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GALEN NUR 230 exam 1 PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026|ACTUAL 100Qs&As|ALREADY
GRADED A+
Q1. The nurse understands that the process of drug movement
from the site of administration into the bloodstream is called:
a) Distribution
b) Absorption
c) Metabolism
d) Excretion
Correct Answer: b) Absorption
Rationale: Absorption is the transfer of a drug from its
administration site into the systemic circulation. Distribution is
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transport to tissues; metabolism is biotransformation; excretion is
elimination.
Q2. A patient takes an oral medication. Which factor can
significantly decrease absorption of the drug?
a) Taking it with a full glass of water
b) Presence of food in the stomach
c) Lying on the right side
d) Empty stomach
Correct Answer: b) Presence of food in the stomach
Rationale: Food can delay gastric emptying, reduce drug contact
with absorption surface, or bind to the drug, decreasing
absorption. Some drugs are better absorbed with food; the
question asks for a factor that decreases absorption.
Q3. A drug with a high first-pass effect would have which
characteristic?
a) High bioavailability after oral administration
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b) Extensive metabolism by the liver before reaching systemic
circulation
c) Rapid excretion by the kidneys
d) High protein binding
Correct Answer: b) Extensive metabolism by the liver before
reaching systemic circulation
Rationale: First-pass effect refers to metabolism of a drug in the
liver after oral absorption, reducing the amount that reaches
systemic circulation. Such drugs often require higher oral doses or
alternative routes.
Q4. Which route of administration bypasses the first-pass effect?
a) Oral
b) Sublingual
c) Rectal (partially)
d) Both b and c
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Correct Answer: d) Both b and c
Rationale: Sublingual and rectal (partially) routes allow drug
absorption directly into systemic circulation, avoiding hepatic first-
pass metabolism. Oral drugs undergo first-pass effect.
Q5. The nurse administers a drug that is 95% protein-bound.
What is the clinical significance of this?
a) The drug will be rapidly excreted
b) Only a small amount (5%) is free and pharmacologically
active
c) The drug must be given intravenously
d) The drug has a short half-life
Correct Answer: b) Only a small amount (5%) is free and
pharmacologically active
Rationale: Only unbound (free) drug can cross membranes and
bind to receptors. Protein binding serves as a reservoir. Low
albumin levels can increase free drug and risk of toxicity.
GALEN NUR 230 exam 1 PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026|ACTUAL 100Qs&As|ALREADY
GRADED A+
Q1. The nurse understands that the process of drug movement
from the site of administration into the bloodstream is called:
a) Distribution
b) Absorption
c) Metabolism
d) Excretion
Correct Answer: b) Absorption
Rationale: Absorption is the transfer of a drug from its
administration site into the systemic circulation. Distribution is
,Page 2 of 73
transport to tissues; metabolism is biotransformation; excretion is
elimination.
Q2. A patient takes an oral medication. Which factor can
significantly decrease absorption of the drug?
a) Taking it with a full glass of water
b) Presence of food in the stomach
c) Lying on the right side
d) Empty stomach
Correct Answer: b) Presence of food in the stomach
Rationale: Food can delay gastric emptying, reduce drug contact
with absorption surface, or bind to the drug, decreasing
absorption. Some drugs are better absorbed with food; the
question asks for a factor that decreases absorption.
Q3. A drug with a high first-pass effect would have which
characteristic?
a) High bioavailability after oral administration
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b) Extensive metabolism by the liver before reaching systemic
circulation
c) Rapid excretion by the kidneys
d) High protein binding
Correct Answer: b) Extensive metabolism by the liver before
reaching systemic circulation
Rationale: First-pass effect refers to metabolism of a drug in the
liver after oral absorption, reducing the amount that reaches
systemic circulation. Such drugs often require higher oral doses or
alternative routes.
Q4. Which route of administration bypasses the first-pass effect?
a) Oral
b) Sublingual
c) Rectal (partially)
d) Both b and c
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Correct Answer: d) Both b and c
Rationale: Sublingual and rectal (partially) routes allow drug
absorption directly into systemic circulation, avoiding hepatic first-
pass metabolism. Oral drugs undergo first-pass effect.
Q5. The nurse administers a drug that is 95% protein-bound.
What is the clinical significance of this?
a) The drug will be rapidly excreted
b) Only a small amount (5%) is free and pharmacologically
active
c) The drug must be given intravenously
d) The drug has a short half-life
Correct Answer: b) Only a small amount (5%) is free and
pharmacologically active
Rationale: Only unbound (free) drug can cross membranes and
bind to receptors. Protein binding serves as a reservoir. Low
albumin levels can increase free drug and risk of toxicity.
