12- Pharmacology Study Tips For Nursing Students (NurseInTheMaking)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xObUkER9Bs&list=PLsrJ2GPZGwJ-31cGPC_6hJD_7cvF2wvur&index=2

Correct Answer: B. Suffixes help identify medication classes from generic names

Explanation:
Suffixes appear in generic medication names and help identify the drug class, which allows the nurse to recall common uses, side effects, and nursing considerations needed to answer NCLEX questions.

Which statement best explains why learning medication suffixes is important for NCLEX preparation?

A. The NCLEX focuses primarily on brand-name medications
B. Suffixes help identify medication classes from generic names
C. Suffixes eliminate the need to know side effects
D. Suffixes are only useful for dosage calculations

Correct Answer: C. -pril

Explanation:
ACE inhibitors end in -pril (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril). Recognizing this suffix helps identify the medication class on exams.

Which medication suffix is associated with ACE inhibitors?

A. -olol
B. -sartan
C. -pril
D. -thiazide

Correct Answer: C. Generic names

Explanation:
The NCLEX uses generic medication names, which is why knowing suffixes is especially helpful.

The NCLEX primarily tests medications using which naming format?

A. Brand names only
B. Both brand and generic names equally
C. Generic names
D. Chemical names

Correct Answer: B. -olol

Explanation:
Beta blockers end in -olol (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol). Recognizing this suffix helps quickly identify the drug class.

Which suffix is commonly associated with beta blockers?

A. -pril
B. -olol
C. -sartan
D. -dipine

Correct Answer: C. “I will increase my potassium intake.”

Explanation:
ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia. Clients should avoid increasing potassium intake, including potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes.

A nurse is teaching a client prescribed enalapril. Which statement by the client requires further teaching?

A. “I will rise slowly when getting out of bed.”
B. “I may experience a dry cough while on this medication.”
C. “I will increase my potassium intake.”
D. “I will not stop this medication suddenly.”

Correct Answer: B. Dry cough

Explanation:
A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and does not usually require discontinuation unless severe.

Which side effect is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Dry cough
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypoglycemia

Correct Answer: B. It allows identification of the medication class

Explanation:
Knowing the suffix allows the test-taker to identify the drug class, which provides enough information about actions, side effects, and nursing considerations to answer the question correctly.

Why is knowledge of suffixes critical when answering NCLEX medication questions?

A. It replaces the need to memorize drug actions
B. It allows identification of the medication class
C. It eliminates the need to read the question carefully
D. It applies mainly to brand-name medications

Correct Answer: C. -sartan

Explanation:
ARBs end in -sartan (e.g., losartan, valsartan) and are commonly tested antihypertensive medications on the NCLEX.

Which suffix is associated with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?

A. -pril
B. -olol
C. -sartan
D. -thiazide

Correct Answer: B. Brand names are randomly assigned and not standardized

Explanation:
Brand names are created for marketing purposes and do not follow standardized naming rules, whereas generic names are standardized, which is why suffix patterns apply only to generics.

Why do medication suffixes NOT apply to brand-name drugs?

A. Brand names are based on chemical structure
B. Brand names are randomly assigned and not standardized
C. Brand names always change after FDA approval
D. Brand names contain prefixes instead of suffixes

Correct Answer: B. Writing the medication class, suffix, and highlighting the suffix in each drug name

Explanation:
Writing the medication class, the associated suffix, and highlighting the suffix within each drug name reinforces pattern recognition and improves recall during exams.

A nursing student is creating flashcards to study pharmacology suffixes. Which method best supports the strategy discussed?

A. Writing only the medication names on one side
B. Writing the medication class, suffix, and highlighting the suffix in each drug name
C. Writing brand names on the front and generics on the back
D. Writing only side effects without medication names

Correct Answer: C. As each body system or topic is covered in class

Explanation:
Creating suffix flashcards as topics are taught (e.g., cardiac week) helps reinforce learning in real time and prevents last-minute cramming.

When should students create suffix flashcards during a pharmacology course?

A. After completing the entire course
B. Only when preparing for the NCLEX
C. As each body system or topic is covered in class
D. Only during clinical rotations

Correct Answer: B. It allows rapid identification of medication classes at the bedside

Explanation:
Knowing suffixes allows students to quickly identify the drug class, helping them understand expected effects, side effects, and nursing considerations during clinical practice.

Which statement best explains how suffix knowledge helps during clinical rotations?

A. It replaces the need to check medication references
B. It allows rapid identification of medication classes at the bedside
C. It eliminates the need for patient education
D. It guarantees correct medication administration

Correct Answer: C. Some thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics do not contain the word “thiazide”

Explanation:
While hydrochlorothiazide contains the word “thiazide,” other thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics do not, making suffix memorization less reliable for this class.

Which statement about thiazide diuretics is MOST accurate?

A. All thiazide diuretics end in “-thiazide”
B. Thiazide diuretics are not used for hypertension
C. Some thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics do not contain the word “thiazide”
D. Thiazide diuretics are not tested on the NCLEX

Correct Answer: B. Classroom exams may include brand names even though the NCLEX uses generics

Explanation:
Although the NCLEX uses generic names, some instructors may test brand names, so students should clarify expectations to study efficiently.

Why is it important to clarify with an instructor whether to study generic names, brand names, or both?

A. The NCLEX tests brand names only
B. Classroom exams may include brand names even though the NCLEX uses generics
C. Generic names are not used in clinical settings
D. Brand names always include suffixes

Correct Answer: C. Identifying the medication class provides enough information to answer many NCLEX questions

Explanation:
Knowing the suffix → medication class → common effects and side effects often provides enough information to answer NCLEX-style questions correctly.

Which statement best summarizes the main takeaway of the suffix-based pharmacology strategy?

A. Memorizing every medication individually is required
B. Knowing suffixes alone is sufficient without understanding side effects
C. Identifying the medication class provides enough information to answer many NCLEX questions
D. Brand-name recognition is the most important skill