PNR 105/PNR105 Exam 1 V1 |
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetics of a newly prescribed drug. Which process
describes the movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Excretion
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Absorption is the movement of a drug from its site of administration
into the blood. This process is influenced by the route of administration and the drug’s
solubility. Understanding this helps the nurse determine how quickly the medication will
take effect.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with liver cirrhosis. Which phase of pharmacokinetics is
most likely to be impaired in this patient?
A. Excretion
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
,D. Distribution
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metabolism, or biotransformation, primarily occurs in the liver
where enzymes break down medications. Impaired liver function can lead to decreased
drug breakdown and potential toxicity. The nurse must monitor liver function tests such as
ALT and AST for these patients.
3. When administering an oral medication that undergoes the ‘first-pass effect,’ the nurse
understands that:
A. The drug bypasses the liver entirely.
B. The drug is absorbed directly into the lymphatic system.
C. A large portion of the drug is chemically changed in the liver before reaching systemic
circulation.
D. The drug will have a faster onset of action than an IV medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before it reaches the systemic circulation. This significantly reduces the bioavailability of
the drug when taken orally compared to other routes. Consequently, oral doses are often
much higher than parenteral doses for the same medication.
, 4. A patient has a low serum albumin level. How does this affect the distribution of a highly
protein-bound drug?
A. The drug will be excreted more rapidly by the kidneys.
B. The drug will be less effective because it cannot bind.
C. There will be more free, active drug in the bloodstream.
D. The metabolism of the drug will increase significantly.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Highly protein-bound drugs require albumin to transport them
through the bloodstream. When albumin levels are low, there are fewer binding sites,
leading to an increase in free, pharmacologically active drug. This increases the risk of drug
toxicity in malnourished or chronically ill patients.
5. Which of the following is the primary organ responsible for drug excretion?
A. Lungs
B. Kidneys
C. Liver
D. Skin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The kidneys are the main organs responsible for filtering drugs and
their metabolites out of the blood. If renal function is impaired, drugs can accumulate to
Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetics of a newly prescribed drug. Which process
describes the movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Excretion
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Absorption is the movement of a drug from its site of administration
into the blood. This process is influenced by the route of administration and the drug’s
solubility. Understanding this helps the nurse determine how quickly the medication will
take effect.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with liver cirrhosis. Which phase of pharmacokinetics is
most likely to be impaired in this patient?
A. Excretion
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
,D. Distribution
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Metabolism, or biotransformation, primarily occurs in the liver
where enzymes break down medications. Impaired liver function can lead to decreased
drug breakdown and potential toxicity. The nurse must monitor liver function tests such as
ALT and AST for these patients.
3. When administering an oral medication that undergoes the ‘first-pass effect,’ the nurse
understands that:
A. The drug bypasses the liver entirely.
B. The drug is absorbed directly into the lymphatic system.
C. A large portion of the drug is chemically changed in the liver before reaching systemic
circulation.
D. The drug will have a faster onset of action than an IV medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver
before it reaches the systemic circulation. This significantly reduces the bioavailability of
the drug when taken orally compared to other routes. Consequently, oral doses are often
much higher than parenteral doses for the same medication.
, 4. A patient has a low serum albumin level. How does this affect the distribution of a highly
protein-bound drug?
A. The drug will be excreted more rapidly by the kidneys.
B. The drug will be less effective because it cannot bind.
C. There will be more free, active drug in the bloodstream.
D. The metabolism of the drug will increase significantly.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Highly protein-bound drugs require albumin to transport them
through the bloodstream. When albumin levels are low, there are fewer binding sites,
leading to an increase in free, pharmacologically active drug. This increases the risk of drug
toxicity in malnourished or chronically ill patients.
5. Which of the following is the primary organ responsible for drug excretion?
A. Lungs
B. Kidneys
C. Liver
D. Skin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The kidneys are the main organs responsible for filtering drugs and
their metabolites out of the blood. If renal function is impaired, drugs can accumulate to
