BIO301 | BIO301 Pharmacology Exam 1 Version 2 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Which term describes a drug that binds to a receptor and produces a functional
response mimicking endogenous substances?
A. Antagonist
B. Inhibitor
C. Partial Antagonist
D. Agonist
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: An agonist is a medication that mimics the action of the signal
ligand by binding to and activating a receptor. This binding triggers a specific
physiological or pharmacological response within the cell. Understanding this
mechanism is vital for predicting how a drug will alter bodily functions. Nurses must
monitor patients for the intended therapeutic effect after administration. In
contrast, an antagonist would block the receptor to prevent activation.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which persistent side effect
should the nurse educate the patient to report immediately?
A. Dry, nonproductive cough
,B. Increased appetite
C. Excessive hair growth
D. Orange-colored urine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly associated with a
persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation. While this side effect is not
life-threatening, it is often a reason for patients to discontinue the medication.
Nurses should inform patients that this cough will typically resolve once the drug is
stopped. It is important to distinguish this from more severe reactions like
angioedema. Healthcare providers often switch patients to an ARB if the cough
becomes intolerable.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Beta-1 adrenergic blockers in the
treatment of heart failure?
A. Increased heart rate and contractility
B. Vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels
C. Rapid excretion of sodium and water
D. Decreased heart rate and cardiac workload
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: Beta-1 blockers work by binding to receptors in the heart to
decrease heart rate and contractility. This action reduces the overall oxygen demand
and workload placed on the cardiac muscle. By slowing the heart rate, these drugs
allow for better ventricular filling during diastole. Nurses must assess the patient’s
apical pulse and blood pressure before administration to ensure safety. This
classification of drugs is essential in the long-term management of chronic heart
failure.
4. Before administering Digoxin, the nurse must assess which clinical parameter to
prevent toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate for one full minute
B. Temperature via the axillary route
C. Oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry
D. Apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that requires a full minute of
apical pulse assessment prior to administration. If the pulse is below 60 beats per
minute, the dose is generally held and the provider is notified. This drug has a
narrow therapeutic index, making toxicity a significant clinical concern for nurses.
Monitoring electrolytes like potassium is also crucial as hypokalemia increases the
, risk of Digoxin toxicity. Symptoms such as yellow-green halos around lights indicate
a potentially dangerous toxic state.
5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for immediate reversal of a
Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with the acidic
heparin molecule, rendering it inactive. This reversal agent is vital in emergency
situations where heparin-induced bleeding occurs. Nurses must monitor for signs of
hypersensitivity or bradycardia during the administration of protamine. Knowledge
of specific antidotes is a fundamental requirement for safe pharmacological practice
in nursing.
6. A patient on Warfarin therapy should be instructed to maintain a consistent intake
of which food group?
A. Dairy products like milk and cheese
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Which term describes a drug that binds to a receptor and produces a functional
response mimicking endogenous substances?
A. Antagonist
B. Inhibitor
C. Partial Antagonist
D. Agonist
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: An agonist is a medication that mimics the action of the signal
ligand by binding to and activating a receptor. This binding triggers a specific
physiological or pharmacological response within the cell. Understanding this
mechanism is vital for predicting how a drug will alter bodily functions. Nurses must
monitor patients for the intended therapeutic effect after administration. In
contrast, an antagonist would block the receptor to prevent activation.
2. A patient is prescribed Lisinopril for hypertension. Which persistent side effect
should the nurse educate the patient to report immediately?
A. Dry, nonproductive cough
,B. Increased appetite
C. Excessive hair growth
D. Orange-colored urine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly associated with a
persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation. While this side effect is not
life-threatening, it is often a reason for patients to discontinue the medication.
Nurses should inform patients that this cough will typically resolve once the drug is
stopped. It is important to distinguish this from more severe reactions like
angioedema. Healthcare providers often switch patients to an ARB if the cough
becomes intolerable.
3. What is the primary mechanism of action for Beta-1 adrenergic blockers in the
treatment of heart failure?
A. Increased heart rate and contractility
B. Vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels
C. Rapid excretion of sodium and water
D. Decreased heart rate and cardiac workload
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: Beta-1 blockers work by binding to receptors in the heart to
decrease heart rate and contractility. This action reduces the overall oxygen demand
and workload placed on the cardiac muscle. By slowing the heart rate, these drugs
allow for better ventricular filling during diastole. Nurses must assess the patient’s
apical pulse and blood pressure before administration to ensure safety. This
classification of drugs is essential in the long-term management of chronic heart
failure.
4. Before administering Digoxin, the nurse must assess which clinical parameter to
prevent toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate for one full minute
B. Temperature via the axillary route
C. Oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry
D. Apical pulse for one full minute
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that requires a full minute of
apical pulse assessment prior to administration. If the pulse is below 60 beats per
minute, the dose is generally held and the provider is notified. This drug has a
narrow therapeutic index, making toxicity a significant clinical concern for nurses.
Monitoring electrolytes like potassium is also crucial as hypokalemia increases the
, risk of Digoxin toxicity. Symptoms such as yellow-green halos around lights indicate
a potentially dangerous toxic state.
5. Which medication is considered the gold standard for immediate reversal of a
Heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antagonist used to neutralize
the anticoagulant effects of heparin. It works by forming a stable salt with the acidic
heparin molecule, rendering it inactive. This reversal agent is vital in emergency
situations where heparin-induced bleeding occurs. Nurses must monitor for signs of
hypersensitivity or bradycardia during the administration of protamine. Knowledge
of specific antidotes is a fundamental requirement for safe pharmacological practice
in nursing.
6. A patient on Warfarin therapy should be instructed to maintain a consistent intake
of which food group?
A. Dairy products like milk and cheese
