PROPHECY RN PHARMACOLOGY A
EXAM PREP 2026 | Real Questions &
Verified Answers | Relias Nursing
Assessment Study Guide | A+
Guaranteed Pass
PROPHECY RN PHARMACOLOGY A EXAM PREP 2026
Relias Nursing Assessment Study Guide | A+ Guaranteed Pass
Multiple Choice Questions with Verified Answers & RATIONALE
SECTION 1: DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS & MECHANISMS OF ACTION
Question 1 A nurse is reviewing medications for a patient. Which of the following drug
classes works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. C. Cholinesterase inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
E. Loop diuretics
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cholinesterase inhibitors
RATIONALE: Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., neostigmine, donepezil) block
acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing
cholinergic activity at the synapse. These are used in conditions like myasthenia gravis
and Alzheimer's disease.
,Question 2 A patient is prescribed metoprolol. The nurse understands this drug belongs
to which classification?
A. Calcium channel blocker
B. Alpha-1 adrenergic blocker
C. Loop diuretic
D. D. Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
E. ACE inhibitor
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
RATIONALE: Metoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1) adrenergic blocker. It
primarily affects the heart by reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility. It is used
in hypertension, heart failure, and angina.
Question 3 Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of ACE
inhibitors?
A. Block calcium entry into smooth muscle cells
B. Stimulate beta-2 receptors in the lungs
C. Inhibit aldosterone secretion directly
D. Block sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle
E. E. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) block angiotensin-
converting enzyme, preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
This results in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.
,Question 4 A nurse administers furosemide. This drug is classified as which type of
diuretic?
A. Potassium-sparing diuretic
B. Thiazide diuretic
C. Osmotic diuretic
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
E. E. Loop diuretic
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Loop diuretic
RATIONALE: Furosemide acts on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit sodium
and chloride reabsorption. It is a potent diuretic used in pulmonary edema, heart failure,
and hypertension.
Question 5 Which drug class is most commonly associated with the side effect of a dry,
nonproductive cough?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Calcium channel blockers
C. C. ACE inhibitors
D. ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
E. Thiazide diuretics
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. ACE inhibitors
RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors cause accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs, which
triggers a dry, nonproductive cough in approximately 10–15% of patients. If intolerable,
ARBs are used as an alternative.
, Question 6 A nurse is teaching a patient about spironolactone. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. D. Hyperkalemia
E. Hypomagnesemia
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hyperkalemia
RATIONALE: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone receptors. This prevents potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia.
Potassium levels must be closely monitored, especially in patients on ACE inhibitors.
Question 7 Which medication acts by blocking H2 receptors in the stomach to reduce
gastric acid secretion?
A. Omeprazole
B. Sucralfate
C. Antacids
D. Misoprostol
E. E. Ranitidine
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Ranitidine
RATIONALE: Ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid
production by blocking histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells. Unlike PPIs, it does not
irreversibly inhibit the proton pump.
EXAM PREP 2026 | Real Questions &
Verified Answers | Relias Nursing
Assessment Study Guide | A+
Guaranteed Pass
PROPHECY RN PHARMACOLOGY A EXAM PREP 2026
Relias Nursing Assessment Study Guide | A+ Guaranteed Pass
Multiple Choice Questions with Verified Answers & RATIONALE
SECTION 1: DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS & MECHANISMS OF ACTION
Question 1 A nurse is reviewing medications for a patient. Which of the following drug
classes works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. C. Cholinesterase inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
E. Loop diuretics
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cholinesterase inhibitors
RATIONALE: Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., neostigmine, donepezil) block
acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing
cholinergic activity at the synapse. These are used in conditions like myasthenia gravis
and Alzheimer's disease.
,Question 2 A patient is prescribed metoprolol. The nurse understands this drug belongs
to which classification?
A. Calcium channel blocker
B. Alpha-1 adrenergic blocker
C. Loop diuretic
D. D. Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
E. ACE inhibitor
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
RATIONALE: Metoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1) adrenergic blocker. It
primarily affects the heart by reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility. It is used
in hypertension, heart failure, and angina.
Question 3 Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of ACE
inhibitors?
A. Block calcium entry into smooth muscle cells
B. Stimulate beta-2 receptors in the lungs
C. Inhibit aldosterone secretion directly
D. Block sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle
E. E. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) block angiotensin-
converting enzyme, preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
This results in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.
,Question 4 A nurse administers furosemide. This drug is classified as which type of
diuretic?
A. Potassium-sparing diuretic
B. Thiazide diuretic
C. Osmotic diuretic
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
E. E. Loop diuretic
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Loop diuretic
RATIONALE: Furosemide acts on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit sodium
and chloride reabsorption. It is a potent diuretic used in pulmonary edema, heart failure,
and hypertension.
Question 5 Which drug class is most commonly associated with the side effect of a dry,
nonproductive cough?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Calcium channel blockers
C. C. ACE inhibitors
D. ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
E. Thiazide diuretics
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. ACE inhibitors
RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors cause accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs, which
triggers a dry, nonproductive cough in approximately 10–15% of patients. If intolerable,
ARBs are used as an alternative.
, Question 6 A nurse is teaching a patient about spironolactone. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. D. Hyperkalemia
E. Hypomagnesemia
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hyperkalemia
RATIONALE: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone receptors. This prevents potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia.
Potassium levels must be closely monitored, especially in patients on ACE inhibitors.
Question 7 Which medication acts by blocking H2 receptors in the stomach to reduce
gastric acid secretion?
A. Omeprazole
B. Sucralfate
C. Antacids
D. Misoprostol
E. E. Ranitidine
✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. Ranitidine
RATIONALE: Ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid
production by blocking histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells. Unlike PPIs, it does not
irreversibly inhibit the proton pump.
