Berkeley College NUR 101: Pharmacology
Study Package
NCLEX PN HESI Aligned - 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Date: June 5, 2026 Academic Year: 2024⁄2025 (Updated for 2026) Author: Manus AI
Introduction
Welcome to the comprehensive study package for Berkeley College NUR 101: Pharmacology.
This guide is specifically designed to support nursing students in mastering the complexities of
pharmacology while preparing for the NCLEX PN and HESI examinations.
The package includes:
1. 10 Detailed Modules: Covering fundamental principles, medication administration, and drug
classifications across all major body systems.
2. Assignments & Case Studies: Designed to foster critical thinking and clinical judgment.
3. Pharmacology Version 1 Test Bank: A collection of high-yield practice questions with
detailed rationales.
, 4. Visual Aids: Custom diagrams to simplify complex processes.
Table of Contents
1. Module 1: General Principles of Pharmacology
2. Module 2: Medication Administration
3. Module 3: Endocrine System Medications
4. Module 4: Hematologic System Medications
5. Module 5: Integumentary System Medications
6. Module 6: Cardiovascular System Medications
7. Module 7: Respiratory System Medications
8. Module 8: Gastrointestinal System Medications
9. Module 9: Anti-infective Medications
10. Module 10: Pain Management & Nervous System Medications
11. Pharmacology Version 1 Test Bank
12. References
1
Module : General Principles of
Pharmacology
1.1 Introduction to Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. As a nurse,
understanding pharmacology is crucial for safe and effective medication administration, patient
education, and monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects.
1.2 Drug Names
Drugs typically have three types of names:
, 1. Chemical Name: Describes the drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure (e.g.,
N-acetyl-para-aminophenol).
2. Generic Name: The nonproprietary name of a drug, usually shorter and simpler than the
chemical name, and often derived from the chemical name. It is universally accepted (e.g.,
acetaminophen).
3. Trade (Brand) Name: The proprietary name given by the pharmaceutical company that
markets the drug. It is capitalized and followed by a registered trademark symbol (e.g.,
Tylenol®).
1.3 Pharmacokinetics: What the Body Does to the Drug
Pharmacokinetics describes the movement of drugs within the body. It involves four main
processes:
1.3.1 Absorption
The movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream.
Factors affecting absorption: Route of administration (oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous, topical),
drug formulation, blood flow to the absorption site, lipid solubility, pH partitioning.
Bioavailability: The fraction of administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation
unchanged.
1.3.2 Distribution
The movement of drugs throughout the body to their sites of action.
Factors affecting distribution: Blood flow to tissues, ability to exit the vascular system
(e.g., protein binding, blood-brain barrier), ability to enter cells.
Protein Binding: Drugs can bind to plasma proteins (especially albumin). Only unbound
(free) drug can exert its effect, be metabolized, or excreted. Low albumin levels can lead to
higher levels of free drug and increased risk of toxicity.
1.3.3 Metabolism (Biotransformation)
The enzymatic alteration of drug structure, primarily in the liver (cytochrome P450 system).
Effects of metabolism: Drug inactivation, accelerated renal excretion, increased
therapeutic action, activation of prodrugs, increased or decreased toxicity.
First-Pass Effect: Rapid hepatic inactivation of certain oral drugs. Drugs absorbed from the
GI tract go directly to the liver via the portal vein before reaching systemic circulation. If the
, liver metabolizes a large portion of the drug, less active drug reaches the systemic
circulation.
1.3.4 Excretion
The removal of drugs from the body, primarily by the kidneys.
Other routes: Liver (bile), lungs (gases), sweat, saliva, breast milk.
Kidney function: Impaired renal function can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity. Nurses
must monitor kidney function (e.g., GFR, creatinine clearance) and adjust dosages
accordingly.
1.4 Pharmacodynamics: What the Drug Does to the Body
Pharmacodynamics describes the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body
and the mechanisms of drug action.
1.4.1 Drug-Receptor Interaction
Most drugs exert their effects by binding to receptors (macromolecules, usually proteins) on
cell surfaces or within cells.
Agonist: A drug that binds to a receptor and produces a response (mimics the body’s own
regulatory molecules).
Antagonist: A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks or impedes a response (prevents the
body’s own regulatory molecules from binding).
1.4.2 Dose-Response Relationships
The relationship between the size of an administered dose and the intensity of the response
produced.
Maximal Efficacy: The largest effect that a drug can produce.
Potency: The amount of drug needed to elicit an effect. A potent drug produces its effects at
low doses.
1.5 Therapeutic Index
The therapeutic index (TI) is a measure of a drug’s safety. It is the ratio of the dose that
produces toxicity to the dose that produces a desired therapeutic effect.
Study Package
NCLEX PN HESI Aligned - 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Date: June 5, 2026 Academic Year: 2024⁄2025 (Updated for 2026) Author: Manus AI
Introduction
Welcome to the comprehensive study package for Berkeley College NUR 101: Pharmacology.
This guide is specifically designed to support nursing students in mastering the complexities of
pharmacology while preparing for the NCLEX PN and HESI examinations.
The package includes:
1. 10 Detailed Modules: Covering fundamental principles, medication administration, and drug
classifications across all major body systems.
2. Assignments & Case Studies: Designed to foster critical thinking and clinical judgment.
3. Pharmacology Version 1 Test Bank: A collection of high-yield practice questions with
detailed rationales.
, 4. Visual Aids: Custom diagrams to simplify complex processes.
Table of Contents
1. Module 1: General Principles of Pharmacology
2. Module 2: Medication Administration
3. Module 3: Endocrine System Medications
4. Module 4: Hematologic System Medications
5. Module 5: Integumentary System Medications
6. Module 6: Cardiovascular System Medications
7. Module 7: Respiratory System Medications
8. Module 8: Gastrointestinal System Medications
9. Module 9: Anti-infective Medications
10. Module 10: Pain Management & Nervous System Medications
11. Pharmacology Version 1 Test Bank
12. References
1
Module : General Principles of
Pharmacology
1.1 Introduction to Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. As a nurse,
understanding pharmacology is crucial for safe and effective medication administration, patient
education, and monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects.
1.2 Drug Names
Drugs typically have three types of names:
, 1. Chemical Name: Describes the drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure (e.g.,
N-acetyl-para-aminophenol).
2. Generic Name: The nonproprietary name of a drug, usually shorter and simpler than the
chemical name, and often derived from the chemical name. It is universally accepted (e.g.,
acetaminophen).
3. Trade (Brand) Name: The proprietary name given by the pharmaceutical company that
markets the drug. It is capitalized and followed by a registered trademark symbol (e.g.,
Tylenol®).
1.3 Pharmacokinetics: What the Body Does to the Drug
Pharmacokinetics describes the movement of drugs within the body. It involves four main
processes:
1.3.1 Absorption
The movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream.
Factors affecting absorption: Route of administration (oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous, topical),
drug formulation, blood flow to the absorption site, lipid solubility, pH partitioning.
Bioavailability: The fraction of administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation
unchanged.
1.3.2 Distribution
The movement of drugs throughout the body to their sites of action.
Factors affecting distribution: Blood flow to tissues, ability to exit the vascular system
(e.g., protein binding, blood-brain barrier), ability to enter cells.
Protein Binding: Drugs can bind to plasma proteins (especially albumin). Only unbound
(free) drug can exert its effect, be metabolized, or excreted. Low albumin levels can lead to
higher levels of free drug and increased risk of toxicity.
1.3.3 Metabolism (Biotransformation)
The enzymatic alteration of drug structure, primarily in the liver (cytochrome P450 system).
Effects of metabolism: Drug inactivation, accelerated renal excretion, increased
therapeutic action, activation of prodrugs, increased or decreased toxicity.
First-Pass Effect: Rapid hepatic inactivation of certain oral drugs. Drugs absorbed from the
GI tract go directly to the liver via the portal vein before reaching systemic circulation. If the
, liver metabolizes a large portion of the drug, less active drug reaches the systemic
circulation.
1.3.4 Excretion
The removal of drugs from the body, primarily by the kidneys.
Other routes: Liver (bile), lungs (gases), sweat, saliva, breast milk.
Kidney function: Impaired renal function can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity. Nurses
must monitor kidney function (e.g., GFR, creatinine clearance) and adjust dosages
accordingly.
1.4 Pharmacodynamics: What the Drug Does to the Body
Pharmacodynamics describes the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body
and the mechanisms of drug action.
1.4.1 Drug-Receptor Interaction
Most drugs exert their effects by binding to receptors (macromolecules, usually proteins) on
cell surfaces or within cells.
Agonist: A drug that binds to a receptor and produces a response (mimics the body’s own
regulatory molecules).
Antagonist: A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks or impedes a response (prevents the
body’s own regulatory molecules from binding).
1.4.2 Dose-Response Relationships
The relationship between the size of an administered dose and the intensity of the response
produced.
Maximal Efficacy: The largest effect that a drug can produce.
Potency: The amount of drug needed to elicit an effect. A potent drug produces its effects at
low doses.
1.5 Therapeutic Index
The therapeutic index (TI) is a measure of a drug’s safety. It is the ratio of the dose that
produces toxicity to the dose that produces a desired therapeutic effect.
