Principles of Pharmacology, Drug Scheduling and Regulation, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Medication Administration and Safety, Drug Interactions, Adverse Drug Effects, Lifespan Pharmacology, Pregnancy and Teratogenic Risk, Labor and Tocolytic Me

Principles of Pharmacology, Drug Scheduling and Regulation, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Medication Administration and Safety, Drug Interactions, Adverse Drug Effects, Lifespan Pharmacology, Pregnancy and Teratogenic Risk, Labor and Tocolytic Medications, NSAIDs and Analgesics, Acetaminophen Toxicity, Inflammation and Prostaglandins, Pediatric and Geriatric Drug Considerations – Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Exam Questions Verified and Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What is pharmacology? the study of drugs that alter functions of living organisms Are drugs prescribed/dispensed by their generic name or their brand name? they can be prescribed/dispensed by either Describe schedule 1 drugs they have no acceptable medical use ex: heroin, LSD, ecstasy Describe schedule 2 drugs they can be used medically and have high potential for abuse ex: opioids like codeine, hydromorphone, oxycodone Describe schedule 3 drugs less potential for abuse than schedule 2 but may lead to psychological/physical dependence ex: androgens, anabolic steroids, ketamine, pentobarbital, methylphenidate Describe schedule 4 drugs have less potential for abuse than schedule 3 ex: benzodiazepines like diazepam, lorazepam, sedative/hypnotics like phenobarbital Describe schedule 5 drugs have less potential for abuse than schedule 4, category mainly consists of drugs with limited amounts of narcotics ex: tylenol with codeine How does the drug enforcement administration (DEA) promote drug safety? -they enforce controlled substances act -they register people/companies that are legally allowed to handle controlled substances -they regulate documentation and handling of controlled substances What is the FDA's center for drug evaluation and research's role in the regulation of substances? -they approve new prescription drugs -approve drugs for over the counter availability -determine need for clinical trials How does quality and safety education for nurses (QSEN) promote safety in drug administration? it gives nurses a quiet zone to prepare meds and follow protocols/checklists; this reduces interruptions What are the rights of medication administration? 1. right medication 2. right patient 3. right dosage 4. right route 5. right time 5. right reason 6. right documentation What authoritative sources should be used to obtain drug information? -American Hospital Formulary Service -Drug Facts and Comparisons -Physicians Desk Reference (less authoritative) How are drugs able to cross the cell membrane? lipid soluble drugs can just diffuse through the membrane, and carrier proteins attach to other drugs and carry them into the cell What characteristics do all cells share, regardless of specialty? -exchange materials with environment -obtain energy from nutrients -make hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, proteins, etc -reproduce -communicate with other cells Describe the pathway drugs take through the body drug enters body and is absorbed into bloodstream -- stored in tissues (body fat) -- goes to site of action (via cell receptors) -- is metabolized (via liver, lung, GI) -- is excreted (via kidney, respirations, sweat, feces) What is pharmacokinetics? drug movement throughout the body; includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion Why might serum drug levels be taken from a patient? to determine what dosage is therapeutic/effective and to see how much drug is in their blood at a given time What does the serum drug level reflect? dosage, absorption, bioavailability, half-life, rate of metabolism, excretion What is the difference between agonist and antagonist medications? agonist= drug that produces effects similar to those produced naturally (via hormones, neurotransmitters, etc) antagonist= drug that inhibits cell function by occupying receptor sites Wh