PNR 105/PNR105 Exam 1 V3 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is administering a drug that has a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be most affected by this process?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Oral
D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug by the liver
after being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications travel through the
portal vein to the liver before reaching systemic circulation, which can significantly reduce
the concentration of the active drug. Other routes like intravenous or sublingual bypass the
liver initially, ensuring higher bioavailability.
2. Which term describes the study of what the body does to the drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacokinetics
,C. Pharmacotherapeutics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pharmacokinetics is the branch of pharmacology that focuses on the
movement of drugs through the body. This involves the four processes of absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Understanding these phases is crucial for
nurses to predict drug levels and potential toxicity in patients.
3. A patient has a serum albumin level of 2.2 g/dL (normal: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL). When
administering a highly protein-bound drug, what is the patient at risk for?
A. Increased drug excretion
B. Reduced drug effect
C. Drug toxicity
D. Faster drug metabolism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Highly protein-bound drugs require albumin to transport them
through the bloodstream in an inactive state. If a patient has low albumin levels
(hypoalbuminemia), there are fewer binding sites available, leading to a higher
concentration of free, active drug. This increased amount of free drug significantly raises
the risk of drug toxicity and adverse reactions.
, 4. The nurse is preparing to administer a Schedule II medication. Which regulation applies
specifically to this category of drugs?
A. The medication can be refilled up to five times in six months.
B. A written prescription is required and cannot be refilled.
C. These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse.
D. They are only used in emergency situations without a signature.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and may lead to
severe psychological or physical dependence. According to federal law, these prescriptions
must be written (or electronic with strict security) and do not allow for refills. Nurses must
ensure strict documentation and counting procedures when handling these controlled
substances.
5. When assessing a patient’s renal function prior to drug administration, which laboratory
value is the most sensitive indicator of kidney health?
A. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Serum Potassium
C. Creatinine Clearance
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: C
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is administering a drug that has a high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration would be most affected by this process?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Oral
D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug by the liver
after being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications travel through the
portal vein to the liver before reaching systemic circulation, which can significantly reduce
the concentration of the active drug. Other routes like intravenous or sublingual bypass the
liver initially, ensuring higher bioavailability.
2. Which term describes the study of what the body does to the drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacokinetics
,C. Pharmacotherapeutics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pharmacokinetics is the branch of pharmacology that focuses on the
movement of drugs through the body. This involves the four processes of absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Understanding these phases is crucial for
nurses to predict drug levels and potential toxicity in patients.
3. A patient has a serum albumin level of 2.2 g/dL (normal: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL). When
administering a highly protein-bound drug, what is the patient at risk for?
A. Increased drug excretion
B. Reduced drug effect
C. Drug toxicity
D. Faster drug metabolism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Highly protein-bound drugs require albumin to transport them
through the bloodstream in an inactive state. If a patient has low albumin levels
(hypoalbuminemia), there are fewer binding sites available, leading to a higher
concentration of free, active drug. This increased amount of free drug significantly raises
the risk of drug toxicity and adverse reactions.
, 4. The nurse is preparing to administer a Schedule II medication. Which regulation applies
specifically to this category of drugs?
A. The medication can be refilled up to five times in six months.
B. A written prescription is required and cannot be refilled.
C. These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse.
D. They are only used in emergency situations without a signature.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and may lead to
severe psychological or physical dependence. According to federal law, these prescriptions
must be written (or electronic with strict security) and do not allow for refills. Nurses must
ensure strict documentation and counting procedures when handling these controlled
substances.
5. When assessing a patient’s renal function prior to drug administration, which laboratory
value is the most sensitive indicator of kidney health?
A. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Serum Potassium
C. Creatinine Clearance
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: C
