NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 1 V1 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Pharmacokinetics involves the processes of absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion. It essentially describes the movement of the drug through the
body over time. Understanding these processes is vital for determining dosage and
frequency of administration for safe patient care.
2. A nurse is administering a drug that has a high first-pass effect. Which route would result in
the lowest bioavailability?
A. Intravenous (IV)
B. Oral (PO)
C. Subcutaneous (SQ)
D. Sublingual
,Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before reaching systemic circulation. Oral medications are absorbed in the GI tract and
carried to the liver via the portal vein. This process significantly reduces the amount of
active drug that eventually reaches the bloodstream compared to parenteral routes.
3. When considering the half-life of a medication, the nurse understands that it is the time
required for:
A. The drug to reach peak plasma levels.
B. 50% of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
C. Half of the drug to be absorbed into the system.
D. The drug to exert its maximum therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Half-life is a pharmacokinetic parameter defined as the time it takes
for the concentration of the drug in the plasma to decrease by half. This concept is critical
for nurses to understand when scheduling drug doses to maintain a steady state. Most
drugs are considered effectively eliminated after about five half-lives have passed.
4. A patient with end-stage renal disease is receiving a medication that is primarily excreted
by the kidneys. The nurse should monitor for:
A. Drug toxicity.
B. Rapid drug metabolism.
, C. Increased drug efficacy.
D. Decreased side effects.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The kidneys are the primary organs for drug excretion. If renal
function is impaired, the body cannot effectively remove drug metabolites, leading to
accumulation in the blood. This increased concentration puts the patient at a significant
risk for toxic adverse effects.
5. Which of the following describes an ‘agonist’ drug?
A. A drug that blocks a receptor site to prevent a response.
B. A drug that has no affinity for receptors.
C. A drug that binds to a receptor and stimulates a functional response.
D. A drug that permanently deactivates a cell’s enzyme system.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Agonists are medications that mimic the action of endogenous
substances by binding to specific receptors. This binding initiates a physiological response
within the cell. Antagonists, conversely, bind to the receptor but do not trigger a response,
effectively blocking other substances from binding.
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Pharmacokinetics involves the processes of absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion. It essentially describes the movement of the drug through the
body over time. Understanding these processes is vital for determining dosage and
frequency of administration for safe patient care.
2. A nurse is administering a drug that has a high first-pass effect. Which route would result in
the lowest bioavailability?
A. Intravenous (IV)
B. Oral (PO)
C. Subcutaneous (SQ)
D. Sublingual
,Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before reaching systemic circulation. Oral medications are absorbed in the GI tract and
carried to the liver via the portal vein. This process significantly reduces the amount of
active drug that eventually reaches the bloodstream compared to parenteral routes.
3. When considering the half-life of a medication, the nurse understands that it is the time
required for:
A. The drug to reach peak plasma levels.
B. 50% of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
C. Half of the drug to be absorbed into the system.
D. The drug to exert its maximum therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Half-life is a pharmacokinetic parameter defined as the time it takes
for the concentration of the drug in the plasma to decrease by half. This concept is critical
for nurses to understand when scheduling drug doses to maintain a steady state. Most
drugs are considered effectively eliminated after about five half-lives have passed.
4. A patient with end-stage renal disease is receiving a medication that is primarily excreted
by the kidneys. The nurse should monitor for:
A. Drug toxicity.
B. Rapid drug metabolism.
, C. Increased drug efficacy.
D. Decreased side effects.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The kidneys are the primary organs for drug excretion. If renal
function is impaired, the body cannot effectively remove drug metabolites, leading to
accumulation in the blood. This increased concentration puts the patient at a significant
risk for toxic adverse effects.
5. Which of the following describes an ‘agonist’ drug?
A. A drug that blocks a receptor site to prevent a response.
B. A drug that has no affinity for receptors.
C. A drug that binds to a receptor and stimulates a functional response.
D. A drug that permanently deactivates a cell’s enzyme system.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Agonists are medications that mimic the action of endogenous
substances by binding to specific receptors. This binding initiates a physiological response
within the cell. Antagonists, conversely, bind to the receptor but do not trigger a response,
effectively blocking other substances from binding.
