Pharmacology Study Guide for NSG
124 (HESI Exam 2) With 100% verified
Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationales 2026
Opioids - Answer--Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS),
altering the perception of pain.
Side Effects of Opioids - Answer--Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation,
and nausea.
Adverse Effects of Opioids - Answer--Respiratory depression (most concerning),
liver toxicity (with certain opioids and acetaminophen).
Nursing Actions for Opioids - Answer--Monitor pain level, respiratory rate, level of
consciousness (LOC) using a sedation scale, and bowel function before and after
administration. Have naloxone (opioid antagonist) available.
Teaching for Opioids - Answer--Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, report
constipation, and do not operate heavy machinery.
Critical Finding for Opioids - Answer--Respiratory rate less than 12 breaths/min is a
critical finding and requires immediate intervention.
NSAIDs - Answer--Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase
(COX) enzymes in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and CNS.
Side Effects of NSAIDs - Answer--GI upset, bleeding, and renal toxicity.
Adverse Effects of NSAIDs - Answer--GI bleeding, renal failure, and cardiovascular
events.
Nursing Actions for NSAIDs - Answer--Administer with food, monitor for GI bleeding
(black stools), assess renal function (BUN, creatinine).
Teaching for NSAIDs - Answer--Report signs of bleeding, take with food, and avoid
alcohol.
, Acetaminophen - Answer--Primarily acts in the CNS to reduce pain and fever.
Side Effects of Acetaminophen - Answer--Generally well-tolerated but can cause
liver toxicity with overdose or chronic high doses.
Adverse Effects of Acetaminophen - Answer--Hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Nursing Actions for Acetaminophen - Answer--Monitor liver function tests (LFTs).
Teaching for Acetaminophen - Answer--Do not exceed the maximum daily dose
(typically 4000 mg/day), avoid alcohol.
Migraine Medications - Answer--Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) are selective serotonin
receptor agonists that cause vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels.
Adverse Effects of Triptans - Answer--Vasoconstriction (chest pain, hypertension).
Nursing Actions for Triptans - Answer--Assess for cardiac history (contraindicated in
patients with a history of heart disease). Monitor blood pressure.
Teaching for Triptans - Answer--Take at the first sign of a migraine, avoid triggers.
Ergotamines - Answer--Vasoconstrictors, similar to triptans.
Adverse Effects of Ergotamines - Answer--Vasoconstriction, risk of cardiac events.
Nursing Actions for Ergotamines - Answer--Assess for cardiac history.
Teaching for Ergotamines - Answer--Take at the first sign of a migraine, avoid
triggers.
CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a
neuropeptide involved in migraine.
Side Effects of CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Generally well-tolerated.
Nursing Actions for CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Monitor for adverse effects.
Teaching for CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Take as prescribed, report any unusual
symptoms.
Muscle Relaxants - Answer--Act on the CNS to reduce muscle spasms and
spasticity.
124 (HESI Exam 2) With 100% verified
Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationales 2026
Opioids - Answer--Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS),
altering the perception of pain.
Side Effects of Opioids - Answer--Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation,
and nausea.
Adverse Effects of Opioids - Answer--Respiratory depression (most concerning),
liver toxicity (with certain opioids and acetaminophen).
Nursing Actions for Opioids - Answer--Monitor pain level, respiratory rate, level of
consciousness (LOC) using a sedation scale, and bowel function before and after
administration. Have naloxone (opioid antagonist) available.
Teaching for Opioids - Answer--Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, report
constipation, and do not operate heavy machinery.
Critical Finding for Opioids - Answer--Respiratory rate less than 12 breaths/min is a
critical finding and requires immediate intervention.
NSAIDs - Answer--Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase
(COX) enzymes in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and CNS.
Side Effects of NSAIDs - Answer--GI upset, bleeding, and renal toxicity.
Adverse Effects of NSAIDs - Answer--GI bleeding, renal failure, and cardiovascular
events.
Nursing Actions for NSAIDs - Answer--Administer with food, monitor for GI bleeding
(black stools), assess renal function (BUN, creatinine).
Teaching for NSAIDs - Answer--Report signs of bleeding, take with food, and avoid
alcohol.
, Acetaminophen - Answer--Primarily acts in the CNS to reduce pain and fever.
Side Effects of Acetaminophen - Answer--Generally well-tolerated but can cause
liver toxicity with overdose or chronic high doses.
Adverse Effects of Acetaminophen - Answer--Hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Nursing Actions for Acetaminophen - Answer--Monitor liver function tests (LFTs).
Teaching for Acetaminophen - Answer--Do not exceed the maximum daily dose
(typically 4000 mg/day), avoid alcohol.
Migraine Medications - Answer--Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) are selective serotonin
receptor agonists that cause vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels.
Adverse Effects of Triptans - Answer--Vasoconstriction (chest pain, hypertension).
Nursing Actions for Triptans - Answer--Assess for cardiac history (contraindicated in
patients with a history of heart disease). Monitor blood pressure.
Teaching for Triptans - Answer--Take at the first sign of a migraine, avoid triggers.
Ergotamines - Answer--Vasoconstrictors, similar to triptans.
Adverse Effects of Ergotamines - Answer--Vasoconstriction, risk of cardiac events.
Nursing Actions for Ergotamines - Answer--Assess for cardiac history.
Teaching for Ergotamines - Answer--Take at the first sign of a migraine, avoid
triggers.
CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a
neuropeptide involved in migraine.
Side Effects of CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Generally well-tolerated.
Nursing Actions for CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Monitor for adverse effects.
Teaching for CGRP Inhibitors - Answer--Take as prescribed, report any unusual
symptoms.
Muscle Relaxants - Answer--Act on the CNS to reduce muscle spasms and
spasticity.
