Pharmacology Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Where do macrolides exhibit their mechanism of action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

50S Ribosomal Unit. Macrolide antibiotics interfere with protein synthesis as their mechanistic mode. Specifically, these drugs bind – reversibly – to the P site on the 50S portion of the bacterial ribosome. As a result of this binding, tRNA is dissociated from its translocation site, thereby perilously damaging the protein synthesis sequence.

Question 2

Gram positive is more susceptible to attack from beta lactam.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

TRUE. Gram-positive bacteria have a cell wall simpler in structure with a single inner cytoplasmic membrane under a thin outer layer of peptidoglycan. Thus making them more susceptible to attack from beta-lactam antibacterial.

Question 3

How many types of asthma are there?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

2. Atopic or allergic asthma which is triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, animal fur, tobacco smoke and dust mites. Non-atopic asthma is not triggered by allergens but by cold air, exercise or emotional stress. The pathology of this form of asthma is less well understood.

Question 4

The four stages of severity of COPD would include all of the following except?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Intermediate. The four stages of severity of COPD includes:

Mild-stage I

Moderate-stage II

Severe-stage III

Very severe-stage IV.

Question 5

Which of the following statement about rivaroxaban is false?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

It is a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Other anticoagulant drugs – such as the injectables heparin and fondaparinux – also inhibit factor Xa to some degree.

Question 6

Beta blockers decrease triglyceride levels and increase levels of HDL cholesterol.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

False. Beta blockers are known to increase triglyceride levels and decrease levels of HDL cholesterol. However, their risk in significantly exacerbating atheromas is quite small.

Question 7

As a competent nurse, you are aware that vasodilators are used mainly to treat:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hypertension. Vasodilators are used to treat hypertension. Vasodilators are useful in treating a variety of medical conditions, most commonly systemic hypertension. Other diseases include myocardial infarction (both ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation), angina, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, preeclampsia, hypertensive emergency.

Option A: They are not used to treat diabetes. Since T1DM is a disease primarily due to the absence of insulin, insulin administration through daily injections, or an insulin pump, is the mainstay of treatment. In T2DM, diet and exercise may be adequate treatments, especially initially. Other therapies may target insulin sensitivity or increase insulin secretion by the pancreas. The specific subclasses for drugs include biguanides (metformin), sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, glucagon like-peptide-1 agonist, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, selective, amylinomimetics, and sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors.
Option C: Atrial fibrillation is not treated with vasodilators. If there is evidence of rapid ventricular response, a beta-blocker or calcium-channel blocker should be commenced for rate control. These options can be used in the intravenous (IV) form for rapid response. Usually, a bolus is administered to the patient and then started on a drip if symptoms do not resolve.
Option D: Vasodilators are not used to treat hypotension. Asymptomatic hypotension should not receive drastic interventions. However, if symptoms are present, the treatment of hypotension should focus on reversing the underlying etiology.

Question 8

Which of the following drugs is used in cases of beta blocker overdose?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Glucagon. Glucagon is used as an antidote to beta blocker overdose for two reasons: it increases cardiac contractions and decreases renal vascular resistance.

Question 9

The client with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is receiving Idarubicin (Idamycin).

Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect related to the medication?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Dysrhythmia. Idarubicin (Idamycin) and Daunorubicin (Daunoxome) may cause cardiotoxicity (such as dysrhythmia, fatigue, shortness of breath), cardiomyopathy, and ECG changes.

Option B: Weight gain, not weight loss is a side effect.
Option C: This is a usual side effect that can last for 2-3 days.
Option D: This is not a side effect related to this medication.

Question 10

Which of the following would be considered an early sign of neurotoxicity manifesting with the cancer patient that is receiving Oncovin (vincristine)?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Depression of the Achilles reflex. One of the first indications that a patient may be beginning to experience neurotoxicity would be depression of the Achilles reflex.

This medication affects the peripheral nervous system.

Some other effects could include:

Foot drop

Hand drop

Paresthesia.

Pharmacology Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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