NCLEX : Pharmacology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Neural Pharmacology

Lamotrigine carries a black-box warning about what side effect?

Possible Answers:

DRESS syndrome (drug reaction/rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)

Aseptic meningitis

All of these

Stevens–Johnson syndrome

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Lamotrigine carries a black box warning about the following side effects:

  • Stevens–Johnson syndrome
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • DRESS syndrome (drug reaction/rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)
  • Aseptic meningitis

Example Question #112 : Nclex

Phenelzine is what class of drug?

Possible Answers:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) 

Alpha adrenergic agonist

Narcotic

Tricyclic antidepressant

Correct answer:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) 

Explanation:

Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Drugs in this class work by inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes, the enzymes responsible for the break down of serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline. 

Example Question #112 : Pharmacology

What class of drugs is diazepam?

Possible Answers:

Methaqualone analogue

Benzodiazepine

Nonbenzodiazepine sedative

Barbituate

Correct answer:

Benzodiazepine

Explanation:

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. This class of drugs works by potentiating the effects of GABA, our primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, at the GABAa receptor.

Example Question #114 : Pharmacology

Bromocriptine belongs to what class of drug?

Possible Answers:

Peripheral dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor 

Anxiolytic

Anticholinergic

Dopamine agonist

Correct answer:

Dopamine agonist

Explanation:

Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist used in the treatment for Parkinson's disease, pituitary tumors, and type 2 diabetes.  

Example Question #12 : Neural Pharmacology

A patient taking haloperidol complains of abnormal, unintentional movements of his tongue and face. The nurse knows that the patient is experiencing which of the following side effects of haloperidol?

Possible Answers:

Convulsions and seizures

Increased anxiety

Tardive dyskinesia

Dizziness and weakness

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Correct answer:

Tardive dyskinesia

Explanation:

All of the listed options are side effects of haloperidol, but tardive dyskinesia (TD) is the only one that manifests with involuntary, dyskinetic movements in their face, lips, tongue, trunk, and extremities. TD more frequently occurs among elderly female patients taking long-term dopamine-antagonist medications. Dizziness, weakness, convulsions, seizures, and anxiety are also side effects of haloperidol. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome presents with fever and high/unstable blood pressure, muscle cramps and tremors, altered mental status (such as delirium, agitation, or a coma).

Example Question #13 : Neural Pharmacology

You are the nurse taking care of a patient who is experiencing a panic attack. You are instructed to give the patient a dose of lorazepam. Which of the drug classes below describes lorazepam?

Possible Answers:

Amphetamine

Benzodiazepine

Beta-blocker

Barbiturate

Alpha-blocker

Correct answer:

Benzodiazepine

Explanation:

The correct answer is "benzodiazepine," as lorazepam, also known as Ativan, is a benzodiazepine drug. Benzodiazepines act by increasing the efficacy of the neurotransmitter, GABA, when it acts upon its particular receptors. They have potent anti-anxiety properties, among other properties, and are frequently given during the initial phase of a panic attack to calm the patient.

On the other hand, the other choices are incorrect. Phenobarbital is an example of a barbiturate. Proproanolol is an example of a beta-blocker. Tamsulosin is an example of an alpha-blocker. Methamphetamine is an example of an amphetamine.

Example Question #1 : Cancer Treatments

Metoclopramide is used in the treatment for which of the following conditions?
Possible Answers:
Ulcer disease
Vomiting after chemotherapy
Chronic bronchitis
Tuberculosis
Correct answer: Vomiting after chemotherapy
Explanation: Metoclopramide is an antiemetic and gastroprokinetic agent commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting, to facilitate gastric emptying in people with gastroparesis, and as a treatment for the gastric stasis often associated with migraine headaches.

Example Question #116 : Nclex

5-fluouracil is used to treat which of the following conditions?

Possible Answers:

Colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Ulcerative colitis

Myasthenia gravis

Correct answer:

Colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer

Explanation:

5-fluouracil is a fluoropyrimidine analog which inhibits translation, synthesis, and function of RNA and DNA, thus slowing down cellular metabolism. It is used in treatment of colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer, in addition to cancers of the GI and head and neck.

Example Question #31 : Drug Identification

Which of the following laboratory values would indicate toxicity in the client taking acetaminophen daily?

Possible Answers:

Sodium level of 140 mEq/L

Prothrombin time of 12 seconds

Platelet count of 400,000/mm3

Direct bilirubin level of 2mg/dL

Correct answer:

Direct bilirubin level of 2mg/dL

Explanation:

A direct bilirubin level of 2mg/dL or greater indicates acetaminophen toxicity.

Example Question #1 : Anti Inflammatory And Pain Treatments

The purpose of misoprostol in a client who chronically uses nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is:

Possible Answers:

Reduction of steatorrhea

Increased white blood cell count

Relief of epigastric pain

Decrease in serum phosphorus level

Correct answer:

Relief of epigastric pain

Explanation:

Misoprostol is used for the prevention of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced gastric ulcers. Taking this drug will prevent gastric ulcers and relieve epigastric pain.

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