NU 578 - UNIT 2
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📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 139 Qs
This document, "NU 578 - Unit 2", covers specific topics in pharmacology, including opioids, monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It provides 139 questions with correct
answers and detailed explanations, serving as a comprehensive study guide for nursing students. The
document allows students to review and understand pharmacological concepts, making it an effective
tool for exam preparation and knowledge retention.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Opioids Drugs
CORRECT ANSWER
Drugs:
RATIONALE: The question "Opioids Drugs" is a query about categorization, where "Opioids" is a specific type of
substance and "Drugs" is a broader category. The correct response, "Drugs:", is correct because it accurately reflects the
relationship between the specific type (Opioids) and the general category (Drugs).
QUESTION 2
Opioids - MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
- Bind to "opiate receptors" in the brain, which disrupts the transmission of pain signals in the CNS.
- Mimic actions of endogenous opiates
(endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins).
- Primarily activate mu receptors, but also activate Kappa
RATIONALE: Opioids exert their effects by mimicking the actions of naturally occurring substances in the brain, such as
endorphins and enkephalins, which play a crucial role in pain modulation. By activating specific receptors in the brain,
opioids effectively disrupt the transmission of pain signals through the central nervous system, leading to pain relief.
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, QUESTION 3
Opioids - Effect
CORRECT ANSWER
* Relieve pain & induce euphoria
Also cause sedation, respiratory depression, miosis, constipation, nausea, & suppress the cough reflex.
RATIONALE: Opioids work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and body, triggering a response that leads to
the desired effects, including pain relief and euphoria. This interaction with opioid receptors is a well-established
scientific principle, supported by decades of research in pharmacology and neuroscience.
QUESTION 4
Opioids - Uses
CORRECT ANSWER
- Pain relief
- Cough suppression
- Relief of dyspnea
- Preoperative sedation
RATIONALE: Opioids work by activating opioid receptors in the brain, which alters the perception of pain and reduces its
transmission to other parts of the body, thus providing pain relief. Additionally, their antitussive (cough-suppressing) and
dyspnea-relieving properties make them useful for managing respiratory symptoms, and their sedative effects can help
calm patients before surgery.
QUESTION 5
Opioids - Side Effects
CORRECT ANSWER
Hypotension
sedation
nausea
itching
miosis
muscle weakness
constipation
Urinary Retention
Biliary Colic
Increased ICP
RATIONALE: Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, which can lead to a range of
physiological effects, including decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and altered neurotransmitter levels, resulting in
the listed side effects. These side effects are a direct consequence of the opioid's mechanism of action and its impact on
various bodily systems, making the listed symptoms a comprehensive and accurate representation of opioid side effects.
QUESTION 6
Treatment of Opioid- Induced Constipation
CORRECT ANSWER
methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
naloxegol (Movantik)
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, Blocks opioid receptors in the GI tract
* Does not cross blood-brain barrier, so does not reverse analgesia
RATIONALE: Methylnaltrexone and naloxegol work by blocking opioid receptors in the GI tract, which helps to relieve
constipation caused by opioids without affecting the pain-relieving effects of opioids in the brain. This is possible because
these medications do not cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to selectively target opioid receptors in the gut and
maintain the desired analgesic effects.
QUESTION 7
Opioids - Drug Interactions
CORRECT ANSWER
CNS depressants!
Anticholinergics
Drugs that lower BP
RATIONALE: Opioids interact with CNS depressants, anticholinergics, and drugs that lower blood pressure because they
can exacerbate their effects, such as causing excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or hypotension. This is due to
the additive or synergistic effects of opioids with these classes of drugs, which can lead to increased risks of adverse
reactions and overdose.
QUESTION 8
Opioids - Contraindications/Warnings
CORRECT ANSWER
Decreased respiratory reserve
Labor and delivery
Inflammatory Bowel disease
Head Injury
RATIONALE: Opioids can be contraindicated or warrant special caution in individuals with decreased respiratory reserve,
as they can further compromise breathing and lead to respiratory depression. This same concern applies to patients
undergoing labor and delivery, inflammatory bowel disease, and head injury, as these conditions may already be
affecting the patient's respiratory or neurological status, making them more susceptible to opioid-induced complications.
QUESTION 9
Opioid toxicity
CORRECT ANSWER
3 signs:
- coma
- pinpoint pupils
- respiratory depression - may be fatal!
RATIONALE: Opioid toxicity occurs when opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to an overstimulation of
the central nervous system, which can cause a range of symptoms including respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and
in severe cases, coma. These symptoms are key indicators of opioid toxicity because they reflect the direct effects of
opioid binding on the brain, making them reliable markers for this condition.
QUESTION 10
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, Tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER
a state in which a drug user needs larger amounts of the drug to produce the same effect on the body
RATIONALE: Tolerance is a concept that describes how the body adapts to a constant exposure to a drug, requiring an
individual to take larger amounts to achieve the same effect due to the body's ability to counteract the initial impact of
the substance. This process occurs as the body's biological systems adjust to the presence of the drug, effectively
reducing its initial potency and necessitating increased dosages to achieve the desired outcome.
QUESTION 11
Physical Dependence
CORRECT ANSWER
A state in which an abstinence syndrome will occur if drug use is abruptly stopped
RATIONALE: Physical dependence is characterized by a state in which the body has adapted to the presence of a drug,
requiring it to function normally. If drug use is abruptly stopped in such a state, an abstinence syndrome will occur due
to the body's inability to function without the drug, highlighting the physical dependence.
QUESTION 12
Abuse
CORRECT ANSWER
drug use that is inconsistent with medical or social norms
RATIONALE: The term "abuse" specifically refers to drug use that deviates from socially accepted or medically
recommended standards, indicating a misuse or overuse of a substance. This definition highlights the importance of
context and societal norms in determining what constitutes abuse, rather than solely focusing on the physical effects or
quantity of the substance used.
QUESTION 13
Addiction
CORRECT ANSWER
disease characterized by and individual pathologically pursuing rewards and relief by substance use and
other behaviors
RATIONALE: This definition accurately captures the essence of addiction because it highlights the underlying
psychological drive and compulsive pursuit of reward and relief associated with substance use and other behaviors,
which is a fundamental characteristic of addictive disorders. By emphasizing the individual's pathological pursuit of
rewards and relief, this definition aligns with the current understanding of addiction as a complex neurobiological and
psychological condition.
QUESTION 14
Full opioid agonists
CORRECT ANSWER
- Good for severe pain
- May give a feeling of euphoria
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
Page 4 of 39
130+ (Latest 2026 Edition) 100% Verified Q&A + Answer Key Solutions
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 139 Qs
This document, "NU 578 - Unit 2", covers specific topics in pharmacology, including opioids, monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It provides 139 questions with correct
answers and detailed explanations, serving as a comprehensive study guide for nursing students. The
document allows students to review and understand pharmacological concepts, making it an effective
tool for exam preparation and knowledge retention.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Opioids Drugs
CORRECT ANSWER
Drugs:
RATIONALE: The question "Opioids Drugs" is a query about categorization, where "Opioids" is a specific type of
substance and "Drugs" is a broader category. The correct response, "Drugs:", is correct because it accurately reflects the
relationship between the specific type (Opioids) and the general category (Drugs).
QUESTION 2
Opioids - MOA
CORRECT ANSWER
- Bind to "opiate receptors" in the brain, which disrupts the transmission of pain signals in the CNS.
- Mimic actions of endogenous opiates
(endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins).
- Primarily activate mu receptors, but also activate Kappa
RATIONALE: Opioids exert their effects by mimicking the actions of naturally occurring substances in the brain, such as
endorphins and enkephalins, which play a crucial role in pain modulation. By activating specific receptors in the brain,
opioids effectively disrupt the transmission of pain signals through the central nervous system, leading to pain relief.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 39
, QUESTION 3
Opioids - Effect
CORRECT ANSWER
* Relieve pain & induce euphoria
Also cause sedation, respiratory depression, miosis, constipation, nausea, & suppress the cough reflex.
RATIONALE: Opioids work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and body, triggering a response that leads to
the desired effects, including pain relief and euphoria. This interaction with opioid receptors is a well-established
scientific principle, supported by decades of research in pharmacology and neuroscience.
QUESTION 4
Opioids - Uses
CORRECT ANSWER
- Pain relief
- Cough suppression
- Relief of dyspnea
- Preoperative sedation
RATIONALE: Opioids work by activating opioid receptors in the brain, which alters the perception of pain and reduces its
transmission to other parts of the body, thus providing pain relief. Additionally, their antitussive (cough-suppressing) and
dyspnea-relieving properties make them useful for managing respiratory symptoms, and their sedative effects can help
calm patients before surgery.
QUESTION 5
Opioids - Side Effects
CORRECT ANSWER
Hypotension
sedation
nausea
itching
miosis
muscle weakness
constipation
Urinary Retention
Biliary Colic
Increased ICP
RATIONALE: Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, which can lead to a range of
physiological effects, including decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and altered neurotransmitter levels, resulting in
the listed side effects. These side effects are a direct consequence of the opioid's mechanism of action and its impact on
various bodily systems, making the listed symptoms a comprehensive and accurate representation of opioid side effects.
QUESTION 6
Treatment of Opioid- Induced Constipation
CORRECT ANSWER
methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
naloxegol (Movantik)
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, Blocks opioid receptors in the GI tract
* Does not cross blood-brain barrier, so does not reverse analgesia
RATIONALE: Methylnaltrexone and naloxegol work by blocking opioid receptors in the GI tract, which helps to relieve
constipation caused by opioids without affecting the pain-relieving effects of opioids in the brain. This is possible because
these medications do not cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to selectively target opioid receptors in the gut and
maintain the desired analgesic effects.
QUESTION 7
Opioids - Drug Interactions
CORRECT ANSWER
CNS depressants!
Anticholinergics
Drugs that lower BP
RATIONALE: Opioids interact with CNS depressants, anticholinergics, and drugs that lower blood pressure because they
can exacerbate their effects, such as causing excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or hypotension. This is due to
the additive or synergistic effects of opioids with these classes of drugs, which can lead to increased risks of adverse
reactions and overdose.
QUESTION 8
Opioids - Contraindications/Warnings
CORRECT ANSWER
Decreased respiratory reserve
Labor and delivery
Inflammatory Bowel disease
Head Injury
RATIONALE: Opioids can be contraindicated or warrant special caution in individuals with decreased respiratory reserve,
as they can further compromise breathing and lead to respiratory depression. This same concern applies to patients
undergoing labor and delivery, inflammatory bowel disease, and head injury, as these conditions may already be
affecting the patient's respiratory or neurological status, making them more susceptible to opioid-induced complications.
QUESTION 9
Opioid toxicity
CORRECT ANSWER
3 signs:
- coma
- pinpoint pupils
- respiratory depression - may be fatal!
RATIONALE: Opioid toxicity occurs when opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to an overstimulation of
the central nervous system, which can cause a range of symptoms including respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and
in severe cases, coma. These symptoms are key indicators of opioid toxicity because they reflect the direct effects of
opioid binding on the brain, making them reliable markers for this condition.
QUESTION 10
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, Tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER
a state in which a drug user needs larger amounts of the drug to produce the same effect on the body
RATIONALE: Tolerance is a concept that describes how the body adapts to a constant exposure to a drug, requiring an
individual to take larger amounts to achieve the same effect due to the body's ability to counteract the initial impact of
the substance. This process occurs as the body's biological systems adjust to the presence of the drug, effectively
reducing its initial potency and necessitating increased dosages to achieve the desired outcome.
QUESTION 11
Physical Dependence
CORRECT ANSWER
A state in which an abstinence syndrome will occur if drug use is abruptly stopped
RATIONALE: Physical dependence is characterized by a state in which the body has adapted to the presence of a drug,
requiring it to function normally. If drug use is abruptly stopped in such a state, an abstinence syndrome will occur due
to the body's inability to function without the drug, highlighting the physical dependence.
QUESTION 12
Abuse
CORRECT ANSWER
drug use that is inconsistent with medical or social norms
RATIONALE: The term "abuse" specifically refers to drug use that deviates from socially accepted or medically
recommended standards, indicating a misuse or overuse of a substance. This definition highlights the importance of
context and societal norms in determining what constitutes abuse, rather than solely focusing on the physical effects or
quantity of the substance used.
QUESTION 13
Addiction
CORRECT ANSWER
disease characterized by and individual pathologically pursuing rewards and relief by substance use and
other behaviors
RATIONALE: This definition accurately captures the essence of addiction because it highlights the underlying
psychological drive and compulsive pursuit of reward and relief associated with substance use and other behaviors,
which is a fundamental characteristic of addictive disorders. By emphasizing the individual's pathological pursuit of
rewards and relief, this definition aligns with the current understanding of addiction as a complex neurobiological and
psychological condition.
QUESTION 14
Full opioid agonists
CORRECT ANSWER
- Good for severe pain
- May give a feeling of euphoria
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Page 4 of 39
