Pharmacology Practice Test 11
Pharmacology NCLEX Practice Test
Pharmacology is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Pharmacology. This section details drug mechanisms, safe administration, and patient education across nursing specialties. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 11th part of the Pharmacology series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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Pharmacology Practice Test 11
Which of the following cholinomimetics is commonly used in the treatment of glaucoma?
- Pilocarpine
- Lobeline
- Acetylcholine
- Neostigmine
Explanation: Answer reason: Pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist used topically to increase aqueous humor outflow and lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Lobeline is a nicotinic agonist, acetylcholine has very short action clinically, and neostigmine is an AChE inhibitor used for myasthenia gravis—not glaucoma.
Chronic long-term therapy of myasthenia is usually accomplished with?
- Edrophonium
- Neostigmine
- Echothiophate
- Carbachol
Explanation: Answer reason: Long-term symptomatic management of myasthenia gravis uses reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; neostigmine (and pyridostigmine) are used chronically. Edrophonium is short-acting for diagnosis, echothiophate is an irreversible agent used in glaucoma, and carbachol is a direct cholinergic agonist with excessive systemic effects.
Which of the following agents is a ganglion-blocking drug?
- Homatropine
- Hexamethonium
- Rapacuronium
- Edrophonium
Explanation: Answer reason: Hexamethonium is the classic nicotinic Nn ganglionic blocker. Homatropine is an antimuscarinic, rapacuronium is a neuromuscular blocker, and edrophonium is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
Which of the following antimuscarinic drugs is a selective M1 blocker?
- Atropine
- Scopolamine
- Pirenzepine
- Homatropine
Explanation: Answer reason: Pirenzepine is an M1-selective muscarinic antagonist; the others are nonselective antimuscarinics.
Atropine may cause a rise in body temperature (atropine fever)?
- In adults
- In pregnant women
- In infants and children
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Atropine’s antimuscarinic action inhibits sweating, predisposing to hyperthermia; this risk is greatest in infants and children due to immature thermoregulation.
The pharmacologic actions of scopolamine most closely resemble those of?
- Hexamethonium
- Atropine
- Succinylcholine
- Pilocarpine
Explanation: Answer reason: Scopolamine is a belladonna alkaloid and competitive muscarinic antagonist, sharing pharmacologic effects with atropine. Hexamethonium blocks ganglia, succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, and pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist.
Indicate an antimuscarinic drug, which is effective in the treatment of mushroom poisoning?
- Pralidoxime
- Pilocarpine
- Homatropine
- Atropine
Explanation: Answer reason: Muscarinic mushroom (muscarine) poisoning is treated with the antimuscarinic atropine. Pralidoxime is for organophosphate poisoning, pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist, and homatropine is mainly ophthalmic.
The treatment of the antimuscarinic effects can be carried out with?
- Neostigmine
- Hexametonium
- Homatropine
- Acetylcholine
Explanation: Answer reason: Antimuscarinic toxicity is treated by increasing synaptic acetylcholine with a cholinesterase inhibitor; neostigmine fits, whereas hexamethonium is a ganglionic blocker, homatropine is antimuscarinic, and acetylcholine is not used therapeutically.
Which of the following drugs has "double-acetylcholine" structure?
- Rocuronium
- Carbachol
- Atracurium
- Succinylcholine
Explanation: Answer reason: Succinylcholine is a dicholine ester of succinic acid—essentially two acetylcholine molecules linked together—hence a "double-acetylcholine" structure.
Indicate the nondepolarizing agent, which has the fastest onset of effect?
- Succinylcholine
- Rapacuronium
- Pancuronium
- Tubocurarine
Explanation: Answer reason: Among nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers, rapacuronium has the most rapid onset of action; succinylcholine is rapid but is depolarizing, while pancuronium and tubocurarine have slower onsets.
Indicate the nondepolarizing agent, which has short duration of action?
- Succinylcholine
- Tubocurarine
- Mivacurium
- Pancuronium
Explanation: Answer reason: Mivacurium is a short-acting nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker (rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase). Succinylcholine is depolarizing, while tubocurarine and pancuronium are long-acting nondepolarizers.
Which of the following sympathomimetics acts indirectly?
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
- Ephedrine
- Methoxamine
Explanation: Answer reason: Indirect-acting sympathomimetics increase norepinephrine release from nerve terminals. Ephedrine has mixed action with a significant indirect component, while epinephrine, norepinephrine, and methoxamine act directly on adrenergic receptors.
Catecholamine includes following EXCEPT?
- Ephedrine
- Epinephrine
- Isoprenaline
- Norepinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Ephedrine is a noncatecholamine sympathomimetic (lacks the catechol ring). Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and isoprenaline are catecholamines.
All of the following agents are beta receptor agonists EXCEPT?
- Epinephrine
- Isoproterenol
- Methoxamine
- Dobutamine
Explanation: Answer reason: Methoxamine is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, not a beta agonist. Epinephrine (mixed alpha/beta), isoproterenol (nonselective beta), and dobutamine (beta-1 predominant) all have beta-agonist activity.
Which of the following agents is an alfa1 alfa2 beta1 beta2 receptor agonist?
- Methoxamine
- Albuterol
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Epinephrine is a nonselective adrenergic agonist that stimulates α1, α2, β1, and β2 receptors. Methoxamine is mainly α1, albuterol is β2-selective, and norepinephrine has little β2 activity.
Norepinephrine produces?
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilatation
- Bronchodilation
- Decreased potassium concentration in the plasma
Explanation: Answer reason: Norepinephrine primarily stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors causing peripheral vasoconstriction; it has minimal beta-2 activity, so it does not cause bronchodilation or hypokalemia.
Indicate the sympathomimetic drug, which is used in a hypotensive emergency?
- Xylometazoline
- Ephedrine
- Terbutaline
- Phenylephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Phenylephrine is a selective alpha-1 agonist used IV as a vasopressor to raise blood pressure in acute hypotension. Xylometazoline is a topical decongestant, Terbutaline is a beta-2 agonist, and Ephedrine is less preferred due to weaker, indirect action and tachyphylaxis.
Indicate the agent of choice in the emergency therapy of anaphylactic shock?
- Methoxamine
- Terbutaline
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for anaphylaxis; its alpha- and beta-adrenergic effects reverse hypotension, bronchospasm, and edema. The others are not first-line for anaphylactic shock.
Which of the following sympathomimetics is an effective mydriatic?
- Salmeterol
- Phenylephrine
- Dobutamine
- Norepinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 agonist used topically to produce mydriasis without cycloplegia. Salmeterol (beta-2), dobutamine (beta-1), and norepinephrine are not used as ocular mydriatics.
Which of the following drugs is a nonselective alfa receptor antagonist?
- Prazosin
- Phentolamine
- Metoprolol
- Reserpine
Explanation: Answer reason: Phentolamine blocks both alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors (nonselective alpha antagonist). Prazosin is selective for alpha-1, metoprolol is a beta-1 blocker, and reserpine depletes catecholamines.
Indicate the alfa1-selective antagonist?
- Phentolamine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Prazosin
- Labetalol
Explanation: Answer reason: Prazosin is a selective alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist; phentolamine is nonselective alpha, dihydroergotamine is an ergot partial agonist, and labetalol blocks both beta and alpha1 receptors.
Which of the following drugs is useful in the treatment of pheochromocytoma?
- Phenylephrine
- Propanolol
- Phentolamine
- Epinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Phentolamine is a nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocker used to control hypertensive crises in pheochromocytoma. Phenylephrine and epinephrine are adrenergic agonists that would worsen hypertension, and using a beta-blocker alone (propranolol) is contraindicated before alpha blockade.
Indicate a beta receptor antagonist, which has very long duration of action?
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Nadolol
- Pindolol
Explanation: Answer reason: Nadolol has a very long half-life (about 20–24 hours), allowing once-daily dosing, longer than metoprolol, propranolol, or pindolol.
Indicate a beta1-selective receptor antagonist, which has very long duration of action?
- Betaxolol
- Sotalol
- Nadolol
- Metoprolol
Explanation: Answer reason: Betaxolol is a cardioselective (β1-selective) beta-blocker with a long half-life, giving a very long duration of action. Sotalol and nadolol are nonselective, and metoprolol has a shorter duration.
Indicate a beta receptor antagonist with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity?
- Propranolol
- Oxprenolol
- Metoprolol
- Carvedilol
Explanation: Answer reason: Oxprenolol is a nonselective beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity; propranolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol lack ISA.
Indicate the adrenoreceptor antagonist drug, which is a rauwolfia alkaloid?
- Prazosin
- Propranolol
- Reserpine
- Phentolamine
Explanation: Answer reason: Reserpine is an alkaloid derived from Rauwolfia serpentina; the others are synthetic alpha or beta blockers. Thus the rauwolfia-derived antiadrenergic agent is reserpine.
Select a hypnotic drug, which is an imidazopyridine derivative?
- Pentobarbital
- Temazepam
- Zolpidem
- Chloral hydrate
Explanation: Answer reason: Zolpidem is a non‑benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class; pentobarbital is a barbiturate, temazepam is a benzodiazepine, and chloral hydrate is an older sedative-hypnotic.
Which of the following hypnotic agents is absorbed slowly?
- Phenobarbital
- Flurazepam
- Triazolam
- Temazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Temazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic that is absorbed slowly with a delayed onset; flurazepam and triazolam are absorbed rapidly.
Which of the following barbiturates is an ultra-short-acting drug?
- Secobarbital
- Amobarbital
- Thiopental
- Phenobarbital
Explanation: Answer reason: Thiopental is an ultra-short-acting barbiturate used for induction of anesthesia; secobarbital is short-acting, amobarbital is intermediate-acting, and phenobarbital is long-acting.
Indicate the hypnotic benzodiazepine, which has the shortest elimination half-life?
- Temazepam
- Triazolam
- Flurazepam
- Diazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Triazolam is an ultra–short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic with a very short elimination half-life (~2–5 hours), shorter than temazepam (intermediate) and flurazepam or diazepam (long with active metabolites).
Barbiturates increase the rate of metabolism of?
- Anticoagulants
- Digitalis compounds
- Glucocorticoids
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Barbiturates induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, accelerating metabolism of many drugs including warfarin-type anticoagulants, certain digitalis (e.g., digitoxin), and glucocorticoids—hence all listed options.
Which of the following hypnotics is preferred for elderly patients?
- Phenobarbital
- Flurozepam
- Temazepam
- Secobarbital
Explanation: Answer reason: Temazepam lacks active metabolites and has intermediate duration, minimizing accumulation and next-day sedation in older adults. Flurozepam has long-acting metabolites, and barbiturates (phenobarbital, secobarbital) are inappropriate due to higher adverse effects in the elderly.
Which of the following benzodiazepines is used mainly for hypnosis?
- Clonozepam
- Lorazepam
- Flurazepam
- Midazolam
Explanation: Answer reason: Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used primarily as a hypnotic for insomnia; clonazepam and lorazepam are mainly anxiolytic/anticonvulsant, and midazolam is used for procedural sedation/anesthesia.
Phenytoin is used in the treatment of?
- Petit mal epilepsy
- Grand mal epilepsy
- Myoclonic seizures
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Phenytoin is effective for generalized tonic–clonic (grand mal) and focal seizures but is not used for absence (petit mal) or myoclonic seizures; therefore, the correct option is grand mal epilepsy.
The mechanism of action of carbamazepine appears to be similar to that of?
- Benzodiazepines
- Valproate
- Phenytoin
- Ethosuximide
Explanation: Answer reason: Carbamazepine, like phenytoin, primarily blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to reduce high-frequency neuronal firing.
Indicate an irreversible inhibitor of GABA aminotransferase (GABA-T)?
- Diazepam
- Phenobarbital
- Vigabatrin
- Felbamate
Explanation: Answer reason: Vigabatrin irreversibly inhibits GABA transaminase, increasing CNS GABA. Diazepam and phenobarbital are GABA-A modulators; felbamate mainly blocks NMDA receptors.
Indicate the antiseizure drug – a benzodiazepine receptor agonist?
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
- Lorazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts as a GABA-A receptor benzodiazepine-site agonist and is used for seizures (e.g., status epilepticus). The others are not benzodiazepines.
Which of the following antiseizure drugs may produce teratogenicity?
- Phenytoin
- Valproate
- Topiramate
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Phenytoin (fetal hydantoin syndrome), valproate (neural tube defects), and topiramate (oral clefts) are all associated with teratogenic risk; therefore, all listed drugs may produce teratogenicity.
Select the narcotic analgesic, which is an antagonist or partial mu receptor agonist?
- Fentanyl
- Pentazocine
- Codeine
- Methadone
Explanation: Answer reason: Pentazocine is a mixed opioid: κ-agonist with antagonist/partial agonist activity at μ receptors. Fentanyl, codeine, and methadone are μ-agonists.
Which of the following opioid analgesics is used in obstetric labor?
- Fentanyl
- Pentazocine
- Meperidine
- Buprenorphine
Explanation: Answer reason: Meperidine (pethidine) is the classic systemic opioid used for analgesia during labor; alternatives like pentazocine and buprenorphine are not standard for labor, and fentanyl is more commonly used neuraxially.
Which of the following opioid agents is used in the treatment of acute opioid overdose?
- Pentazocine
- Methadone
- Naloxone
- Remifentanyl
Explanation: Answer reason: Naloxone is a short-acting competitive opioid receptor antagonist used to rapidly reverse acute opioid toxicity. Pentazocine is a mixed agonist–antagonist analgesic, methadone is used for maintenance/withdrawal, and remifentanyl is an opioid agonist anesthetic.
Indicate the pure opioid antagonist, which has a half-life of 10 hours?
- Naloxone
- Naltrexone
- Tramadol
- Pentazocine
Explanation: Answer reason: Naltrexone is a pure opioid antagonist with a long duration of action (approx. 10 hours), whereas naloxone has a short half-life and tramadol and pentazocine are not pure antagonists.
Select the antiseizure drug with an analgesic component of effect?
- Carbamazepine
- Ethosuximide
- Phenytoin
- Clonazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Carbamazepine has analgesic properties and is used for neuropathic pain (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia) in addition to its antiseizure effects.
Which of the following antipsychotic drugs is typical?
- Clozapine
- Quetiapine
- Haloperidol
- Olanzapine
Explanation: Answer reason: Haloperidol is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic; clozapine, quetiapine, and olanzapine are atypical.
Indicate the antipsychotic drug, which is a butyrophenone derivative?
- Droperidol
- Thioridazine
- Sertindole
- Fluphenazine
Explanation: Answer reason: Butyrophenone antipsychotics include haloperidol and droperidol. Thioridazine and fluphenazine are phenothiazines, and sertindole is an atypical indole derivative.
Indicate the antipsychotic drug, which is a thioxanthene derivative?
- Haloperidol
- Clozapine
- Chlorpromazine
- Thiothixene
Explanation: Answer reason: Thiothixene is a typical antipsychotic of the thioxanthene class; haloperidol is a butyrophenone, chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine, and clozapine is an atypical dibenzodiazepine.
Indicate the antipsychotic drug having H1-antihistaminic activity?
- Clozapine
- Chlorpromazine
- Olanzapine
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Clozapine, chlorpromazine, and olanzapine all antagonize H1 receptors, causing sedation and weight gain; therefore all are correct.
Which of the following antidepressants is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
- Phenelzine
- Desipramine
- Maprotiline
- Fluoxetine
Explanation: Answer reason: Fluoxetine is an SSRI. Phenelzine is an MAOI, desipramine is a TCA, and maprotiline is a tetracyclic NRI.
Indicate the irreversible MAO inhibitor, which is a hydrazide derivative?
- Moclobemide
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
- Phenelzine
Explanation: Answer reason: Phenelzine is an irreversible MAOI of the hydrazine class. Moclobemide is a reversible MAO-A inhibitor; selegiline is an irreversible MAO-B propargylamine; tranylcypromine is a non-hydrazine cyclopropylamine.
Indicate the antidepressant agent, which is a phenyltoylpropylamine derivative?
- Paroxetine
- Maprotiline
- Fluoxetine
- Amitriptyline
Explanation: Answer reason: Fluoxetine is an SSRI of the phenylpropylamine (aryloxyphenylpropylamine) class. Paroxetine is a piperidine derivative, maprotiline is a tetracyclic antidepressant, and amitriptyline is a tricyclic.
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