NAPLEX Questions

NAPLEX Questions You
Can Expect

NAPLEX questions are multiple-choice questions. There are 250 questions on the test, though only 200 questions are used to calculate your final score. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 75 (out of a possible 150).

General Pharmacology

Candidates are expected to have a rounded knowledge of pharmacology; both general pharmacology / principlesand clinical pharmacology - a thorough, broad knowledge of the essential science.

OTC / Clinical Pharmacy

Candidates must have a thorough knowledge of OTC medicines, sterile and non-sterile compounding, as well as nutritional support, critical care and other key aspects of clinical pharmacy.

Pharmacy Calculations

Licensed pharmacists must have a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy calculations. Knowing how to calculate what dose of what medicine in what formulation is a core part of the NAPLEX test.

NAPLEX Practice Questions

Take a few minutes to review some of our NAPLEX sample questions. Here, we review the type of question you can expect as well as detailing our comprehensive answer explanations to help plug any gaps in your pharmacy knowledge.

Question 1.

All these statements about aspirin are true except which?

a) It reversibly inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme
b) At high doses, aspirin can cause tinnitus
c) Its antiplatelet effect occurs at low doses
d) Aspirin can trigger acute attacks of gout
e) Avoid in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome

Correct answer: a) It reversibly inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme

EXPLANATION

Aspirin binds irreversibly - not reversibly - to the COX enzyme, inhibiting it.

The other four statements are true: at high doses, aspirin causes tinnitus, at low doses aspirin is used for its antiplatelet effect; aspirin is known to trigger acute attacks of gout; and aspirin should be avoided in children under the age of 16 due to the risk of developing Reye syndrome.

Question 2.

Which of these drug classes is most associated with causing vivid dreams / nightmares?

a) Beta blockers
b) Thiazide diuretics
c) Sulfonylureas
d) Nitrates
e) Loop diuretics

Correct answer a) Beta blockers

EXPLANATION

Of the drug classes listed, beta blockers are most associated with causing vivid dreams / nightmares.

Vivid dreams / nightmares are more common with more lipophilic beta blockers - such as propanolol or metoprolol - because they more readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Other forms of sleep disturbance, such as insomnia, can also occur.

Question 3.

What is the standard initial adult dose of allopurinol in the prevention of gout?

a) 50mg
b) 100mg
c) 200mg
d) 300mg
e) 600mg

Correct answer b) 100mg

EXPLANATION

The standard initial adult dose of allopurinol is 100mg daily.

Depending on the patient's serum uric acid concentration, this dose may then be titrated upward to a maintenance dose - such as 200-300mg per day.

Doses greater than 300mg per day should be taken as divided doses. Allopurinol should be taken with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Maximizing Your Result On Exam Day

The NAPLEX exam isn’t something you can cram. Nor is it an exam you can just ‘wing’. You need to plan your study. Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses and act upon those needs. Spend more time practicing NAPLEX questions in those weaker areas - turning those weaknesses into strengths. That’s why we’ve structured our online NAPLEX course by body system, by OTC/ clinical pharmacy, and by full-length practice tests. Our online course is unique in that it gives you the opportunity to practice exam-like questions alongside full-length practice tests - maximizing your result on exam day. We have helped thousands of pharmacy graduates pass their licensing exam.

You have 6 hours to complete the NAPLEX exam. It may seem like a long time, and that’s because it is. Most candidates complete the exam well in advance. Take advantages of the breaks to refresh cognition, memory and exam performance.

What to Expect on the NAPLEX