NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 2 V2 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most pharmacological agents?
A. Liver
B. Kidneys
C. Small Intestine
D. Lungs
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism where chemical
biotransformation occurs. It utilizes the cytochrome P450 enzyme system to convert lipid-
soluble drugs into water-soluble metabolites. Monitoring liver function tests like ALT and
AST is critical for patients on long-term therapy to prevent hepatotoxicity.
2. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be least effective for achieving systemic levels?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Transdermal
D. Oral
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before it reaches the systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally are absorbed in the GI tract
and sent directly to the liver via the portal vein. This process can significantly reduce the
concentration of the active drug available for therapeutic use.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an opioid analgesic to a patient. What is the most
important priority assessment before administration?
A. Blood Pressure
B. Heart Rate
C. Temperature
D. Respiratory Rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Opioid analgesics act on the central nervous system and can cause
significant respiratory depression. The nurse must establish a baseline respiratory rate and
withhold the medication if the rate is below 12 breaths per minute. Constant monitoring is
required because respiratory failure is the most life-threatening adverse effect of opioids.
4. Which term describes the time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to
decrease by 50%?
A. Duration of action
B. Half-life
, C. Peak level
D. Onset of action
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Drug half-life is a pharmacokinetic parameter used to determine the
dosing interval and the time needed to reach steady state. It reflects the rate at which a
drug is eliminated from the plasma. Understanding half-life helps the nurse explain to the
patient how long a drug’s effect will last and when the next dose is due.
5. A nurse is administering a medication and the patient states, ‘I have never seen this pill
before.’ What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Tell the patient it is a generic form and administer it.
B. Ask the family if the patient has taken it before.
C. Recheck the medication order and identify the pill before administering.
D. Document that the patient refused the medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A patient’s questioning of a medication is a safety red flag that should
never be ignored. The nurse must verify the order, check the medication’s appearance, and
ensure it is the correct drug for the correct patient. This practice is a critical step in
preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety according to the ‘Rights of
Medication Administration.’
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most pharmacological agents?
A. Liver
B. Kidneys
C. Small Intestine
D. Lungs
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism where chemical
biotransformation occurs. It utilizes the cytochrome P450 enzyme system to convert lipid-
soluble drugs into water-soluble metabolites. Monitoring liver function tests like ALT and
AST is critical for patients on long-term therapy to prevent hepatotoxicity.
2. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be least effective for achieving systemic levels?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Transdermal
D. Oral
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before it reaches the systemic circulation. Drugs taken orally are absorbed in the GI tract
and sent directly to the liver via the portal vein. This process can significantly reduce the
concentration of the active drug available for therapeutic use.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an opioid analgesic to a patient. What is the most
important priority assessment before administration?
A. Blood Pressure
B. Heart Rate
C. Temperature
D. Respiratory Rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Opioid analgesics act on the central nervous system and can cause
significant respiratory depression. The nurse must establish a baseline respiratory rate and
withhold the medication if the rate is below 12 breaths per minute. Constant monitoring is
required because respiratory failure is the most life-threatening adverse effect of opioids.
4. Which term describes the time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to
decrease by 50%?
A. Duration of action
B. Half-life
, C. Peak level
D. Onset of action
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Drug half-life is a pharmacokinetic parameter used to determine the
dosing interval and the time needed to reach steady state. It reflects the rate at which a
drug is eliminated from the plasma. Understanding half-life helps the nurse explain to the
patient how long a drug’s effect will last and when the next dose is due.
5. A nurse is administering a medication and the patient states, ‘I have never seen this pill
before.’ What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Tell the patient it is a generic form and administer it.
B. Ask the family if the patient has taken it before.
C. Recheck the medication order and identify the pill before administering.
D. Document that the patient refused the medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A patient’s questioning of a medication is a safety red flag that should
never be ignored. The nurse must verify the order, check the medication’s appearance, and
ensure it is the correct drug for the correct patient. This practice is a critical step in
preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety according to the ‘Rights of
Medication Administration.’
