NUR210 / NUR210 (Latest 2025/2026) Principles of Pharmacology Exam 1 | Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A | Galen Introduction This document contains verified, Grade A questions and answers for Exam 1 in the NUR210 Principles of Pharmacology course at Galen College of Nursing. Fully updated for the 2025/2026 academic year and structured in NCLEX-style format, it is ideal for nursing students preparing to master pharmacologic therapies and achieve top exam performance.Exam Questions and Answers 1.What is the primary purpose of pharmacokinetics in pharmacology?A.Study how the body processes drugs B.Determine drug side effects C.Identify drug interactions D.Develop new medications Rationale:Pharmacokinetics studies drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body.
2.A patient is prescribed ibuprofen. What is its primary mechanism of action?A.Nonselective COX inhibitor B.Opioid receptor agonist C.Beta-blocker D.Calcium channel blocker Rationale:Ibuprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation.
3.Which route of administration results in the fastest drug absorption?A.Intravenous B.Oral C.Intramuscular D.Subcutaneous NUR210 Exam 1 | Principles of Pharmacology | Verified Answers | Galen College |
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Rationale:Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption barriers.
4.A patient reports an allergic reaction to penicillin. Which medication should the nurse avoid administering?A.Amoxicillin B.Azithromycin C.Doxycycline D.Ciprofloxacin Rationale:Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative and may cause a cross-allergic reaction.
5.What is the primary indication for administering acetaminophen?A.Pain and fever reduction B.Inflammation reduction C.Blood pressure control D.Blood glucose management Rationale:Acetaminophen is used for analgesia and antipyresis, not for significant anti- inflammatory effects.
6.A nurse is preparing to administer a medication with a narrow therapeutic index.What action is most important?A.Monitor therapeutic drug levels B.Administer with food C.Increase the dose if ineffective D.Discontinue if side effects occur Rationale:Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, like digoxin, require monitoring to ensure safe, effective levels.
7.Which adverse effect is most associated with aspirin use?A.Gastrointestinal bleeding B.Hepatotoxicity C.Nephrotoxicity D.Ototoxicity Rationale:Aspirin inhibits prostaglandins, increasing the risk of GI irritation and bleed- ing.
8.A patient is prescribed a medication to be taken “PRN.” What does this mean?A.As needed B.Once daily C.Every 4 hours NUR210 Exam 1 | Principles of Pharmacology | Verified Answers | Galen College |
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D.Before meals Rationale:PRN (pro re nata) indicates the medication is taken only when needed, per specific conditions.
9.What is the primary action of antihistamines like diphenhydramine?A.Block histamine H1 receptors B.Inhibit leukotriene production C.Stimulate beta-2 receptors D.Reduce gastric acid secretion Rationale:Diphenhydramine blocks histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms.
10.A patient is prescribed a medication with a half-life of 8 hours. How long will it take for 75 A.16 hours B.8 hours C.24 hours D.32 hours
Rationale:75
11.Which instruction is critical for a patient taking oral medications?A.Take with water unless specified otherwise B.Crush all tablets for easier swallowing C.Take with grapefruit juice D.Store in a warm, humid environment
Rationale:Water aids swallowing and dissolution; some medications should not be
crushed or taken with certain foods.
12.What is the primary purpose of administering a beta-blocker like metoprolol?A.Reduce heart rate and blood pressure B.Increase cardiac output C.Stimulate bronchodilation D.Enhance insulin secretion Rationale:Metoprolol blocks beta-1 receptors, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
13.A patient is prescribed a diuretic. What should the nurse monitor?A.Electrolyte levels B.Blood glucose C.INR D.Platelet count NUR210 Exam 1 | Principles of Pharmacology | Verified Answers | Galen College | 2025/2026
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