Pharmacology for Nurses: Master Drug Principles and Nursing Implications

Question 1

The process by which a drug exerts its intended effect on the body is known as:

Accepted Answer

Pharmacodynamics

Answer

Pharmacokinetics

Answer

Pharmacognosy

Answer

Pharmacovigilance

Question 2

The first-pass effect refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Metabolism of a drug before it reaches systemic circulation

Answer

Initial absorption of a drug into the bloodstream

Answer

Excretion of a drug from the body

Answer

Distribution of a drug to target tissues

Question 3

The nurse should closely monitor for electrolyte imbalances when administering which of the following drug classes?

Accepted Answer

Diuretics

Answer

Antihypertensives

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Question 4

Which drug classification system categorizes drugs according to their therapeutic effects, grouping them into anatomical, pharmacological, and chemical classes?

Accepted Answer

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)

Answer

British National Formulary (BNF)

Answer

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule

Answer

Physiological System

Question 5

Which of the following adverse effects is commonly associated with the use of opioid analgesics?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Seizures

Question 6

In medication monitoring, what nursing intervention is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs?

Accepted Answer

Regularly measuring the patient's blood pressure

Answer

Assessing fluid intake and output

Answer

Monitoring electrolyte levels

Answer

Observing for signs of hypotension

Question 7

Which enzyme system in the liver plays a primary role in metabolizing a significant portion of drugs, facilitating their elimination from the body?

Accepted Answer

Cytochrome P450

Answer

Glucuronyltransferase

Answer

Monoamine oxidase

Answer

Sulfotransferase

Question 8

What is the primary mechanism of action through which antibiotics exert their therapeutic effect against bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls

Answer

Damaging bacterial DNA

Answer

Interfering with bacterial protein synthesis

Answer

Blocking bacterial metabolic pathways

Question 9

Which patient education strategy has been found to be most effective in promoting medication adherence, ensuring that patients take their medications as prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Combining both written and verbal instructions

Answer

Providing written instructions only

Answer

Giving verbal instructions only

Answer

Relying solely on mobile app reminders

Question 10

Which of the following is a principle of evidence-based practice in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Using research evidence to guide clinical decisions

Answer

Relying solely on expert opinion

Answer

Following traditional practices without questioning

Answer

Ignoring patient preferences

Question 11

Which route of drug administration provides the most rapid onset of action?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Oral

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Subcutaneous

Question 12

The primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors is:

Accepted Answer

Blocking the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme

Answer

Increasing the production of nitric oxide

Answer

Stimulating the release of aldosterone

Answer

Inhibiting the activity of the renin-angiotensin system

Question 13

What is the priority nursing responsibility when administering a new medication to a patient?

Accepted Answer

Verifying the patient's identity and medication orders

Answer

Explaining the medication to the patient

Answer

Monitoring the patient for adverse effects

Answer

Documenting the medication administration

Question 14

The most common adverse effect associated with opioid analgesics is:

Accepted Answer

Constipation

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Hypotension

Question 15

Which of the following actions is the nurse's primary responsibility when a patient is prescribed a medication contraindicated in patients with renal impairment?

Accepted Answer

Withhold the medication and contact the prescriber

Answer

Administer the medication as prescribed

Answer

Monitor the patient for adverse effects

Answer

Educate the patient about the medication

Question 16

When a patient is experiencing seizures following surgery, which of the following medications is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Levetiracetam

Question 17

The primary mechanism of action of beta-blockers is to:

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Increase heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Dilate blood vessels and airways

Answer

Constrict blood vessels and airways

Question 18

Which of the following drugs is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Morphine

Question 19

The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values should be closely monitored to assess for potential toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Answer

Sodium

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Creatinine

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential nursing intervention when administering a medication that causes hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the patient's legs

Answer

Monitor fluid intake

Answer

Administer fluids liberally

Answer

Position the patient on their back

Question 21

The half-life of a drug is:

Accepted Answer

The time it takes for the drug concentration to decrease by 50%

Answer

The time it takes for the drug to reach its peak concentration

Answer

The time it takes for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body

Answer

The time it takes for the drug to be absorbed into the body

Question 22

The purpose of the official United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish quality standards for drug manufacturing and labeling

Answer

Provide information on drug interactions

Answer

License pharmacies and pharmacists

Answer

Conduct research on new drugs

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a primary category of drug classification?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacoeconomics

Answer

Pharmacodynamics

Answer

Pharmacokinetics

Answer

Pharmacotherapeutics

Question 24

The process by which a drug exerts its physiological effects is known as:

Accepted Answer

Pharmacodynamics

Answer

Pharmacokinetics

Question 25

When administering a medication with a narrow therapeutic index, which nursing action is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for therapeutic and adverse effects more frequently

Answer

Administer the medication at the exact time it is prescribed

Answer

Document all medication administration accurately

Question 26

The distribution of a drug throughout the body is influenced by its:

Accepted Answer

Lipophilicity and protein binding

Answer

Molecular weight and pH

Question 27

When two or more drugs compete for the same binding site on a receptor, it is known as:

Accepted Answer

Competitive antagonism

Answer

Non-competitive antagonism

Question 28

The half-life of a drug represents the time it takes for the plasma concentration to decrease by:

Accepted Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Question 29

The bioavailability of a drug refers to:

Accepted Answer

The fraction of the administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation unchanged

Answer

The rate at which a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream

Question 30

How does impaired liver function impact the metabolism of a drug administered to a patient?

Accepted Answer

Decreases drug metabolism

Answer

Increases drug metabolism

Answer

Causes no significant change in drug metabolism

Answer

Increases drug excretion

Question 31

When a patient receiving antibiotics experiences gastrointestinal upset, which nursing intervention is most effective in managing this adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Administer antiemetics as prescribed.

Answer

Encourage increased fluid intake.

Answer

Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.

Answer

Provide probiotics to the patient.

Question 32

In the event of an opioid overdose, which nursing intervention should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone

Answer

Establish intravenous access

Answer

Monitor vital signs

Answer

Contact the physician

Question 33

When educating patients about new medications, which approach is crucial for ensuring their comprehension and adherence?

Accepted Answer

Employing the teach-back method and asking open-ended questions

Answer

Providing a detailed drug monograph

Answer

Requesting the patient to repeat instructions word-for-word

Question 34

The primary mechanism of action of morphine, an opioid analgesic, is through which type of receptor?

Accepted Answer

Mu-opioid

Answer

Alpha-adrenergic

Answer

Beta-adrenergic

Answer

Delta-opioid

Question 35

When administering an intramuscular injection, which nursing intervention is of utmost importance to prevent potential complications?

Accepted Answer

Aspirating before injection

Answer

Injecting the medication slowly

Answer

Massaging the injection site

Answer

Rotating injection sites regularly

Question 36

The half-life of a drug represents the duration it takes for the body to:

Accepted Answer

Eliminate half of the drug

Answer

Reach peak plasma concentration

Answer

Metabolize half of the drug

Answer

Excrete half of the drug

Question 37

Which of the following is a commonly reported adverse effect associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Nephrotoxicity

Answer

Neurotoxicity

Question 38

When preparing to administer an antibiotic, which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Checking for allergies

Answer

Obtaining vital signs

Answer

Assessing renal function

Answer

Confirming the patient's identity

Question 39

Which of the following drugs belongs to the class of antihypertensives, commonly used to treat high blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Enalapril

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Albuterol

Question 40

Which pharmacological principle implies that the effects of a drug can be counteracted by another drug?

Accepted Answer

Reversibility

Answer

Selectivity

Answer

Dose-response relationship

Answer

Bioavailability

Question 41

For a patient prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, what primary nursing action ensures optimal drug effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Administering the medication as directed, including timely dosing.

Answer

Assessing for potential adverse effects.

Answer

Informing the patient about the drug's mechanism of action.

Question 42

Which characteristic is associated with non-polar drugs?

Accepted Answer

Lipophilicity

Answer

Polarity

Answer

Water solubility

Answer

Hydrophilicity

Question 43

What is the appropriate refrigeration temperature range for a drug that requires cold storage?

Accepted Answer

2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

Room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius or 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

-18 to -20 degrees Celsius (0 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit)

Question 44

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to minimize the risk of orthostatic hypotension, a potential adverse effect of certain drugs?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the patient to rise gradually from lying or sitting positions.

Answer

Administer the drug with meals.

Answer

Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly.

Question 45

When a patient is prescribed a medication with a narrow therapeutic index, what should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the patient for signs of toxicity or adverse effects.

Answer

Administer the medication only intravenously.

Answer

Encourage the patient to take the medication with food to prevent gastric irritation.

Question 46

Which route of drug administration typically leads to the most rapid onset of action?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Oral

Answer

Transdermal

Answer

Subcutaneous

Question 47

When administering a medication to a patient with chronic kidney disease, what should a nurse consider?

Accepted Answer

The medication's pharmacokinetics and potential for renal toxicity.

Answer

Assessing the patient's pain level before and after administration.

Answer

Giving the medication with a full glass of water.

Question 48

Which of the following medications is classified as an antihypertensive drug?

Accepted Answer

Lisinopril

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Albuterol

Question 49

What is the primary mechanism of action of beta-blocker medications?

Accepted Answer

Blocking the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on beta-adrenergic receptors.

Answer

Increasing insulin production in the pancreas.

Answer

Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

Question 50

In the event of an anaphylactic reaction to a medication, what is the primary intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer intramuscular epinephrine.

Answer

Give an oral antihistamine.

Answer

Obtain a complete blood count.

Answer

Monitor the patient's vital signs.

Question 51

What is the primary role of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in relation to drug therapy?

Accepted Answer

Metabolizing drugs in the liver.

Answer

Absorbing drugs from the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer

Excreting drugs through the kidneys.

Answer

Distributing drugs to target tissues.

Question 52

Which factor can significantly impact a drug's bioavailability?

Accepted Answer

First-pass effect in the liver

Answer

Body weight

Answer

Time of administration

Answer

Emotional state

Question 53

What does the term 'polypharmacy' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The use of multiple medications by a patient.

Answer

Giving a medication by different routes.

Answer

The study of drug interactions.

Answer

Using generic medications.