NU150 Exam 4 Review: (Latest 2026/2027) CNS Pharmacology –
Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Parkinson's, Gout, Rheumatoid
Arthritis | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Benzodiazepines, MAOIs, SSRIs, DMARDs, Carbidopa‑Levodopa, Phenytoin,
Allopurinol, Alendronate & Adverse Effects
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pharmacology / NU 150 Galen Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are cholinesterase inhibitors used for?
CORRECT ANSWER
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (increase acetylcholine levels in the brain).
RATIONALE
• Examples: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine.
• Improve cognitive function, memory, and activities of daily living.
• Do not cure Alzheimer's but may slow progression.
Q2
What are adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors?
CORRECT ANSWER
Anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, bradycardia, syncope (risk of falls).
RATIONALE
• Monitor for syncope (fainting) – increased fall risk, especially in older adults.
• GI effects common; take with food to reduce nausea.
• Contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders (may lower seizure threshold).
, Q3
Don't take cholinesterase inhibitors if you have what condition?
CORRECT ANSWER
Seizures (may lower seizure threshold).
RATIONALE
• Also caution in bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, GI obstruction.
• Use with caution in patients with asthma or COPD (bronchospasm risk).
• Monitor heart rate and rhythm.
Q4
What should you monitor if you are on cholinesterase inhibitors?
CORRECT ANSWER
Syncope (fainting – monitor for falls, bradycardia, hypotension).
RATIONALE
• Cholinergic effects can cause bradycardia, heart block, syncope.
• Teach patient to change positions slowly.
• Monitor pulse daily; report heart rate <60 bpm.
Q5
If you have a panic attack, what should you do first?
CORRECT ANSWER
Measure level of consciousness (LOC) before giving medications.
RATIONALE
• Assess LOC, vital signs, and airway before administering benzodiazepines.
• Benzodiazepines can cause CNS depression, respiratory depression.
• Safety is priority before intervention.
Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Parkinson's, Gout, Rheumatoid
Arthritis | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Benzodiazepines, MAOIs, SSRIs, DMARDs, Carbidopa‑Levodopa, Phenytoin,
Allopurinol, Alendronate & Adverse Effects
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pharmacology / NU 150 Galen Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are cholinesterase inhibitors used for?
CORRECT ANSWER
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (increase acetylcholine levels in the brain).
RATIONALE
• Examples: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine.
• Improve cognitive function, memory, and activities of daily living.
• Do not cure Alzheimer's but may slow progression.
Q2
What are adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors?
CORRECT ANSWER
Anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, bradycardia, syncope (risk of falls).
RATIONALE
• Monitor for syncope (fainting) – increased fall risk, especially in older adults.
• GI effects common; take with food to reduce nausea.
• Contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders (may lower seizure threshold).
, Q3
Don't take cholinesterase inhibitors if you have what condition?
CORRECT ANSWER
Seizures (may lower seizure threshold).
RATIONALE
• Also caution in bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, GI obstruction.
• Use with caution in patients with asthma or COPD (bronchospasm risk).
• Monitor heart rate and rhythm.
Q4
What should you monitor if you are on cholinesterase inhibitors?
CORRECT ANSWER
Syncope (fainting – monitor for falls, bradycardia, hypotension).
RATIONALE
• Cholinergic effects can cause bradycardia, heart block, syncope.
• Teach patient to change positions slowly.
• Monitor pulse daily; report heart rate <60 bpm.
Q5
If you have a panic attack, what should you do first?
CORRECT ANSWER
Measure level of consciousness (LOC) before giving medications.
RATIONALE
• Assess LOC, vital signs, and airway before administering benzodiazepines.
• Benzodiazepines can cause CNS depression, respiratory depression.
• Safety is priority before intervention.
