show improved strength with more medication.
5. Which assessment finding is a common, non-harmful side effect of Rifampin therapy for
tuberculosis?
A. Peripheral neuropathy
B. Orange-colored urine and sweat
C. Visual disturbances and color blindness
D. Severe muscle pain
Answer: B
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient is prescribed a drug that has a very high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be most appropriate to ensure the drug reaches systemic circulation
effectively?
A. Oral
B. Sublingual
C. Nasogastric tube
D. Rectal suppository
A.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized in the
liver before reaching systemic circulation, primarily affecting oral medications. Sublingual
administration bypasses the liver and goes directly into the bloodstream.
2. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient takes a 200 mg dose, how much of the drug will
remain in the body after 12 hours?
A. 100 mg
,B. 50 mg
C. 25 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: After one half-life (4 hours), 100 mg remains. After two half-
lives (8 hours), 50 mg remains. After three half-lives (12 hours), 25 mg remains.
3. When assessing a patient for therapeutic drug monitoring, the nurse notes the drug has a
‘narrow therapeutic index’. What does this indicate?
A. The drug is very safe and requires no monitoring.
B. The drug has a long half-life and stays in the body for days.
C. The difference between the effective dose and toxic dose is small.
D. The drug is only effective when given intravenously.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means there is a small margin of
safety between a dose that is effective and a dose that is toxic, requiring frequent blood
level monitoring.
, 4. A patient with Myasthenia Gravis is receiving pyridostigmine. The nurse observes increased
muscle weakness, excessive salivation, and pupillary constriction. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Myasthenic crisis
B. Drug withdrawal syndrome
C. Cholinergic crisis
D. Normal therapeutic response
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cholinergic crisis is caused by an overdose of
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, leading to parasympathetic overstimulation (SLUDGE
symptoms). A myasthenic crisis would show improved strength with more medication.
5. Which assessment finding is a common, non-harmful side effect of Rifampin therapy for
tuberculosis?
A. Peripheral neuropathy
B. Orange-colored urine and sweat
C. Visual disturbances and color blindness
D. Severe muscle pain
Answer: B
