PRINCIPLES QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES Q & A
2026|INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of
pharmacology?
A. Diagnose diseases
B. Treat diseases
C. Prevent diseases
D. Study drug actions and effects
Rationale: Pharmacology is the science that studies how drugs
interact with the body and their effects, including therapeutic
uses.
Correct Answer: D. Study drug actions and effects
2. Which route of drug administration has the fastest onset of
action?
A. Oral
B. Intravenous
C. Subcutaneous
D. Intramuscular
,Rationale: IV administration delivers the drug directly into the
bloodstream, producing almost immediate effects.
Correct Answer: B. Intravenous
3. The “first-pass effect” refers to:
A. The initial absorption of a drug in the stomach
B. Drug metabolism in the liver before reaching systemic
circulation
C. Excretion of drugs through kidneys
D. Rapid distribution to target tissues
Rationale: Some orally administered drugs are metabolized in
the liver before reaching the bloodstream, reducing their
bioavailability.
Correct Answer: B. Drug metabolism in the liver before
reaching systemic circulation
4. Which term describes the study of a drug’s effects on the
body?
A. Pharmacokinetics
B. Pharmacodynamics
C. Toxicology
D. Pharmaceutics
Rationale: Pharmacodynamics focuses on what the drug does
to the body, including mechanisms of action.
,Correct Answer: B. Pharmacodynamics
5. A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires:
A. High doses for effect
B. Frequent monitoring of blood levels
C. Minimal patient education
D. No special precautions
Rationale: Narrow therapeutic index drugs have a small margin
between therapeutic and toxic doses, necessitating close
monitoring.
Correct Answer: B. Frequent monitoring of blood levels
6. Which factor affects drug absorption the most?
A. Route of administration
B. Patient age
C. Diet
D. Liver function
Rationale: The absorption rate varies significantly based on
how a drug is administered (oral, IV, IM, etc.).
Correct Answer: A. Route of administration
7. Which organ is primarily responsible for drug metabolism?
, A. Kidney
B. Liver
C. Lungs
D. Spleen
Rationale: The liver metabolizes most drugs through enzymatic
processes, preparing them for excretion.
Correct Answer: B. Liver
8. A patient reports nausea after starting a new medication.
This is an example of:
A. Allergic reaction
B. Side effect
C. Idiosyncratic reaction
D. Toxicity
Rationale: Side effects are predictable, often mild, and occur at
therapeutic doses.
Correct Answer: B. Side effect
9. What is the primary route of drug excretion?
A. Liver
B. Kidneys
C. Lungs
D. Skin