Clinical Pharmacology Exam 1 Actual Questions 2026/2027
with Verified Answers | Grade A Study Guide
Question 1
What is the term for the study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism,
and excretion?
A. Pharmacotherapeutics
B. Pharmacodynamics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacy
E. Posology
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics is the study of what the body does to a drug,
which encompasses the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism,
and excretion (ADME).
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Question 2
What term describes a medical situation when a particular drug should not
be administered?
A. Side effect
B. Adverse effect
C. Drug allergy
D. Contraindication
E. Antagonism
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: A contraindication is a specific circumstance or condition in which
a drug should not be used because the risk outweighs any potential benefit.
Question 3
What is an unusual or unexpected drug reaction by an individual called?
A. Toxic effect
B. Antagonism
C. Idiosyncrasy
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D. Side effect
E. Drug allergy
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: An idiosyncratic reaction is an abnormal and unpredictable drug
response that is unique to an individual, often due to a genetic
predisposition.
Question 4
What is the proprietary drug name supplied by a pharmaceutical company
also known as?
A. Generic name
B. Over-the-counter name
C. Trade name
D. Chemical name
E. None of these
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CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The trade name (or brand name) is the proprietary name given to
a drug by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets it.
Question 5
What is the term for the time from drug administration to the first
observable drug effect?
A. Duration of action
B. Onset of action
C. Ceiling effect
D. Maximal response
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Onset of action is the time it takes for a drug to reach a
concentration high enough at its site of action to produce a therapeutic
effect.
Question 6
What classification describes a drug with potential for abuse that is regulated