Pharmacology Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which of the following statements is true about combination therapy for the treatment of HIV disease?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

It appears to cause a sustained benefit achieved by drug no. 1 preventing the emergence of resistance to drug no. 2 despite resistance to drug no. 1.. Combination therapy is superior to monotherapy at this time for reasons described in this choice. This form of therapy is recommended for all patients with HIV by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This daily treatment of multiple HIV medications is an HIV regimen.

Option A: A typical initial HIV regimen includes three HIV medications from a minimum of two drug classes. Although this treatment is not curative, it can provide longer lives for patients and reduce HIV transmission. This reduction of transmission has become a popular use of antiretroviral therapy for individuals who are HIV-positive and are with an HIV-negative partner.
Option B: The FDA does not approve of investigational HIV drugs. Investigational drugs include those used to treat or prevent HIV and vaccines to treat or prevent HIV. These drugs are only available in clinical trials. No vaccines exist yet; however, researchers are studying this possibility.
Option D: The successes of antiretroviral therapy have reduced HIV to a chronic condition in many parts of the world as progression to AIDS has become rare. Studies have found that 3-drug therapy has led to a 60% to 80% decline in rates of AIDs, hospitalization, and death. By 2030 the CDC plans to implement a 90-90-90 plan (90% HIV diagnosed, 90% on therapy, and 90% suppressed).

Question 2

Amphetamines are included in the category of drugs of abuse because of their ability to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Enhance performance. Drugs that produce a desired effect, such as feelings of euphoria and improved performance, tend to be overused and abused. Nervousness, decreased weight, and increased blood pressure are all effects of amphetamine. However, they are considered drugs of abuse because of their ability to enhance performance and produce a euphoric effect.

Option A: Amphetamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It has indications as a first-line agent for ADHD in adults and children six years of age and older. Amphetamine is also a second-line agent for the treatment of narcolepsy.
Option B: Amphetamine is a central nervous (CNS) system stimulant that functions by increasing the amounts of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (to a lesser extent) in the synaptic cleft through a variety of mechanisms. Amphetamine enters the presynaptic axon terminal through diffusion or uptake by the monoamine transporters DAT, NET, and SERT.
Option C: Once inside the presynaptic terminal, amphetamine increases the amounts of monoamine neurotransmitters in the cytosol through the inhibition of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) as well as through disruption of the electrochemical gradients necessary for vesicular transporter function. Amphetamine also inhibits the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO). At the same time, amphetamine stimulates the intracellular receptor TAAR1, which induces internalization or transporter reversal of DAT.

Question 3

Which antiepileptic drug works by binding to sodium channels in their inactive state, prolonging that inactivity?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Phenytoin. Phenytoin works by binding to sodium channels in their inactive state, prolonging that inactivity.

Question 4

Meditation would be considered to be in which of the following healing methods of CAM (Complementary and Alternative) therapies?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Mind-body interventions. Mind-body interventions could include:

Meditation

Yoga

Hypnotherapy

Biofeedback

Guided imagery

Movement-oriented therapies.

Question 5

A male patient with blood type AB, Rh factor positive needs a blood transfusion. The Transfusion Service (blood bank) sends type O, Rh factor negative blood to the unit for the nurse to infuse into this patient. The nurse knows that:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

This is a compatible match.. Type O, Rh-negative blood has none of the major antigens and is safely administered to patients of all blood types. It is also known as the universal donor. It has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibodies are in the plasma).

Option A: Type O is routinely in short supply and in high demand by hospitals – both because it is the most common blood type and because type O negative blood is the universal blood type needed for emergency transfusions and for immune-deficient infants.
Option B: Premedication with these agents will not prevent a major transfusion reaction if the blood type and Rh factors of the donor blood are incompatible with the recipient’s blood. Types O negative and O positive are in high demand. Only 7% of the population are O negative. However, the need for O negative blood is the highest because it is used most often during emergencies. The need for O+ is high because it is the most frequently occurring blood type (37% of the population).
Option D: Approximately 45 percent of Caucasians are type O (positive or negative), but 51 percent of African-Americans and 57 percent of Hispanics are type O. Minority and diverse populations, therefore, play a critical role in meeting the constant need for blood.

Question 6

A patient taking sulfasalazine should be told which of the following?

I. Take sulfasalazine with food

II. Sulfasalazine may turn tears, urine, and sweat orange

III. Sulfasalazine may induce photosensitivity

IV. Take sulfasalazine on an empty stomach.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

I, II, and III only. Sulfasalazine should be taken with food, can induce photosensitivity, and may turn body fluids an orange color.

Question 7

Methylergonovine (Methergine) is prescribed to a patient who is having postpartum bleeding. Prior to giving the medication, the nurse contacts the physician who prescribed the medication if which of the following condition is documented in the patient’s chart?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Ischemic heart disease. Methergine (methylergonovine maleate) is a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid used for the prevention and control of postpartum hemorrhage. Ergot alkaloids are contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatic heart disease.

Options A, B, & D: These are not contraindicated with the use of methergine.

Question 8

Which of the following laboratory tests must be monitored for pregnant patients receiving dexamethasone?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Random blood sugar. Elevation of blood glucose level is expected for patients receiving corticosteroid therapy such as dexamethasone so a routine check on the sugar level must be monitored.

Options B & D: These are not related to the use of dexamethasone.
Option C: Instead of Red blood cell count, White blood cell count must be monitored for any signs of infection, because corticosteroid suppresses the immune system.

Question 9

Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed to a client with alcohol withdrawal.

Which of the following statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

"Drinking grapefruit can decrease the side effects with this medication".. Diazepam (Valium) can cause side effects such as sleepiness and drowsiness. Meanwhile, grapefruit can reduce the metabolism of this drug. This can result in the increased pharmacologic effects of Valium as well as its side effects.

Option A: Blurred vision is a recognized adverse effect of valium.
Option B: Long-term use of valium causes thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
Option C: Usually, a client who is prescribed with valium begins to take a low dosage and it will be adjusted over time to reach the right dosage. Once the patient feels okay, the physician will give the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect of the medication.

Question 10

Tetracycline has been prescribed for a client with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Select the side effect of the medication. Select all that apply.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Glossitis. Side effects of tetracycline include glossitis, discoloration of the nails, photosensitivity, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bulky loose stools, stomatitis, sore throat, black hairy tongue,dysphagia,and hoarseness.

Pharmacology Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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