Pharmacology practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Which of the following statements about bisphosphonates is false?
✓ Correct answer: D. Clinical effect determined by R1 group
The clinical effect of bisphosphonates is determined by its R2 group. The R1 group is always a hydroxyl group.
Q2The pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis consists of all of the following except?
✓ Correct answer: D. Furosemide
The pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis consists of:<br/><br/>Calcitonin<br/><br/>Estrogen modulator drugs<br/><br/>Bisphosphonates.
Q3The characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis includes all of the following except?
✓ Correct answer: A. Nausea/vomiting
The characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis includes:<br/><br/>Pain with weight bearing<br/><br/>Pain with movement<br/><br/>Morning stiffness.
Q4Which of the following insulin cannot be mixed with any other type of insulin?
✓ Correct answer: D. Insulin glargine
Insulin glargine when mixed with any other types of insulin changes its duration of action ( a combination of long-acting and short-acting insulin) so it is advised that it should not be mixed with any other type of insulin.
Q5A patient is prescribed levothyroxine following a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. <br/><br/>Which data would show that the medication is effective?
✓ Correct answer: B. The patient’s radial pulse is 90 bpm.
Levothyroxine is effective if the radial pulse is within the normal range of 60-100 bpm. If the patient is cold or constipated they need more medication. If the patient is losing weight, they are taking too much medication.
Q6Which one of the following should not be used during prescribing to minimize errors?
✓ Correct answer: C. Grain
Grain—The use of the apothecary system should be minimized.
Q7Cinchonism is a syndrome of side effects associated with which of these drugs?
✓ Correct answer: C. Quinine
Quinine can cause cinchonism; a syndrome of side effects that include nausea/vomiting, deafness, and visual disturbances and even blindness. The name cinchonism comes from the Cinchona bark, from which quinine was originally isolated.
Q8Macrobid could have which of the following side effects?
✓ Correct answer: D. Both A and B
Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. It can cause the patient to experience tooth staining, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness or diarrhea.
Q9If a patient is taking NSAIDS, which of the following statements would be considered the most correct regarding the patient also taking Aspirin for cardio protection?
✓ Correct answer: C. NSAIDs should be taken at least 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking aspirin.
If the patient is on daily Aspirin for cardio protection, care should be taken if NSAIDs are also ordered.<br/><br/>NSAIDs should not be taken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours after or 8 hours before Aspirin usage to ensure that the NSAIDs will not reduce the cardio protective effects the Aspirin provides.
Q10The cell and Coombs classification system categorizes allergic reactions and is useful in describing and classifying patient reactions to drugs. Type I reactions are immediate hypersensitivity reactions and are mediated by:
✓ Correct answer: C. immunoglobulin E (IgE).
IgE, the least common serum immunoglobulin (Ig) binds very tightly to receptors on basophils and mast cells and is involved in allergic reactions. Binding of the allergen to the IgE on the cells results in the release of various pharmacological mediators that result in allergic symptoms. <br/><br/><ul><li><strong>Option B:</strong> IgG is the major Ig (75 percent of serum Ig is IgG). Most versatile Ig because it is capable of carrying out all of the functions of Ig molecules. IgG is the only class of Ig that crosses the placenta. It is an opsonin, a substance that enhances phagocytosis.</li><li><strong>Option C:</strong> IgA, the second most common serum Ig is found in secretions (tears, saliva, colostrum, and mucus). It is important in local (mucosal) immunity.</li><li><strong>Option D:</strong> IgM, the third most common serum Ig, is the first Ig to be made by the fetus and the first Ig to be made by a virgin B cell when it is stimulated by antigen. IgM antibodies are very efficient in leading to the lysis of microorganisms.</li></ul>
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