Pharmacology Practice Test 30
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 30th 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 30
What is the main use of Lignocaine Hydrochloride Injection I.P. (LOX 2%)?
- Antibiotic
- Local Anaesthetic
- Antipyretic
- Antihypertensive
Explanation: Answer reason: Lignocaine (lidocaine) is an amide-type local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes, preventing initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. The 2% injectable formulation is commonly used for local infiltration, nerve blocks, and minor procedures to provide regional anesthesia. While lidocaine also has antiarrhythmic uses intravenously, the main indication for LOX 2% is local anesthesia.
Drug of choice for Typhoid fever is?
- Paracetamol
- Ciprofloxacin
- Amoxicillin
- Chloroquine
Explanation: Answer reason: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi, and fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin have been widely used as first-line therapy due to excellent intracellular penetration and activity against Salmonella. Although resistance is increasing in some regions, ciprofloxacin remains the best option among the listed choices. Paracetamol provides only antipyretic relief, amoxicillin faces significant resistance, and chloroquine is an antimalarial, not active against Salmonella Typhi.
Drug use in vomiting ...?
- Promethazine
- Cisapride
- Levosulpiride
- All of the Above
Explanation: Answer reason: Promethazine is an H1-antihistamine with strong anticholinergic properties and proven antiemetic effects, commonly used for nausea and vomiting (e.g., motion sickness, postoperative nausea). Cisapride is a 5-HT4 prokinetic used for gastroparesis/GERD and is not a standard antiemetic; it has significant cardiac risks. Levosulpiride is a prokinetic D2 antagonist that may help dyspepsia but is not the prototypical antiemetic here. Therefore, the best single answer is promethazine.
The drug used for deworming in children is ...?
- Paracetamol
- Albendazole
- Omeprazole
- Ranitidine
Explanation: Answer reason: Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against common soil-transmitted helminths in children (e.g., Ascaris, hookworm, Trichuris) and is widely used in mass deworming programs. Paracetamol is an analgesic/antipyretic, not an antiparasitic. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and ranitidine is an H2 blocker; both treat acid-related disorders, not helminth infections.
Acetaminophen is another name for?
- Ibuprofen
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin
- Diclofenac
Explanation: Answer reason: Acetaminophen is the U.S. generic name for the drug internationally known as paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic. Ibuprofen and diclofenac are NSAIDs, and aspirin is a salicylate with antiplatelet effects, making them pharmacologically distinct. Therefore, paracetamol is the correct synonym for acetaminophen.
ACE inhibitors end with which suffix?
- -lol
- -pril
- -sone
- -dine
Explanation: Answer reason: ACE inhibitors share the suffix -pril (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, captopril) and work by blocking conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II to lower blood pressure and reduce afterload. The -lol suffix denotes beta-blockers, -sone indicates corticosteroids, and -dine commonly refers to H2-receptor antagonists. Therefore, -pril is the correct identifying suffix for ACE inhibitors.
Which antihypertensive drug is commonly used in PIH?
- Methyldopa
- Atenolol
- Ramipril
- Enalapril
Explanation: Answer reason: Methyldopa has extensive safety data in pregnancy and is commonly used for pregnancy-induced hypertension. Atenolol is generally avoided due to risk of fetal growth restriction. ACE inhibitors such as ramipril and enalapril are contraindicated in pregnancy because of fetotoxic effects including renal dysgenesis and oligohydramnios. Therefore, methyldopa is the preferred option among those listed.
Drugs given to prevent vomiting are called?
- Antiemetics
- Antacids
- Antipyretics
- Analgesics
Explanation: Answer reason: Antiemetics are drugs that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center or by blocking neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine. Examples include ondansetron, metoclopramide, and promethazine. Antacids neutralize gastric acid, antipyretics reduce fever, and analgesics relieve pain, so they do not primarily prevent vomiting.
Which route avoids first-pass metabolism?
- Oral
- Rectal
- Sublingual
- Topical
Explanation: Answer reason: Sublingual absorption drains directly into the systemic circulation via venous drainage from the oral mucosa, bypassing the portal vein and hepatic first-pass metabolism. Oral drugs undergo extensive first-pass in the liver. Rectal absorption only partially avoids first-pass due to upper rectal drainage into the portal system. While some topical/transdermal drugs also bypass first-pass, the classic and best answer is sublingual.
Which type of hepatitis has no specific antiviral treatment?
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
Explanation: Answer reason: Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited viral infection with no chronic phase, and management is supportive; there is no specific antiviral therapy. In contrast, chronic hepatitis B is treated with antivirals such as tenofovir or entecavir, and hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antivirals. Hepatitis D may respond to interferon-based therapy and is prevented by controlling HBV. Therefore, the only type listed with no specific antiviral treatment is hepatitis A.
Fentyl injection is use for?
- Anesthesia
- Trauma
- Hepatitis
- Fever
Explanation: Answer reason: Fentyl is fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid agonist used as an analgesic and as an adjunct to anesthesia for induction and maintenance during surgical procedures. It is not a treatment for trauma itself, nor does it treat infectious hepatitis or reduce fever. Therefore, the best choice is anesthesia.
The drug that induces sleep is called?
- Sedative
- Hypnotic
- Analgesic
- Antacid
Explanation: Answer reason: A hypnotic is a medication specifically intended to induce and maintain sleep. Sedatives primarily calm or reduce anxiety and may cause drowsiness but are not necessarily used to produce sleep at therapeutic doses. Analgesics relieve pain, and antacids neutralize gastric acid. Therefore, the correct term for a sleep-inducing drug is hypnotic.
A drug used to relieve pain is called?
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
- Antibiotic
- Sedative
Explanation: Answer reason: An analgesic is a medication specifically used to relieve pain by reducing nociceptive signaling or altering pain perception. Antipyretics reduce fever, antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and sedatives depress the central nervous system to promote calm or sleep. Therefore, the correct term for a pain-relieving drug is analgesic.
Which diuretic causes potassium loss?
- Furosemide
- Spironolactone
- Amiloride
- Triamterene
Explanation: Answer reason: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter in the thick ascending limb, increasing urinary excretion of sodium and potassium and predisposing to hypokalemia. In contrast, spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist) and amiloride/triamterene (ENaC blockers) are potassium-sparing diuretics that reduce potassium loss. Therefore, the diuretic that causes potassium loss is furosemide.
Which of these reduces cholesterol?
- Atorvastatin
- Metformin
- Omeprazole
- Diclofenac
Explanation: Answer reason: Atorvastatin is an HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that decreases hepatic cholesterol synthesis, increases LDL receptor expression, and lowers LDL cholesterol. Metformin is an antidiabetic agent for glycemic control. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor for acid suppression. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and does not lower cholesterol.
Doxycycline is a?
- Antibiotic
- Antipyretic
- Analgesic
- Vitamin
Explanation: Answer reason: Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 30S ribosomal subunit. It provides broad-spectrum coverage and is used for infections such as acne, respiratory infections, rickettsial diseases, and chlamydial infections, and for malaria prophylaxis. It is not an antipyretic, analgesic, or a vitamin.
Spironolactone is classified as —?
- Potassium-sparing Diuretic
- Loop Diuretic
- Thiazide Diuretic
- Osmotic Diuretic
Explanation: Answer reason: Spironolactone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist that acts in the distal nephron to promote sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium, classifying it as a potassium-sparing diuretic. It is not a loop diuretic (e.g., furosemide), which acts at the thick ascending limb. It is not a thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) nor an osmotic diuretic (e.g., mannitol).
Loratadine is a?
- Antibiotics
- Painkiller
- Antiseptic
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: Loratadine is a second‑generation H1 antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It does not have antibacterial activity (not an antibiotic), does not provide analgesia (not a painkiller), and is not used to sterilize or disinfect tissues (not an antiseptic). Therefore, none of the listed categories apply.
Atenolol is used for?
- Asthma
- Cold
- High BP
- Fever
Explanation: Answer reason: Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic blocker that lowers blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and myocardial contractility and reducing renin release. It is indicated for hypertension and angina, and sometimes arrhythmias. It is not a treatment for asthma or viral colds, and beta blockers can actually precipitate bronchospasm in susceptible patients. It does not treat fever.
Amlodipine is prescribed for?
- BP
- Fever
- Cold
- Cough
Explanation: Answer reason: Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that relaxes vascular smooth muscle, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure. It is indicated for hypertension and also for angina due to coronary vasodilation. It does not treat fever, common cold, or cough.
Rifampicin 300 mg capsules are used as?
- Anti malarial
- Anti diarrheal
- Anti lipidemic
- Anti TB
Explanation: Answer reason: Rifampicin is a rifamycin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It is a first-line agent used in combination therapy for tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is not used to treat malaria, diarrhea, or dyslipidemia. Combination therapy helps prevent resistance and improves cure rates.
Diclofenac used for?
- Allergy
- Pain
- Cough
- Vomiting
Explanation: Answer reason: Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. This provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and dysmenorrhea. It is not indicated for allergy, cough, vomiting, or generalized weakness.
Folic acid is usually prescribed for?
- Children
- Pregnant
- Elders
- None of above.
Explanation: Answer reason: Folic acid supplementation is recommended for women planning pregnancy and during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Requirements for folate increase with rapid fetal growth, so routine prenatal vitamins include folic acid (typically 400–800 mcg/day). Children and elders receive folate only if deficiency or specific indications exist, not as universal prophylaxis.
Antibiotics known to discolor teeth is?
- Ciprofloxacin
- Penicillin
- Streptomycin
- Tetracycline
Explanation: Answer reason: Tetracyclines chelate calcium and incorporate into developing enamel and dentin, leading to yellow-brown intrinsic tooth discoloration. This effect is most notable with in utero exposure and in children under 8 years, so the drug is avoided in pregnancy and young children. Ciprofloxacin, penicillin, and streptomycin are not associated with intrinsic tooth staining. Therefore, tetracycline is the antibiotic class known for tooth discoloration.
Frusemide injection (Lasix) is used to treat?
- Edema
- Vomiting
- Gout
- Heartburn
Explanation: Answer reason: Furosemide (frusemide) is a loop diuretic that blocks the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb, promoting natriuresis and diuresis. It is indicated for edema from conditions such as heart failure, renal disease, or hepatic cirrhosis and also for acute pulmonary edema. It is not used to treat vomiting or heartburn. Furosemide can increase uric acid levels and may worsen, not treat, gout.
The drug used to treat malaria is?
- Quinine
- Penicillin
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin
Explanation: Answer reason: Quinine is a classic antimalarial that targets Plasmodium species, particularly useful in severe or chloroquine-resistant malaria. Penicillin is an antibacterial and has no activity against protozoa. Paracetamol and aspirin are analgesic-antipyretics that may reduce fever but do not treat the parasitic infection.
Adverse drug reaction means?
- Desired effect
- Harmful effect
- No effect
- Placebo effect
Explanation: Answer reason: An adverse drug reaction is an unintended, harmful response to a medication given at normal doses for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. It includes negative outcomes such as side effects, allergic reactions, and idiosyncratic responses. Desired effects are therapeutic, lack of effect indicates inefficacy, and placebo effects are responses due to expectation rather than the drug.
Omeprazole is used for?
- Cough
- Ulcer
- Fever
- Pain
Explanation: Answer reason: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly blocks the gastric H+/K+ ATPase, markedly reducing gastric acid secretion. It is indicated for peptic ulcer disease, GERD, and conditions of excess acid like Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. It does not treat cough, fever, or pain.
Adrenaline is used in?
- Fever
- Shock
- Headache
- Cough
Explanation: Answer reason: Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a catecholamine that activates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, increasing vascular tone and cardiac output. It is first-line for anaphylactic shock and used in other shock states and cardiac arrest to restore perfusion. It has no role in treating fever, headache, or cough.
The drug used to prevent blood clotting is?
- Anticoagulant
- Antipyretic
- Antacid
- Antibiotic
Explanation: Answer reason: Anticoagulants inhibit components of the coagulation cascade to prevent thrombus formation (e.g., heparin, warfarin, DOACs). Antipyretics reduce fever, not clotting. Antacids neutralize gastric acid, and antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Therefore, the class that prevents blood clotting is anticoagulants.
Which of the following is a non-hormonal contraceptive?
- Saheli
- Mala-D
- Injectable
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: Saheli (centchroman/ormeloxifene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used as a non-hormonal oral contraceptive; it does not contain estrogen or progestin. Mala-D is a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, making it hormonal. Injectable contraceptives such as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate are progestin-based and therefore hormonal. Hence, the non-hormonal option listed is Saheli.
The drug used to reduce cholesterol is?
- Statins
- Antacids
- Antibiotics
- Antipyretics
Explanation: Answer reason: Statins inhibit HMG‑CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, which lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular risk. They are first-line pharmacologic therapy for hypercholesterolemia. Antacids treat gastric acidity, antibiotics treat infections, and antipyretics reduce fever, not cholesterol.
The main organ for drug excretion is?
- Liver
- Skin
- Kidney
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: The kidneys are the primary route for elimination of most drugs and their metabolites via glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, and variable reabsorption. The liver mainly metabolizes drugs and contributes to biliary excretion but is not the principal organ of elimination. The lungs excrete volatile substances (e.g., anesthetics) and the skin plays a minimal role. Therefore, kidney is the best answer.
Antibiotics are ineffective against?
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Protozoa
Explanation: Answer reason: Antibiotics target bacterial structures and processes such as cell wall synthesis, ribosomal protein synthesis, and DNA replication. Viruses lack these cellular components and rely on host cell machinery, so antibacterial agents have no effect on them. Viral infections require antivirals or supportive care, not antibiotics. Antifungals and antiprotozoals are distinct drug classes for those organisms.
Which drug is a bronchodilator?
- Salbutamol
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Diazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Salbutamol (albuterol) is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle via increased cAMP, producing rapid bronchodilation in asthma or COPD exacerbations. Paracetamol is an analgesic/antipyretic, ibuprofen is an NSAID, and diazepam is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic/anticonvulsant—none provide bronchodilation.
The drug used to lower body temperature is?
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
- Antibiotic
- Antiseptic
Explanation: Answer reason: Antipyretic drugs lower elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to reduce the set point, thereby decreasing fever. Examples include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Analgesics primarily relieve pain, antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and antiseptics reduce microorganisms on tissues but do not directly reduce fever.
Drug tolerance means?
- No response
- Increased response
- Reduced effect with repeated use
- Adverse effect
Explanation: Answer reason: Drug tolerance is a pharmacologic phenomenon where the same dose of a drug produces a diminished effect after repeated administration, necessitating higher doses to achieve the original response. It can result from receptor downregulation/desensitization or increased metabolic clearance. This is distinct from no response, increased response, or adverse effects, which describe different outcomes of drug exposure.
Hepatitis A vaccine is given by?
- Oral route
- Injection
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
Explanation: Answer reason: The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine administered intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid. There is no oral or intranasal formulation for HepA immunization. Intranasal vaccines are limited to live attenuated influenza, and no vaccines are given as eye drops. Therefore, injection is the correct route.
Antacid drugs are used to relieve?
- Headache
- Stomach acidity
- Fever
- Pain
Explanation: Answer reason: Antacids are basic compounds that neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid, reducing acidity in the stomach and relieving dyspepsia and heartburn. They do not treat headache, fever, or generalized pain; those require analgesics or antipyretics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Therefore the correct indication among the choices is relief of stomach acidity.
The main organ for drug metabolism is?
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lungs
- Heart
Explanation: Answer reason: The liver is the principal site of drug metabolism, carrying out Phase I (e.g., cytochrome P450 oxidation/reduction) and Phase II conjugation reactions such as glucuronidation and sulfation. The kidney primarily handles drug excretion rather than biotransformation. The lungs can metabolize some volatile agents, and the heart has minimal metabolic capacity for drugs. Therefore, the liver is the main organ for drug metabolism.
Which one is an antihistamine drug?
- Cetirizine
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol
- Diazepam
Explanation: Answer reason: Cetirizine is a second‑generation H1 receptor antagonist used to treat allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Aspirin is an NSAID with antiplatelet effects, not an antihistamine. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic/antipyretic, and diazepam is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic. Therefore, cetirizine is the antihistamine among the options.
The drug of choice for Helicobacter pylori infection is?
- Metronidazole alone
- Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin + PPI
- Ciprofloxacin + PPI
- Doxycycline + Antacid
Explanation: Answer reason: First-line eradication of H. pylori is clarithromycin-based triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor plus amoxicillin (or metronidazole if penicillin-allergic) for 10–14 days. Monotherapy with metronidazole is ineffective and promotes resistance. Fluoroquinolone-based regimens are reserved for salvage therapy, not first-line. Doxycycline plus an antacid does not eradicate H. pylori.
Oral contraceptive pills prevent ______?
- Ovulation
- Implantation
- Both A and B
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: Combined oral contraceptives suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, inhibiting the midcycle LH surge and thus preventing ovulation. The progestin component also thickens cervical mucus and induces endometrial atrophy, making the uterine lining less receptive to implantation. Therefore, they act by preventing both ovulation and implantation.
Drugs used to kill bacteria are known as?
- Antiseptics
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
Explanation: Answer reason: Antibiotics are agents that treat bacterial infections; many are bactericidal (kill bacteria) while others are bacteriostatic (inhibit growth) leading to bacterial clearance. Antiseptics are topical chemicals used on skin or surfaces, not systemic drugs for infection treatment. Antivirals target viruses, and antifungals treat fungal organisms, not bacteria.
Which drug is used in heart failure?
- Digoxin
- Metformin
- Ibuprofen
- Cetirizine
Explanation: Answer reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used in symptomatic heart failure, particularly with reduced ejection fraction, because it increases myocardial contractility by inhibiting the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and raising intracellular calcium. It can improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations. Metformin treats type 2 diabetes, ibuprofen is an NSAID that can worsen fluid retention in HF, and cetirizine is an antihistamine for allergies.
Which of the following is a beta blocker?
- Atenolol
- Furosemide
- Digoxin
- Enalapril
Explanation: Answer reason: Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker used to lower heart rate and blood pressure in conditions such as hypertension and angina. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases contractility, and enalapril is an ACE inhibitor. Thus, among the options, only atenolol is a beta blocker.
Which drug increases heart contraction force?
- Digoxin
- Atropine
- Diazepam
- Aspirin
Explanation: Answer reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase, raising intracellular sodium and secondarily calcium via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. This produces a positive inotropic effect, increasing myocardial contractile force. Atropine mainly increases heart rate by blocking vagal tone, while diazepam is a sedative and aspirin is an antiplatelet. Therefore, digoxin is the drug that increases the force of contraction.
Which of these is a loop diuretic?
- Furosemide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Spironolactone
- Amiloride
Explanation: Answer reason: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing potent diuresis. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic acting in the distal convoluted tubule. Spironolactone and amiloride are potassium-sparing diuretics, the former an aldosterone antagonist and the latter a sodium channel blocker.
The drug digoxin is mainly used in?
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Angina
Explanation: Answer reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the Na+/K+-ATPase, increasing intracellular calcium and myocardial contractility. It is used primarily to improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations in systolic heart failure and for ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation. It is not indicated for hypertension, diabetes, or angina management.
Tamoxifen tablets is used for the treatment of?
- Breast cancer
- Anal cancer
- Menstruation
- Pelvic Pain
Explanation: Answer reason: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used primarily to treat estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer and to reduce recurrence risk. It works by competitively blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, limiting estrogen-driven tumor growth. It is not a standard therapy for anal cancer, menstruation, or nonspecific pelvic pain.
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