Nclex Pharmacology Cheat Sheet pdf

Drug stem cheat sheet

STEM	Definition	Examples
—ac	Acetic acid derivatives	bromfenac
—bactam	Beta-lactamase inhibitors	sulbactam
—caine	Local aesthetics	lidocaine
—dralazine	Antihypertensives (hydrazine—pthlazines)	hydralazine
—ectin	Antiparasitics (ivermectin types)	moxidectin
—femanic acid	Anti-inflammatory agents	Flufenamic acid
—gest	Progestins	megestrol
—imex	Immunostimulants	forfenimex
—leukin	Interleukin-2 derivatives	adlesleukin
—mab	Monoclonal antibodies	Detumomab
—olol	Beta-blockers	timolol
—pamide	Diuretics	adipamide
—rubicin	Antineoplastic antibiotics	idarubicin
—statin	Renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor pepsin inhibitor	cilastatin
—terol	Bronchodilators	albuterol
—uracil	Derivatives used as thyroid antagonists and antineoplastics	fluorouracil
—vastatin	Antihyperlipidemics (HMG-CoA inhibitors)	simvastatin
—zolast	Antiasthmatics/antiallergics	ontozolast
—cef	Cephalosporins (first-gen)	cefazolin

NClEX Pharmacology Questions

The NCLEX exam will test your pharmacology knowledge in the following areas.

General Pharmacology

These questions test foundational knowledge about medications. These include:

• Routes of administration (oral, intravenous, etc.)
• Pharmacodynamics (how drugs interact with the body to produce effects)
• Pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs)
• Medication terminology (generic vs. brand names, dosage forms, etc.)
• Legal and ethical considerations of medication use

Drug Classes

You’ll tackle Pharmacology questions that look into specific categories of medications based on their therapeutic effects or chemical structure. Examples include:

• Antibiotics
• Analgesics (pain relievers)
• Antihypertensives (blood pressure medications)
• Cardiovascular medications
• Antidiabetics
• Corticosteroids

Mechanisms of Action

As a nurse, you must understand how medications work at a cellular or molecular level. Questions might ask how a drug binds to a receptor, alters a metabolic pathway, or produces a specific physiological response.

Since you now understand what to expect in the NCLEX exam, try our pharmacology quizzes below. These quizzes are the best way to test your knowledge of medicines and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Use them to help you plan your future study plans.

Pharmacology Quizzes

Note: We’ve bolded the correct answer among the choices in each question.

1. 1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is taking albuterol. Which of the following mechanisms of action best describes how albuterol works?

   • A. Binds to beta-adrenergic receptors, causing bronchoconstriction (Incorrect Answer)
   • B. Binds to beta-adrenergic receptors, causing bronchodilation
   • C. Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to lower blood pressure

2. 2. A nurse is reviewing a medication order for a patient with a potassium deficiency. Which of the following medications is MOST appropriate for replacement therapy?

   • Furosemide (Lasix) - Diuretic
   • Lisinopril (Zestril) - ACE Inhibitor
   • Potassium Chloride (KCl)
   • Metformin (Glucophage) - Antidiabetic

3. 3. A patient is prescribed heparin to prevent blood clots. The nurse understands this medication works through which mechanism of action?

   • Inhibits platelet aggregation
   • Dissolves existing blood clots
   • Increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels
   • Lowers blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production

4. 4. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is taking metformin. The nurse teaches the client about potential side effects. Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding metformin and food intake?

   • Metformin should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption.
   • Metformin can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
   • Metformin should be avoided if the client consumes any alcohol.

5. Prednisolone increases the risk of tendon rupture when taken with fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin.

   • True
   • False

6. 5. A patient with heart failure is taking digoxin. Which of the following lab values would be of MOST concern to the nurse when monitoring for digoxin toxicity?

   • Blood sugar levels
   • Sodium levels
   • Potassium levels
   • White blood cell count

7. 6. A client is prescribed a medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. The nurse understands the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs is to:

   • Increase dopamine levels in the brain
   • Increase norepinephrine levels in the brain
   • Increase serotonin levels in the brain
   • Decrease cortisol levels, the stress hormone

8. 7. A patient with a history of peptic ulcers is taking ibuprofen for pain management. The nurse is aware of a potential drug interaction. What is the MOST concerning consequence of this interaction?

   • Increased risk of constipation
   • Increased risk of drowsiness
   • Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
   • Decreased effectiveness of ibuprofen for pain relief

9. 8. The following are side effects of suxamethonium, except which?

   • Hyperkalemia
   • Myopathies
   • Hypertension
   • Malignt hyperthermia

10. 9. A client is taking a medication classified as a calcium channel blocker for hypertension. The nurse educates the client on potential side effects. Which of the following is the MOST common side effect of calcium channel blockers?

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Headache
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Difficulty sleeping