PHARMACOLOGY NURS 251
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (MODULES 1-
10) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics involves the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the bloodstream?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Metabolism
D. Distribution
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process by which a drug enters the systemic
circulation from the site of administration.
2. A patient is prescribed a drug that has a very high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration should the nurse avoid to ensure bioavailability?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Transdermal
,D. Oral
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Drugs taken orally pass through the liver via the portal vein
before reaching systemic circulation, where they may be extensively metabolized (first-
pass effect).
3. What is the primary site for drug metabolism in the human body?
A. Liver
B. Lungs
C. Kidneys
D. Small Intestine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The liver is the primary organ responsible for the metabolic
breakdown of drugs using the CYP450 enzyme system.
4. A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires which nursing action?
A. Monitoring serum drug levels closely
B. Administering the drug only on an empty stomach
C. Doubling the dose if a dose is missed
D. Instructing the patient that side effects are impossible
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small, requiring blood level monitoring.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the Parasympathetic Nervous System
(PNS)?
A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for the
parasympathetic nervous system, acting on nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
6. An adrenergic agonist like Epinephrine would cause which physiological response?
A. Bronchoconstriction
B. Increased heart rate
C. Pupillary constriction
D. Increased GI motility
Answer: B
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (MODULES 1-
10) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of pharmacokinetics involves the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into the bloodstream?
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Metabolism
D. Distribution
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Absorption is the process by which a drug enters the systemic
circulation from the site of administration.
2. A patient is prescribed a drug that has a very high first-pass effect. Which route of
administration should the nurse avoid to ensure bioavailability?
A. Intravenous
B. Sublingual
C. Transdermal
,D. Oral
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Drugs taken orally pass through the liver via the portal vein
before reaching systemic circulation, where they may be extensively metabolized (first-
pass effect).
3. What is the primary site for drug metabolism in the human body?
A. Liver
B. Lungs
C. Kidneys
D. Small Intestine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The liver is the primary organ responsible for the metabolic
breakdown of drugs using the CYP450 enzyme system.
4. A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires which nursing action?
A. Monitoring serum drug levels closely
B. Administering the drug only on an empty stomach
C. Doubling the dose if a dose is missed
D. Instructing the patient that side effects are impossible
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A narrow therapeutic index means the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small, requiring blood level monitoring.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the Parasympathetic Nervous System
(PNS)?
A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for the
parasympathetic nervous system, acting on nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
6. An adrenergic agonist like Epinephrine would cause which physiological response?
A. Bronchoconstriction
B. Increased heart rate
C. Pupillary constriction
D. Increased GI motility
Answer: B
