NYU Pharmacology final UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
ANSWERS
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors mechanism of action - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔these drugs
prevent cholinesterase enzymes from breaking down acetylcholine to remain in the synaptic
cleft for longer periods of time, thereby strenghthening its effect.
pneumonic for remembering adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs - CORRECT ANSWER-
✔✔Blind as a bat (dilated pupils)
Red as a beet (vasodilation/flushing)
Hot as a hare (hyperthermia)
Dry as a bone (dry skin)
Mad as a hatter (hallucinations/agitation)
Bloated as a Toad (ileus, urinary retention)
And the heart runs alone (tachycardia)
Side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔vasodilation,
pupil constriction, decreased heart rate, mucus secretion, constriction of bronchioles,
increased secretion of sweat, saliva and tears, GI tract hypermotility. Certain drugs target the
central nervous system and can cause heightened cognition as well.
Primary Indications for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors - CORRECT ANSWER-
✔✔Alzheimers and Dementia. Specifically cognitive functions.
Indications for acetylcisteine - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔when inhaled it is used to loosen
mucus in lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema cystic fibrosis and pneumonia.
when taken orally it acts as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, preventing liver damage
Side effects of acetylcisteine - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔inhalation: mouth sores and runny
nose.
orally: severe stomach pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee ground
,Acetaminophen drug type - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔antipyretic, non-opioid analgesic
Indications of Acetaminophen - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔fever, mild to moderate pain
Acetaminophen mechanism of action - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔inhibits synthesis of
prostaglandins that may serve as mediators of pain and fever, and effects hypothalamic heat-
regulator center
Nursing considerations for acetaminophen (paracetamol) - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔do not
administer more than 4000mg in 24 hours
Contraindications for acetaminophen - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔should not be given to
patients with sever hepatic problems, and administered cautiously to patients with high
alcohol use.
side effects of acetaminophen - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔hepatoxicity in overdoses,
constipation, skin reactions (steven johnson syndrome), vomiting
Indications for activated charcoal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔used to treat poison or
overdose
mechanism of action for activated charcoal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔excessive drugs and
toxins bind to activated charcoal and are then more easily excreted
indications for albuterol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔used as a bronchodilator to to control or
treat reversible airway obstruction caused by Asthma or COPD.
mechanism of action for albuterol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔binds to beta 2 adrenergic
receptors in the smooth muscle airways, causing a decrease in intracellular calcium, thus
relaxing the smooth muscle and opening the airway.
,Side/adverse effects of albuterol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔paradoxical bronchospasm (if
used to much), nervousness, tremors, restlessness, palpitations, chest pain.
Nursing consideration for albuterol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔focused respiratory
assessment before administration. If patient presents with paradoxical bronchospasm then
discontinue immediately
medication classification for allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔antigout,
antihyperuremics
indications for allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔prevents gouty arthritis and
nephropathy. Can also treat secondary hyperuricemia during leukemia or treatment of tumors
mechanism of action for allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔inhibits the production of
uric acid by inhibiting the production of xanthine oxidase
Contraindications of allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔acute cases of gout, renal
insufficiency, dehydration
side/adverse effects of allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔rash, renal failure,
hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, heart failure, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, hepatitis,
diarrhea, hematuria, bone marrow depression
nursing considerations for allopurinol - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔discontinue at first sign of
rash.
monitor renal functions, blood glucose levels
ensure proper renal function and hydration before administration. Hydration promotes
diuresis and alkalization of urine.
monitor for joint pain and swelling. May provide NSAIDS to prevent pain during treatment.
Serum and urine uric levels should decrease 2-3 days after beginning oral therapy.
Used mostly in patients with Renal impairment or if unresponsive to uricosurics
indications for aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔to treat or prevent constricted
airways in diseases like asthma or COPD
, mechanism of action of aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔relaxes muscles around
the bronchiole tube causing them to dilate and free up airway.
Nursing considerations for aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔do not use on patients
who consume alot of xanthine through products like chocolate or caffeine.
Therapeutic range is 10-20 mcg/ml
given with other drugs
administration routes for aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔oral, IV
contraindications for aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔should not be given to
patients with renal, cardiac, liver, neurological disorders
side effects/adverse effects of aminophylline - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔disrhythmias,
palpitations, irritability, insomnia, tachycardia, cardiorespiratory collapse, dizziness, flushing,
GI distress, nausea, seizures, nervousness, hypotension, hyperglycemia, intestinal bleeding
Indications for Amphetamine/ Adderal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔increases wakefulness in
narcolepsy and attention span + cognition in Adhd
mechanism of action for amphetamine/ adderal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔causes release of
dopamine and norepinephrine from nerve endings stimulating brain regions involved in
attention and focused behavior (htereby reducing hyperactivity)
pharmaceutical effect of Amphetamine/ Adderal - CORRECT ANSWER-
✔✔vasoconstriction, CNS and respiratory stimulation, mydriasis (pupil dilation)
side effects of Amphetamine/ Adderal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔tachycardia, palpitations,
restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, insomnia, libido changes, anorexia, hypertension, dry
mouth, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation dysrhythmias
Nursing considerations for Amphetamine/ Adderal - CORRECT ANSWER- ✔✔medication
can be more potent on geriatric populations
