NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
COURSE: NSG 124: Pharmacology
INSTITUTION: Herzing University
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026/2027 | Latest Update
EXAM TYPE: Exam 1 | Fundamentals of Pharmacology
TOTAL QUESTIONS: 100 | Format: Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, Clinical Application
GRADE: A+ | 100% Verified Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
Section 1 Foundations of Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics Q1-15
Section 2 Autonomic Nervous System Drugs Q16-30
Section 3 Central Nervous System Drugs Q31-45
Section 4 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Q46-60
Section 5 Respiratory & Gastrointestinal Drugs Q61-70
Section 6 Endocrine Pharmacology Q71-80
Section 7 Anti-infective Agents Q81-90
Section 8 Integrated Clinical Scenarios Q91-100
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACOKINETICS
Q1: What are the 3 distinct stages of general adaptation syndrome?
A. Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion. [100% CORRECT]
B. Fight, Flight, Freeze
C. Acute, Chronic, Terminal
D. Onset, Peak, Duration
Correct Answer: A
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Rationale: Correct: The three stages are: 1) Alarm Reaction Stage - physiological responses of fight or flight are
initiated; 2) Stage of Resistance - the individual uses physiological responses to adapt to the stressor; 3) Stage
of Exhaustion - prolonged exposure depletes adaptive energy, leading to diseases of adaptation . Incorrect B,
C, D: These are not the correct stages of general adaptation syndrome.
Q2: The nursing instructor is teaching student nurses about how the median effective dose (ED50) of a
medication is related to clinical practice. Which statement reflects the correct understanding by the student?
A. About 50% of patients will experience severe side effects from the drug
B. About 50% of patients will not experience any effect from the drug
C. Some patients will respond differently, depending on their ethnic background
D. Some clients will require more or less than average dose of the drug. [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct: The ED50 is the dose that produces a therapeutic response in 50% of the population. This
means that some patients may require higher or lower doses to achieve the same effect due to individual
variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics . Incorrect A, B, C: These misinterpret the concept of
ED50.
Q3: A patient is prescribed phenobarbital sodium for a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of
4 days. Based on this half-life, the medication will most likely be prescribed:
A. Once a day. [100% CORRECT]
B. Twice a day
C. Three times a day
D. Four times a day
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct: Drugs with long half-lives (e.g., 4 days) can be administered less frequently, typically once
daily, because they remain in the therapeutic range for extended periods . Incorrect B, C, D: These dosing
frequencies would be appropriate for drugs with shorter half-lives.
Q4: A patient has a history of cardiac problems and is admitted to a telemetry unit. The prescriber orders
azithromycin antibiotic at a high dose for one day, followed by a lower dose thereafter. What is the nurse's
best action?
A. Delay administration to discuss with pharmacist
B. Question the prescriber about the two doses
C. Administer the drug per the prescription, recognizing that a loading dose, followed by a maintenance dose,
is being given. [100% CORRECT]
D. Seek a second prescriber's opinion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct: A loading dose rapidly achieves therapeutic drug levels, followed by lower maintenance
doses to sustain those levels. This is a standard prescribing practice for certain antibiotics . Incorrect A, B, D:
These actions are unnecessary as this dosing regimen is appropriate.
Q5: A patient has been receiving an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic index for 10 days. Upon assessment,
the nurse suspects that the patient may be experiencing toxicity. The nurse's priority action would be to:
A. Call the prescriber and have the antibiotic changed
B. Suspect an allergic reaction and administer a PRN antihistamine
C. Ask the prescriber to order a plasma drug level. [100% CORRECT]
D. Set up oxygen and obtain an order for an antagonist
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct: For drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring plasma drug levels is essential to
assess for toxicity. The nurse should request drug levels before making other interventions . Incorrect A, B, D:
These actions may be appropriate after confirming toxicity but are not the priority first step.
Q6: A patient is to receive a beta1-selective blocker. Which assessment finding must the nurse address before
the medication can be administered?
A. Blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
C. Creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL
D. Heart rate of 45 beats per minute. [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct: Beta1-selective blockers decrease heart rate. A heart rate of 45 bpm indicates bradycardia,
and the medication should be withheld until the provider is notified . Incorrect A, B, C: These values are
within normal limits and do not contraindicate beta-blocker administration.
Q7: A patient is prescribed an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic index. Which of the following is most
important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Complete blood count weekly
B. Serum drug levels. [100% CORRECT]
C. Blood pressure every 4 hours
D. Liver function tests monthly
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
COURSE: NSG 124: Pharmacology
INSTITUTION: Herzing University
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026/2027 | Latest Update
EXAM TYPE: Exam 1 | Fundamentals of Pharmacology
TOTAL QUESTIONS: 100 | Format: Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, Clinical Application
GRADE: A+ | 100% Verified Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
Section 1 Foundations of Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics Q1-15
Section 2 Autonomic Nervous System Drugs Q16-30
Section 3 Central Nervous System Drugs Q31-45
Section 4 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Q46-60
Section 5 Respiratory & Gastrointestinal Drugs Q61-70
Section 6 Endocrine Pharmacology Q71-80
Section 7 Anti-infective Agents Q81-90
Section 8 Integrated Clinical Scenarios Q91-100
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACOKINETICS
Q1: What are the 3 distinct stages of general adaptation syndrome?
A. Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion. [100% CORRECT]
B. Fight, Flight, Freeze
C. Acute, Chronic, Terminal
D. Onset, Peak, Duration
Correct Answer: A
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Rationale: Correct: The three stages are: 1) Alarm Reaction Stage - physiological responses of fight or flight are
initiated; 2) Stage of Resistance - the individual uses physiological responses to adapt to the stressor; 3) Stage
of Exhaustion - prolonged exposure depletes adaptive energy, leading to diseases of adaptation . Incorrect B,
C, D: These are not the correct stages of general adaptation syndrome.
Q2: The nursing instructor is teaching student nurses about how the median effective dose (ED50) of a
medication is related to clinical practice. Which statement reflects the correct understanding by the student?
A. About 50% of patients will experience severe side effects from the drug
B. About 50% of patients will not experience any effect from the drug
C. Some patients will respond differently, depending on their ethnic background
D. Some clients will require more or less than average dose of the drug. [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct: The ED50 is the dose that produces a therapeutic response in 50% of the population. This
means that some patients may require higher or lower doses to achieve the same effect due to individual
variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics . Incorrect A, B, C: These misinterpret the concept of
ED50.
Q3: A patient is prescribed phenobarbital sodium for a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of
4 days. Based on this half-life, the medication will most likely be prescribed:
A. Once a day. [100% CORRECT]
B. Twice a day
C. Three times a day
D. Four times a day
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct: Drugs with long half-lives (e.g., 4 days) can be administered less frequently, typically once
daily, because they remain in the therapeutic range for extended periods . Incorrect B, C, D: These dosing
frequencies would be appropriate for drugs with shorter half-lives.
Q4: A patient has a history of cardiac problems and is admitted to a telemetry unit. The prescriber orders
azithromycin antibiotic at a high dose for one day, followed by a lower dose thereafter. What is the nurse's
best action?
A. Delay administration to discuss with pharmacist
B. Question the prescriber about the two doses
C. Administer the drug per the prescription, recognizing that a loading dose, followed by a maintenance dose,
is being given. [100% CORRECT]
D. Seek a second prescriber's opinion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct: A loading dose rapidly achieves therapeutic drug levels, followed by lower maintenance
doses to sustain those levels. This is a standard prescribing practice for certain antibiotics . Incorrect A, B, D:
These actions are unnecessary as this dosing regimen is appropriate.
Q5: A patient has been receiving an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic index for 10 days. Upon assessment,
the nurse suspects that the patient may be experiencing toxicity. The nurse's priority action would be to:
A. Call the prescriber and have the antibiotic changed
B. Suspect an allergic reaction and administer a PRN antihistamine
C. Ask the prescriber to order a plasma drug level. [100% CORRECT]
D. Set up oxygen and obtain an order for an antagonist
, NSG 124 EXAM 1 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | HERZING
UNIVERSITY | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
EXPERT VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct: For drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring plasma drug levels is essential to
assess for toxicity. The nurse should request drug levels before making other interventions . Incorrect A, B, D:
These actions may be appropriate after confirming toxicity but are not the priority first step.
Q6: A patient is to receive a beta1-selective blocker. Which assessment finding must the nurse address before
the medication can be administered?
A. Blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
C. Creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL
D. Heart rate of 45 beats per minute. [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct: Beta1-selective blockers decrease heart rate. A heart rate of 45 bpm indicates bradycardia,
and the medication should be withheld until the provider is notified . Incorrect A, B, C: These values are
within normal limits and do not contraindicate beta-blocker administration.
Q7: A patient is prescribed an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic index. Which of the following is most
important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Complete blood count weekly
B. Serum drug levels. [100% CORRECT]
C. Blood pressure every 4 hours
D. Liver function tests monthly
