Page 1 of 26
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM CRAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS NEWEST 2026
VERIFIED 100%
What is the importance of evidence-based practice guidelines in
pharmacology?
They standardize patient care by ensuring treatment decisions are based on the best
and most current clinical evidence.
What are the GINA guidelines used for?
They provide a stepwise approach to asthma management, improving long-term
control and reducing exacerbations.
What is the shift in asthma management regarding SABA inhalers?
Management is moving away from using SABAs alone as monotherapy, as this
leads to under-treatment of underlying inflammation.
What is SMART therapy in asthma management?
Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy uses one inhaler containing both an ICS
and Formoterol for daily maintenance and as-needed relief.
What is the cornerstone of maintenance therapy for persistent asthma?
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone, with LABAs added as severity
increases.
What are the safety warnings regarding LABAs in asthma treatment?
LABAs must never be used as monotherapy due to increased risks of exacerbations,
hospitalizations, and death.
What is the role of the nurse practitioner in opioid prescribing?
They must manage long-term risks, understand tolerance, dependence, and
addiction, and ensure safe prescribing practices.
Define tolerance in the context of opioid use.
, Page 2 of 26
Tolerance is a normal physiological response requiring higher doses to achieve the
same analgesic effect.
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote, effective if given within 8-10 hours of
ingestion.
What is the mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine?
It replenishes glutathione stores, allowing the toxic metabolite NAPQI to be safely
eliminated.
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumazenil is the antidote, but it is rarely used due to risks of severe withdrawal in
dependent patients.
What is the mechanism of action of naloxone?
Naloxone is a competitive antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor, reversing the effects
of opioids.
What is a high-yield risk when combining SSRIs with triptans?
The risk of Serotonin Syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects.
What specific opioid poses a risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with
SSRIs?
Tramadol (Ultram) poses this risk due to its dual action as an opioid and serotonin
reuptake inhibitor.
What are the therapeutic goals for Alzheimer's management?
To manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.
What are the mechanisms of action for cholinesterase inhibitors?
They inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its availability in the synapse.
What is the role of buprenorphine in opioid use disorder?
Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms
and cravings.
What are the side effects of medications for Parkinson's disease?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and dyskinesias.
What is the mechanism of action for triptans?
Triptans are agonists at the 5-HT1B/1D serotonin receptors, used for migraine relief.
What is the purpose of long-acting formulations in chronic pain management?
They provide stable analgesia without the euphoric peaks associated with
immediate-release formulations.
, Page 3 of 26
What are the safety considerations for prescribing opioids?
Prescribers should use abuse-deterrent formulations, long-acting products, and
avoid under-treatment of pain.
What is the role of Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA) in asthma
treatment?
LAMA can be used as add-on therapy for severe, uncontrolled asthma.
What is the mechanism of action for CGRP antagonists?
CGRP antagonists block the calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is involved in
migraine pathophysiology.
What are the risks associated with NSAIDs?
NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular
risks.
What is the effect of Fluoxetine or Paroxetine when given with Tramadol?
They block Tramadol's activation, decreasing its analgesic effect and increasing the
risk of serotonin syndrome.
What is the role of Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs)?
They act as 'rescue inhalers' for acute bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.
Name two medications that are classified as SABAs.
Albuterol and Levalbuterol.
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of SABAs?
They activate beta-2 adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle, increasing
cAMP and leading to bronchodilation.
What are common side effects of SABAs?
Tachycardia, tremor, nervousness, and hypokalemia.
What is a high-yield use of high-dose nebulized albuterol?
It is used to treat hyperkalemia.
What is the primary role of Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs)?
They provide maintenance/controller therapy for asthma and COPD, offering 12-24
hours of bronchodilation.
Why must LABAs never be used as monotherapy for asthma?
Using a LABA alone increases the risk of asthma-related death.
What is the role of Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma management?
They are the primary maintenance/controller therapy and the cornerstone of chronic
asthma care.
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM CRAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS NEWEST 2026
VERIFIED 100%
What is the importance of evidence-based practice guidelines in
pharmacology?
They standardize patient care by ensuring treatment decisions are based on the best
and most current clinical evidence.
What are the GINA guidelines used for?
They provide a stepwise approach to asthma management, improving long-term
control and reducing exacerbations.
What is the shift in asthma management regarding SABA inhalers?
Management is moving away from using SABAs alone as monotherapy, as this
leads to under-treatment of underlying inflammation.
What is SMART therapy in asthma management?
Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy uses one inhaler containing both an ICS
and Formoterol for daily maintenance and as-needed relief.
What is the cornerstone of maintenance therapy for persistent asthma?
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone, with LABAs added as severity
increases.
What are the safety warnings regarding LABAs in asthma treatment?
LABAs must never be used as monotherapy due to increased risks of exacerbations,
hospitalizations, and death.
What is the role of the nurse practitioner in opioid prescribing?
They must manage long-term risks, understand tolerance, dependence, and
addiction, and ensure safe prescribing practices.
Define tolerance in the context of opioid use.
, Page 2 of 26
Tolerance is a normal physiological response requiring higher doses to achieve the
same analgesic effect.
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote, effective if given within 8-10 hours of
ingestion.
What is the mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine?
It replenishes glutathione stores, allowing the toxic metabolite NAPQI to be safely
eliminated.
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumazenil is the antidote, but it is rarely used due to risks of severe withdrawal in
dependent patients.
What is the mechanism of action of naloxone?
Naloxone is a competitive antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor, reversing the effects
of opioids.
What is a high-yield risk when combining SSRIs with triptans?
The risk of Serotonin Syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects.
What specific opioid poses a risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with
SSRIs?
Tramadol (Ultram) poses this risk due to its dual action as an opioid and serotonin
reuptake inhibitor.
What are the therapeutic goals for Alzheimer's management?
To manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.
What are the mechanisms of action for cholinesterase inhibitors?
They inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its availability in the synapse.
What is the role of buprenorphine in opioid use disorder?
Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms
and cravings.
What are the side effects of medications for Parkinson's disease?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and dyskinesias.
What is the mechanism of action for triptans?
Triptans are agonists at the 5-HT1B/1D serotonin receptors, used for migraine relief.
What is the purpose of long-acting formulations in chronic pain management?
They provide stable analgesia without the euphoric peaks associated with
immediate-release formulations.
, Page 3 of 26
What are the safety considerations for prescribing opioids?
Prescribers should use abuse-deterrent formulations, long-acting products, and
avoid under-treatment of pain.
What is the role of Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA) in asthma
treatment?
LAMA can be used as add-on therapy for severe, uncontrolled asthma.
What is the mechanism of action for CGRP antagonists?
CGRP antagonists block the calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is involved in
migraine pathophysiology.
What are the risks associated with NSAIDs?
NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular
risks.
What is the effect of Fluoxetine or Paroxetine when given with Tramadol?
They block Tramadol's activation, decreasing its analgesic effect and increasing the
risk of serotonin syndrome.
What is the role of Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs)?
They act as 'rescue inhalers' for acute bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.
Name two medications that are classified as SABAs.
Albuterol and Levalbuterol.
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of SABAs?
They activate beta-2 adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle, increasing
cAMP and leading to bronchodilation.
What are common side effects of SABAs?
Tachycardia, tremor, nervousness, and hypokalemia.
What is a high-yield use of high-dose nebulized albuterol?
It is used to treat hyperkalemia.
What is the primary role of Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs)?
They provide maintenance/controller therapy for asthma and COPD, offering 12-24
hours of bronchodilation.
Why must LABAs never be used as monotherapy for asthma?
Using a LABA alone increases the risk of asthma-related death.
What is the role of Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma management?
They are the primary maintenance/controller therapy and the cornerstone of chronic
asthma care.
