PRACTICE QUESTIONS
High-Yield Nursing Revision Notes (Updated 2026)
Question 1: A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetic phases of a newly
prescribed medication. Which sequence correctly identifies the order of these
phases?
1. Metabolism, Excretion, Absorption, Distribution
2. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
3. Distribution, Absorption, Excretion, Metabolism
4. Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, Excretion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic: Pharmacokinetics. The standard pharmacokinetic order is ADME: Absorption
(entry into the bloodstream), Distribution (movement to tissues), Metabolism (biotransformation,
usually in the liver), and Excretion (removal from the body).
Question 2: A patient is prescribed a medication in 'PO' (by mouth) form. The
nurse understands that 'disintegration' refers to which process?
1. The movement of the drug from the GI tract to the blood.
2. The breakdown of a solid drug form into smaller particles.
3. The combination of drug particles with liquid to form a solution.
4. The transport of the drug to the site of action.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic: Pharmacodynamics. Disintegration is the physical breakdown of a tablet or
capsule into smaller particles. This must happen before the drug can undergo dissolution.
,Question 3: The nurse is conducting a teaching session for a patient regarding
food-drug interactions. Which food item should the nurse instruct the patient to
avoid with many medications to prevent altered metabolism?
1. Leafy green vegetables
2. Whole milk
3. Grapefruit juice
4. Aged cheeses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Topic: Patient Safety. Grapefruit juice inhibits specific enzymes (CYP3A4) in the liver
and intestine, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity.
Question 4: When administering oral medications, the nurse considers the 'First-
Pass Effect.' Where does this primarily occur?
1. Small Intestine
2. Kidneys
3. Liver
4. Plasma proteins
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Topic: Dosage Calculation. The first-pass effect occurs when the liver metabolizes a
drug significantly before it reaches systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability.
Question 5: A patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is receiving
medications. This condition primarily interferes with which phase?
1. Absorption
2. Distribution
3. Metabolism
4. Excretion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Topic: Geriatric Considerations. The kidneys are the primary organ for excretion.
Impaired renal function leads to drug accumulation.
,Question 6: A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetic phases of a newly
prescribed medication. Which sequence correctly identifies the order of these
phases? (Variant 6)
1. Metabolism, Excretion, Absorption, Distribution
2. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
3. Distribution, Absorption, Excretion, Metabolism
4. Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, Excretion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic: Pediatric Nursing. The standard pharmacokinetic order is ADME: Absorption
(entry into the bloodstream), Distribution (movement to tissues), Metabolism (biotransformation,
usually in the liver), and Excretion (removal from the body).
Question 7: A patient is prescribed a medication in 'PO' (by mouth) form. The
nurse understands that 'disintegration' refers to which process? (Variant 7)
1. The movement of the drug from the GI tract to the blood.
2. The breakdown of a solid drug form into smaller particles.
3. The combination of drug particles with liquid to form a solution.
4. The transport of the drug to the site of action.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic: Routes of Admin. Disintegration is the physical breakdown of a tablet or
capsule into smaller particles. This must happen before the drug can undergo dissolution.
Question 8: The nurse is conducting a teaching session for a patient regarding
food-drug interactions. Which food item should the nurse instruct the patient to
avoid with many medications to prevent altered metabolism? (Variant 8)
1. Leafy green vegetables
2. Whole milk
3. Grapefruit juice
4. Aged cheeses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Topic: Adverse Effects. Grapefruit juice inhibits specific enzymes (CYP3A4) in the liver
and intestine, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity.
, Question 9: When administering oral medications, the nurse considers the 'First-
Pass Effect.' Where does this primarily occur? (Variant 9)
1. Small Intestine
2. Kidneys
3. Liver
4. Plasma proteins
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Topic: Drug Labels. The first-pass effect occurs when the liver metabolizes a drug
significantly before it reaches systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability.
Question 10: A patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is receiving
medications. This condition primarily interferes with which phase? (Variant 10)
1. Absorption
2. Distribution
3. Metabolism
4. Excretion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Topic: Specific Restrictions. The kidneys are the primary organ for excretion. Impaired
renal function leads to drug accumulation.
Question 11: A nurse is reviewing the pharmacokinetic phases of a newly
prescribed medication. Which sequence correctly identifies the order of these
phases? (Variant 11)
1. Metabolism, Excretion, Absorption, Distribution
2. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
3. Distribution, Absorption, Excretion, Metabolism
4. Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, Excretion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic: Pharmacokinetics. The standard pharmacokinetic order is ADME: Absorption
(entry into the bloodstream), Distribution (movement to tissues), Metabolism (biotransformation,
usually in the liver), and Excretion (removal from the body).