Chamberlain University
LANIF · 665 RN
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
EST. 1889
E X C E L L E N C E · I N N O V AT I O N · I N T E G R I T Y · W O R L D C L A S S S E R V I C E
NR 566 — Final Examination
A DVA N C E D P H A R M ACO LO G Y FO R C A R E O F T H E FA M I LY
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE NR 566
PROGRAM Master of Science in Nursing — ACADEMIC YEAR
FNP
EXAM TITLE Final Examination — Already TOTAL QUESTIONS 17 Questions
Graded A+
COURSE TITLE Advanced Pharmacology for FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Care of the Family Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Drug classifications, mechanisms, adverse effects, and contraindications are all testable content.
▸ Population-specific contraindications and special patient safety considerations are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
▸ All pharmacological data reflects current evidence-based clinical guidelines.
, SECTION I — H1 ANTAGONISTS: PHARMACOLOGY,
Questions 1 – 17
CLINICAL USE & SAFETY
1. A family nurse practitioner is counseling a patient about over-the-counter sleep aids
that belong to the H1 antagonist class. Which two medications are the most commonly
used H1 antagonist sleep aids available without a prescription?
A. Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
C. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex)
D. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and promethazine (Phenergan)
CORRECT ANSWER B — Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
RATIONALE Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) are the two most
common first-generation H1 antagonist (FGA) sleep aids available OTC. Unlike
second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine), FGAs
readily cross the blood-brain barrier, producing prominent sedation that is
utilized therapeutically for sleep induction. Their CNS penetration is the key
pharmacological distinction driving their use as sleep aids versus daytime
allergy medications.
2. A patient presents with seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria. For which severity of
allergic reaction are H1 antagonists the appropriate pharmacological intervention?
A. Anaphylaxis — requiring immediate epinephrine administration
B. Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria
C. Severe bronchospasm requiring systemic corticosteroids
D. Angioedema with airway compromise
CORRECT ANSWER B — Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria
RATIONALE H1 antagonists are indicated for mild allergic reactions, primarily allergic
rhinitis and urticaria (hives). They reduce histamine-mediated symptoms by
competitively blocking H1 receptors. They are not adequate as sole therapy for
anaphylaxis, severe bronchospasm, or airway-compromising angioedema —
those emergencies require epinephrine, systemic corticosteroids, and airway
management. H1 antagonists may be used as adjuncts in moderate-to-severe
reactions but are never the primary agent.
LANIF · 665 RN
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
EST. 1889
E X C E L L E N C E · I N N O V AT I O N · I N T E G R I T Y · W O R L D C L A S S S E R V I C E
NR 566 — Final Examination
A DVA N C E D P H A R M ACO LO G Y FO R C A R E O F T H E FA M I LY
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE NR 566
PROGRAM Master of Science in Nursing — ACADEMIC YEAR
FNP
EXAM TITLE Final Examination — Already TOTAL QUESTIONS 17 Questions
Graded A+
COURSE TITLE Advanced Pharmacology for FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Care of the Family Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Drug classifications, mechanisms, adverse effects, and contraindications are all testable content.
▸ Population-specific contraindications and special patient safety considerations are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
▸ All pharmacological data reflects current evidence-based clinical guidelines.
, SECTION I — H1 ANTAGONISTS: PHARMACOLOGY,
Questions 1 – 17
CLINICAL USE & SAFETY
1. A family nurse practitioner is counseling a patient about over-the-counter sleep aids
that belong to the H1 antagonist class. Which two medications are the most commonly
used H1 antagonist sleep aids available without a prescription?
A. Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
C. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex)
D. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and promethazine (Phenergan)
CORRECT ANSWER B — Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
RATIONALE Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) are the two most
common first-generation H1 antagonist (FGA) sleep aids available OTC. Unlike
second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine), FGAs
readily cross the blood-brain barrier, producing prominent sedation that is
utilized therapeutically for sleep induction. Their CNS penetration is the key
pharmacological distinction driving their use as sleep aids versus daytime
allergy medications.
2. A patient presents with seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria. For which severity of
allergic reaction are H1 antagonists the appropriate pharmacological intervention?
A. Anaphylaxis — requiring immediate epinephrine administration
B. Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria
C. Severe bronchospasm requiring systemic corticosteroids
D. Angioedema with airway compromise
CORRECT ANSWER B — Mild allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria
RATIONALE H1 antagonists are indicated for mild allergic reactions, primarily allergic
rhinitis and urticaria (hives). They reduce histamine-mediated symptoms by
competitively blocking H1 receptors. They are not adequate as sole therapy for
anaphylaxis, severe bronchospasm, or airway-compromising angioedema —
those emergencies require epinephrine, systemic corticosteroids, and airway
management. H1 antagonists may be used as adjuncts in moderate-to-severe
reactions but are never the primary agent.
