Top Pharmacology NCLEX Questions You Need to Know in 2025

Introduction

The NCLEX-RN exam is one of the most important milestones for aspiring nurses—and pharmacology is often the section that causes the most anxiety. Representing up to 18% of the exam, pharmacology questions can truly make or break your score.

With new medications and evolving treatment guidelines, staying updated is critical. This guide will walk you through the top pharmacology topics for the 2025 NCLEX, share sample NCLEX-style questions, and provide proven strategies to help you master this high-yield area. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and ready to tackle even the trickiest drug-related questions.

Why Pharmacology Matters on the NCLEX

Pharmacology isn’t just about memorizing drug names—it’s about ensuring safe and effective nursing practice. On the NCLEX, pharmacology questions test your ability to:

• ✅ Understand drug actions and effects on the body.

• ✅ Apply knowledge of interactions and contraindications to real-life scenarios.

• ✅ Prioritize nursing interventions related to medication administration.

• ✅ Educate patients on safety, adherence, and lifestyle adjustments.

Strong pharmacology knowledge not only boosts your NCLEX score but also builds the foundation for safe patient care as a nurse.

Must-Know Pharmacology Topics for NCLEX 2025

Here are the high-yield drug categories most likely to appear on your exam:

1. Cardiovascular Medications

• Key drugs: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, diuretics.

• Nursing considerations: Monitor BP, HR, potassium levels, and watch for digoxin toxicity.

2. Respiratory Medications

• Key drugs: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers.

• Nursing considerations: Assess respiratory status, teach correct inhaler use, monitor for oral thrush.

3. Endocrine Medications

• Key drugs: Insulin (short/long-acting), oral hypoglycemics, thyroid medications.

• Nursing considerations: Monitor blood glucose, recognize hypo/hyperglycemia, adjust insulin for meals.

4. Neurological Medications

• Key drugs: Anticonvulsants, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, antidepressants, anxiolytics.

• Nursing considerations: Assess mental status, monitor for side effects like sedation or suicidal ideation.

5. Anti-Infectives

• Key drugs: Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals.

• Nursing considerations: Watch for allergies, superinfections (e.g., C. diff), and patient adherence.

6. Pain Management

• Key drugs: Opioids, NSAIDs, non-opioid analgesics.

• Nursing considerations: Assess pain levels, monitor for respiratory depression (opioids), and check liver/kidney function.

Sample NCLEX-Style Pharmacology Questions

Here are practice-style examples to help you think critically like the NCLEX requires:

Q1. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. What should the nurse include in patient teaching?
A. “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
B. “Monitor your blood pressure regularly.” ✅
C. “Increase your potassium intake.”
D. “Stop taking the medication if you experience a cough.”

Q2. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol. Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Increased wheezing
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Improved oxygen saturation ✅
D. Increased blood pressure

(Tip: Always look for the answer that reflects patient safety and therapeutic effect.)

Tips for Answering Pharmacology Questions

???? Read carefully – Many pharmacology questions have similar drug names; don’t rush.
???? Identify the core issue – Is the question asking about safety, side effects, or patient teaching?
???? Apply nursing knowledge – Use pathophysiology and pharmacology principles, not memorization.
???? Prioritize safety – Always choose the option that prevents harm or ensures safe administration.

Resources for Further Study

• ???? NurseClex – An all-in-one NCLEX prep platform offering adaptive quizzes, simulations, and pharmacology-specific practice.

Conclusion

Pharmacology doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on high-yield drug classes, practicing with realistic NCLEX-style questions, and leveraging resources like NurseClex, you can turn pharmacology from a weakness into one of your strengths.

Remember: The goal isn’t to memorize every drug—it’s to think like a nurse who can safely administer, monitor, and educate patients about medications.

✨ Stay consistent, stay confident, and you’ll be ready to conquer pharmacology—and the NCLEX—in 2025!