NUR2474 | NUR2474 Pharmacology for
Professional Nursing Exam 1 v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Rasmussen
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics involves the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the bloodstream?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Metabolism
D. Distribution
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Absorption is the primary phase where a drug enters the
systemic circulation from the administration site. Factors such as solubility and
blood flow to the site can significantly impact the rate of absorption. Understanding
absorption helps nurses determine how quickly a medication will begin to work.
2. A patient with liver cirrhosis is prescribed a medication that is primarily
metabolized by the liver. The nurse should monitor for:
A. Increased therapeutic effect
B. Drug toxicity
,C. Reduced absorption
D. Rapid excretion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism via the
CYP450 enzyme system. If liver function is impaired, drugs may not be broken down
properly, leading to accumulation in the body. This increased concentration poses a
significant risk for toxicity and adverse reactions.
3. What is the term for the time required for the amount of drug in the body to
decrease by 50%?
A. Therapeutic index
B. Peak level
C. Duration of action
D. Half-life
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The half-life of a drug determines the dosing interval needed
to maintain therapeutic levels. It reflects how fast the body can eliminate the
substance through metabolism or excretion. Most drugs are considered eliminated
from the body after approximately five half-lives.
,4. A drug that binds to a receptor and prevents a biological response is known as a(n):
A. Agonist
B. Partial agonist
C. Antagonist
D. Synergist
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Antagonists have affinity for a receptor but lack intrinsic
activity, meaning they block other substances from binding. By preventing the
activation of the receptor, they stop the typical biological response from occurring.
A common example is Naloxone, which blocks opioid receptors to reverse overdose.
5. When administering an oral medication, the nurse understands that the ‘first-pass
effect’ occurs in the:
A. Stomach
B. Small intestine
C. Liver
D. Kidneys
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect describes the metabolism of a drug by the
liver before it reaches systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally are absorbed into the
portal vein and go directly to the liver. This process often reduces the bioavailability
of the drug, necessitating higher oral doses compared to IV doses.
6. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the nurse when a medication
error occurs?
A. Assess the patient for adverse effects immediately
B. Wait until the end of the shift to report it
C. Hide the error to avoid disciplinary action
D. Assign blame to the pharmacy department
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Patient safety is the absolute priority when a medication error
is identified. The nurse must immediately assess the patient’s physiological status
and notify the healthcare provider. Following clinical assessment, the nurse should
document the event and complete an incident report per facility policy.
7. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a pediatric patient. The most
accurate way to calculate the dose is based on:
A. The child’s age
B. The child’s height
Professional Nursing Exam 1 v2 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Rasmussen
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics involves the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the bloodstream?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Metabolism
D. Distribution
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Absorption is the primary phase where a drug enters the
systemic circulation from the administration site. Factors such as solubility and
blood flow to the site can significantly impact the rate of absorption. Understanding
absorption helps nurses determine how quickly a medication will begin to work.
2. A patient with liver cirrhosis is prescribed a medication that is primarily
metabolized by the liver. The nurse should monitor for:
A. Increased therapeutic effect
B. Drug toxicity
,C. Reduced absorption
D. Rapid excretion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism via the
CYP450 enzyme system. If liver function is impaired, drugs may not be broken down
properly, leading to accumulation in the body. This increased concentration poses a
significant risk for toxicity and adverse reactions.
3. What is the term for the time required for the amount of drug in the body to
decrease by 50%?
A. Therapeutic index
B. Peak level
C. Duration of action
D. Half-life
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The half-life of a drug determines the dosing interval needed
to maintain therapeutic levels. It reflects how fast the body can eliminate the
substance through metabolism or excretion. Most drugs are considered eliminated
from the body after approximately five half-lives.
,4. A drug that binds to a receptor and prevents a biological response is known as a(n):
A. Agonist
B. Partial agonist
C. Antagonist
D. Synergist
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Antagonists have affinity for a receptor but lack intrinsic
activity, meaning they block other substances from binding. By preventing the
activation of the receptor, they stop the typical biological response from occurring.
A common example is Naloxone, which blocks opioid receptors to reverse overdose.
5. When administering an oral medication, the nurse understands that the ‘first-pass
effect’ occurs in the:
A. Stomach
B. Small intestine
C. Liver
D. Kidneys
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect describes the metabolism of a drug by the
liver before it reaches systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally are absorbed into the
portal vein and go directly to the liver. This process often reduces the bioavailability
of the drug, necessitating higher oral doses compared to IV doses.
6. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the nurse when a medication
error occurs?
A. Assess the patient for adverse effects immediately
B. Wait until the end of the shift to report it
C. Hide the error to avoid disciplinary action
D. Assign blame to the pharmacy department
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Patient safety is the absolute priority when a medication error
is identified. The nurse must immediately assess the patient’s physiological status
and notify the healthcare provider. Following clinical assessment, the nurse should
document the event and complete an incident report per facility policy.
7. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a pediatric patient. The most
accurate way to calculate the dose is based on:
A. The child’s age
B. The child’s height
