Advanced Practice Nursing Program, 2026 – Final Exam
Questions with Verified Answers and Comprehensive
Study Guide
Introduction:
This document contains comprehensive final exam preparation
material for NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology, including verified
practice questions and detailed answers across major pharmacology
topics. It covers cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, pain management, dermatologic, musculoskeletal,
ophthalmic, and immunologic pharmacotherapy. The material also
includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, prescribing
principles, herbal supplements, and vaccine-related concepts. It is
designed as a complete review resource aligned with advanced
nursing pharmacology final exam objectives.
Exam Questions and Answers
cluster headaches --- correct precise answer ---intensely painful
headaches that affect one side of the head and may be associated
with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion, occur in series, 5-15
minutes
prophylaxis tx with regular Headaches
Depression tx --- correct precise answer ---SSRI, SNRI, Bupropion
are first line treatments. Least side effects of any medications
,Mild/moderate depression or anxiety are okay to treat but anything
else needs to be referred to a psychiatric NP
tricyclic antidepressants --- correct precise answer ---Weigh gain,
drowsiness, and terrible anticholinergic effects. beers list,
Amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine,
clomipramine, doxepin, amoxapine.
SSRIs --- correct precise answer ---Fluoxetine, paroxetine,
sertraline, citalopram.
effects don't start for several weeks (4-6 weeks) can cause weight
gain, vivid dreams, bruxism, bleeding disorders, ED/sexual
dysfunction, hyponatriemia, most can cause n/v that might go
away.
need to taper off these meds.
can be used for panic disorder, pms, anxiety, ptsd, post menopausal
women
SNRI --- correct precise answer ---serotonin norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitors, opposite of SSRI (weight loss and increase in
energy) Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) ― also approved to treat anxiety and certain
types of chronic pain
,Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) ― also approved to treat anxiety and
panic disorder
S/E:Nausea
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Headache
Excessive sweating
Other possible side effects may include:
Tiredness
Constipation
Insomnia
Changes in sexual function, such as reduced sexual desire, difficulty
reaching orgasm or the inability to maintain an erection (erectile
dysfunction)
Loss of appetite
Brupropion (wellbutrin) --- correct precise answer ---stimulate,
appetite suppressant, helps with sexual side effects of SSRIs, S/E:
dry mouth, constipation and increase risk of seizure disorder
St. John's Wart (Hypericum perforatum) --- correct precise answer
---don't want to give this to patients with SSRIs, a lot of drug
reactions, dosed at 300mg TID, CYP450 inducer
, lithium --- correct precise answer ---Excretion is reduced with
sodium levels are low. S/E: GI disturbances, n/v/d, ataxia, thirst,
tremor, high urine output, death. Very narrow therapeutic index
Benzodiazepines --- correct precise answer ---drugs that lower
anxiety and reduce stress: alprazolam, diazepam
alcohol abuse --- correct precise answer ---
nicotine abuse --- correct precise answer ---
Prior to starting antidepressants, patients should have what lab
testing to rule out --- correct precise answer ---hypothyroidism
A 32 yo male is starting paroxetine for depression. He is
complaining of not being able to obtain an erection. What can the
NP do to help? --- correct precise answer ---add bupropion
A 6 yo us being treated with ethosuximide. She should be monitored
for: --- correct precise answer ---Blood dycrasias which are
uncommon but possible.