Pharmacology may not be the most fun topic, but trust us—it’s a big deal, especially when it comes to the NCLEX! From understanding how different medications work to knowing their side effects, a solid grasp of pharmacology is crucial for passing the exam and being a real-deal registered nurse.
The NCLEX isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying your knowledge to real-life situations with patients. In this blog post, we’re diving into why NCLEX pharmacology should be at the top of your study list to help you rock your exam (and your nursing career)!
Here’s an NCLEX pharmacology cheat sheet you can use to prepare for exam day.
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Top NCLEX Pharmacology Topics
Antibiotics
Examples:
- Penicillins
- Cephalosporins
- Macrolides
- Vancomycin
Cardiac Medications
Examples:
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
Examples:
- Loop diuretics
- Thiazides
Pain Management
Examples:
- Opioids
- NSAIDS
Diabetes Medications
Examples:
- Insulin
- Oral hypoglycemics
Psychiatric Medications
Examples:
- SSRI
- Benzodiazepine
- Antipsychotics
High Alert Medications
Insulin
You’ll want to understand types, timing, and hypoglycemia risks. Check out this video on insulin types and administration:
Anticoagulants
Examples:
- Heparin
- Warfarin
You’ll want to know how to monitor aPTT, PT/INR, drug interactions, and signs and symptoms of bleeding to watch out for.
Chemotherapeutic Agents
Know handling, administration, and side effects to watch for.
Opioids
Know dosing, high-risk for respiratory depression, and management of overdoses/toxicity.
Safety
Dosage Calculations
Check out this med math breakdown video:
Routes of Administration
6 Rights
- Right client
- Right route
- Right medication
- Right dose
- Right time
- Right documentation
Important Antidotes
- Naloxone for opioids
- Vitamin K for warfarin
- Protamine sulfate for heparin
- Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen
Want more helpful videos for NCLEX prep?
For great content that’ll help you prepare for NCLEX pharmacology questions, be sure to check out these videos on our YouTube channel!
- NSAIDs
- Lithium
- Immunosuppressants
- Albuterol
- Dobutamine
- Insulin
- Oxytocin
- Nitroglycerin
- Metronidazole
- Metoprolol
- Vaccine schedule
- Beta blockers vs calcium channel blockers
NCLEX Pharmacology Practice Question
Check out this sample question from our Qbank:
A health care provider orders omeprazole 20 mg oral daily for a client diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Before administering this medication, the nurse reviews the client’s medical history. Which of the following considerations is a priority to evaluate to ensure the appropriateness of the order?
- The client’s blood pressure, as omeprazole can cause significant hypertension.
- The client’s current use of antacids, as concurrent use with omeprazole is contraindicated.
- The client’s history of Helicobacter pylori infection, as omeprazole can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.
- The client’s liver function tests, as caution should be used with hepatic impairment.
The correct answer is 4.
Why is number 4 correct?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat GERD, peptic ulcer, dyspepsia, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. It suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells, blocking the final step of acid production. Omeprazole relieves symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., heartburn) and can heal or prevent stomach ulcers. The liver is responsible for the metabolism of omeprazole, and there is a possibility of hepatic injury. Therefore, the nurse should evaluate the client’s liver function tests (4) and notify the provider if hepatic impairment is indicated.
Why are the other choices incorrect?
Omeprazole is not known to cause hypertension. Evaluating the client’s blood pressure (1) is not a priority to ensure the appropriateness and accuracy of the order. Antacids (2) are commonly used to treat symptoms of GERD and are considered safe to administer with omeprazole. However, antacids can delay the absorption of other drugs, so they should be administered separately. A combination of antibiotics and PPIs are used to treat H. pylori (3), and omeprazole is commonly prescribed to clients with the infection. By lowering acid levels in the stomach, omeprazole prevents, not increases, the formation of gastric ulcers and aids in healing existing ulcers.
Tips for Answering NCLEX Pharmacology Questions
1. Focus on understanding the drug class.
Instead of memorizing individual drugs, focus on understanding the drug class. Many drugs in the same class have similar effects, side effects, and contraindications.
For example, if you know lisinopril (ACE inhibitor), you can apply similar knowledge to other ACE inhibitors.
2. Focus on common and severe side effects.
3. Memorize endings:
- Beta blockers end in “olol.”
- Statins end in “statin.”
- Proton pump inhibitors end in “prazole.”
- ARBs end in “sartan.”
4. Pay attention to high alert/high risk meds (listed above).
5. Consider safety!
The NCLEX is a test about safety, ensuring you can be a safe, competent, new nurse! Focus on patient safety and prioritizing what’s most urgent or potentially harmful.
6. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Take a sneak peek at our Qbank or download our cheat sheet!
Final Thoughts
This study tool can definitely help you prepare for NCLEX pharmacology questions. Be sure to take full advantage of it! If you need additional help, remember, we’re here for you. Check out our Facebook group and our live review courses.
Best of luck with your NCLEX pharmacology preparation, and remember, you will pass!
Looking for more (free!) resources to help you ace the NCLEX? Check out these other posts on the blog:
