NCM 106 Pharmacology Practice Quiz Flashcards

Comprehensive question-and-answer flashcards based on NCM 106 Pharmacology practice test items covering drug classifications, adverse effects, antidotes, and key nursing considerations.

What problem is indicated when a patient taking digoxin presents with nausea, vomiting, and yellow-green halos?

Digoxin toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms and yellow-green visual changes are classic signs.

Why does lisinopril cause a persistent dry cough in patients?

Lisinopril causes bradykinin accumulation because ACE inhibitors reduce the breakdown of bradykinin.

Which drug class does losartan belong to?

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).

What action should the nurse take if a patient scheduled for metoprolol has a heart rate of $48/\text{min}$?

Hold the drug and notify the provider, because beta blockers lower heart rate.

What is a common adverse effect associated with amlodipine?

Peripheral/ankle edema.

Why does a patient taking nitroglycerin experience dizziness upon standing?

Blood pressure became too low due to nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation.

How should sublingual nitroglycerin be administered?

Place it under the tongue for rapid absorption.

What is an important electrolyte imbalance caused by ACE inhibitors?

Hyperkalemia.

What is the most concerning adverse effect of an ACE inhibitor?

Lip/tongue swelling (angioedema), which can obstruct the airway.

What is a common adverse effect of verapamil?

Constipation.

What laboratory value must be monitored in a patient taking warfarin?

International Normalized Ratio (INR).

What is the antidote for excessive heparin effect?

Protamine sulfate.

What is the antidote/reversal agent for warfarin?

Vitamin K.

What condition should be suspected if a patient taking atorvastatin develops severe muscle pain and dark urine?

Rhabdomyolysis.

What class of diuretic is furosemide, and what electrolyte problem does it commonly cause?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that commonly causes hypokalemia.

What class of diuretic is spironolactone, and what electrolyte should be monitored closely?

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; potassium must be monitored closely due to the risk of hyperkalemia.

Which loop diuretic can cause ototoxicity at high doses?

Furosemide.

What symptom should a patient taking furosemide report that could indicate hypokalemia?

Muscle weakness or cramps.

Which osmotic diuretic is used to reduce intracranial pressure?

Mannitol.

Which diuretic can cause gynecomastia as an adverse effect?

Spironolactone.

Why should long-term prednisone therapy not be stopped abruptly?

To avoid the risk of adrenal insufficiency caused by suppression of the adrenal axis.

What teaching should be provided to a patient after taking an inhaled corticosteroid?

Rinse the mouth to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis.

What blood glucose change can prolonged systemic corticosteroids cause?

Hyperglycemia.

What serious adverse effect is associated with metformin accumulation?

Lactic acidosis.

What is the appropriate intervention for a conscious patient with a blood glucose level of $55\,\text{mg/dL}$?

Administer a fast-acting carbohydrate (rapid source of glucose).

What type of medication is albuterol, and what are its common adverse effects?

Albuterol is a Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA) rescue inhaler; common adverse effects include tremor and tachycardia.

What is the role of salmeterol in asthma management?

It is a Long-Acting Beta Agonist (LABA) used for long-term control and maintenance, not as an immediate rescue drug.

What class of bronchodilator is ipratropium, and what is a common adverse effect?

It is an anticholinergic bronchodilator; dry mouth and urinary retention are common anticholinergic effects.

What is an important safety characteristic of theophylline, and what dietary item can intensify its effects?

Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index; caffeine can intensify its stimulant effects.

What is the main mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole?

They inhibit the gastric proton pump to reduce gastric acid secretion.

How does sucralfate work, and how should it be taken?

Sucralfate coats and forms a protective barrier over an ulcer site; it works best when taken on an empty stomach.

What serious neurological adverse effect can metoclopramide cause due to dopamine blockade?

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).

How does lactulose relieve constipation?

It is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel and softens stool.

What is GABA?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Which fast-acting benzodiazepine rapidly enhances GABA-A activity to stop an acute seizure?

Lorazepam.

What characteristic adverse effect is associated with phenytoin, and what teaching is essential?

Gingival hyperplasia; patient teaching emphasizes maintaining good oral hygiene.

What is the antidote for a benzodiazepine overdose?

Flumazenil.

What is the priority action for a patient taking lorazepam whose respiratory rate drops to $8/\text{min}$?

Assess and support airway and breathing (ABCs) due to respiratory depression.

Why is carbidopa combined with levodopa in treating Parkinson disease?

Carbidopa reduces the peripheral conversion of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.

Fever, severe rigidity, and altered mental status following antipsychotic use suggest which emergency condition?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

What complication can arise from excessive oxytocin infusion during labor?

Uterine tachysystole and fetal distress due to reduced oxygenation.

Which symptoms in a patient taking combined oral contraceptives require urgent evaluation?

Chest pain or shortness of breath, which may indicate thromboembolism.

What major adverse effect is associated with cyclophosphamide?

Hemorrhagic cystitis.

What are the major toxicities associated with cisplatin?

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

What major toxicity concern is linked to doxorubicin?

Cardiotoxicity.

Which toxicity is especially associated with bleomycin?

Pulmonary toxicity (inflammation and fibrosis).

What characteristic adverse effect is associated with vincristine?

Peripheral neuropathy (neurotoxicity).

What rescue drug is administered after high-dose methotrexate to reduce toxicity?

Leucovorin.

What is the priority concern for a chemotherapy patient with a WBC of $1,000/\text{mm}^3$ and a fever?

Infection / neutropenic emergency.

Why must sildenafil never be combined with nitroglycerin or nitrates?

Combining nitrates with PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil can cause dangerous hypotension.

How does alendronate work in osteoporosis?

It is a bisphosphonate that reduces bone resorption.

Which central nervous system stimulant is commonly used for ADHD?

Methylphenidate.