NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
COURSE: NSG 124: Pharmacology
INSTITUTION: Herzing University
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026/2027 | Latest Update
EXAM TYPE: Exam 2 | Central Nervous System Drugs & Psychopharmacology
TOTAL QUESTIONS: 100 | Format: Multiple Choice, Select All That Apply, Clinical Scenarios
GRADE: A+ | 100% Verified Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
Section 1 Antiepileptic Drugs Q1-15
Section 2 Antiparkinson Drugs Q16-25
Section 3 Alzheimer's Disease Drugs Q26-32
Section 4 Antidepressants Q33-45
Section 5 Anxiolytics & Sedative-Hypnotics Q46-55
Section 6 Antipsychotics Q56-65
Section 7 Opioid Analgesics Q66-80
Section 8 Non-Opioid Analgesics Q81-90
Section 9 Integrated Clinical Scenarios Q91-100
SECTION 1: ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS
Q1: A patient is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for a seizure disorder. The nurse understands that phenytoin
works by:
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
A. Increasing GABA activity in the brain
B. Stabilizing neuronal membranes by blocking sodium channels. [100% CORRECT]
C. Blocking calcium channels
D. Enhancing glutamate release
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: Phenytoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing neuronal membranes
and limiting seizure activity by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing repetitive firing of
neurons . Incorrect A: Benzodiazepines and barbiturates enhance GABA. Incorrect C: This is the mechanism
of some anticonvulsants. Incorrect D: This would promote seizures.
Q2: The therapeutic level for phenytoin is:
A. 5-10 mcg/mL
B. 10-20 mcg/mL. [100% CORRECT]
C. 20-30 mcg/mL
D. 30-40 mcg/mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: The therapeutic range for phenytoin is 10-20 mcg/mL. Levels below this may not control
seizures, while levels above can cause toxicity. Incorrect A: Subtherapeutic. Incorrect C, D: Indicate toxicity.
Q3: A patient on phenytoin presents with nystagmus, ataxia, and slurred speech. The nurse suspects:
A. Subtherapeutic drug levels
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
B. Phenytoin toxicity. [100% CORRECT]
C. Allergic reaction
D. Expected adverse effects
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: Nystagmus, ataxia, and dysarthria are classic signs of phenytoin toxicity. The nurse should
hold the dose and notify the provider. Incorrect A: Subtherapeutic levels cause seizure breakthrough.
Incorrect C, D: These are not allergic or expected effects.
Q4: Phenytoin can cause which of the following adverse effects? (Select all that apply)
A. Gingival hyperplasia [100% CORRECT]
B. Hirsutism [100% CORRECT]
C. Osteoporosis [100% CORRECT]
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome [100% CORRECT]
E. Hypotension with IV administration [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Correct: All listed are adverse effects of phenytoin. Gingival hyperplasia and hirsutism are common
with long-term use. Osteoporosis can occur with chronic therapy. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but
serious skin reaction. IV administration can cause hypotension if given too rapidly. No incorrect options.
Q5: When administering IV phenytoin, the nurse must:
A. Administer rapidly to achieve therapeutic levels
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
B. Administer slowly (no more than 50 mg/min) and monitor BP and ECG. [100% CORRECT]
C. Mix with dextrose solutions
D. Administer via IV push without monitoring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: IV phenytoin must be administered slowly (no more than 50 mg/min) with continuous
ECG and blood pressure monitoring to prevent hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Incorrect A, C, D:
These practices are unsafe.
Q6: Valproic acid (Depakote) is used to treat:
A. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures [100% CORRECT]
B. Absence seizures [100% CORRECT]
C. Bipolar disorder [100% CORRECT]
D. Migraine prevention [100% CORRECT]
E. All of the above
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Correct: Valproic acid has broad-spectrum anticonvulsant activity and is also FDA-approved for
bipolar disorder and migraine prevention . Incorrect A, B, C, D: These are all correct indications, so E is the
best answer.
Q7: Valproic acid can cause which serious adverse effects? (Select all that apply)
A. Hepatotoxicity [100% CORRECT]
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
COURSE: NSG 124: Pharmacology
INSTITUTION: Herzing University
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026/2027 | Latest Update
EXAM TYPE: Exam 2 | Central Nervous System Drugs & Psychopharmacology
TOTAL QUESTIONS: 100 | Format: Multiple Choice, Select All That Apply, Clinical Scenarios
GRADE: A+ | 100% Verified Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
Section 1 Antiepileptic Drugs Q1-15
Section 2 Antiparkinson Drugs Q16-25
Section 3 Alzheimer's Disease Drugs Q26-32
Section 4 Antidepressants Q33-45
Section 5 Anxiolytics & Sedative-Hypnotics Q46-55
Section 6 Antipsychotics Q56-65
Section 7 Opioid Analgesics Q66-80
Section 8 Non-Opioid Analgesics Q81-90
Section 9 Integrated Clinical Scenarios Q91-100
SECTION 1: ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS
Q1: A patient is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for a seizure disorder. The nurse understands that phenytoin
works by:
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
A. Increasing GABA activity in the brain
B. Stabilizing neuronal membranes by blocking sodium channels. [100% CORRECT]
C. Blocking calcium channels
D. Enhancing glutamate release
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: Phenytoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing neuronal membranes
and limiting seizure activity by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing repetitive firing of
neurons . Incorrect A: Benzodiazepines and barbiturates enhance GABA. Incorrect C: This is the mechanism
of some anticonvulsants. Incorrect D: This would promote seizures.
Q2: The therapeutic level for phenytoin is:
A. 5-10 mcg/mL
B. 10-20 mcg/mL. [100% CORRECT]
C. 20-30 mcg/mL
D. 30-40 mcg/mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: The therapeutic range for phenytoin is 10-20 mcg/mL. Levels below this may not control
seizures, while levels above can cause toxicity. Incorrect A: Subtherapeutic. Incorrect C, D: Indicate toxicity.
Q3: A patient on phenytoin presents with nystagmus, ataxia, and slurred speech. The nurse suspects:
A. Subtherapeutic drug levels
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
B. Phenytoin toxicity. [100% CORRECT]
C. Allergic reaction
D. Expected adverse effects
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: Nystagmus, ataxia, and dysarthria are classic signs of phenytoin toxicity. The nurse should
hold the dose and notify the provider. Incorrect A: Subtherapeutic levels cause seizure breakthrough.
Incorrect C, D: These are not allergic or expected effects.
Q4: Phenytoin can cause which of the following adverse effects? (Select all that apply)
A. Gingival hyperplasia [100% CORRECT]
B. Hirsutism [100% CORRECT]
C. Osteoporosis [100% CORRECT]
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome [100% CORRECT]
E. Hypotension with IV administration [100% CORRECT]
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Correct: All listed are adverse effects of phenytoin. Gingival hyperplasia and hirsutism are common
with long-term use. Osteoporosis can occur with chronic therapy. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but
serious skin reaction. IV administration can cause hypotension if given too rapidly. No incorrect options.
Q5: When administering IV phenytoin, the nurse must:
A. Administer rapidly to achieve therapeutic levels
, NSG 124 EXAM 2 PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
HERZING UNIVERSITY | CNS DRUGS & PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | EXPERT
VERIFIED | PASS GUARANTEED | ALREADY GRADED A+
B. Administer slowly (no more than 50 mg/min) and monitor BP and ECG. [100% CORRECT]
C. Mix with dextrose solutions
D. Administer via IV push without monitoring
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct: IV phenytoin must be administered slowly (no more than 50 mg/min) with continuous
ECG and blood pressure monitoring to prevent hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Incorrect A, C, D:
These practices are unsafe.
Q6: Valproic acid (Depakote) is used to treat:
A. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures [100% CORRECT]
B. Absence seizures [100% CORRECT]
C. Bipolar disorder [100% CORRECT]
D. Migraine prevention [100% CORRECT]
E. All of the above
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Correct: Valproic acid has broad-spectrum anticonvulsant activity and is also FDA-approved for
bipolar disorder and migraine prevention . Incorrect A, B, C, D: These are all correct indications, so E is the
best answer.
Q7: Valproic acid can cause which serious adverse effects? (Select all that apply)
A. Hepatotoxicity [100% CORRECT]
