NUR 100/NUR100 Exam 1 V3 | Pharmacology Q&A
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of a drug through the body. It
specifically examines the four phases of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion. Understanding this concept allows nurses to predict the onset, peak, and
duration of drug action.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication that has a high first-pass effect. What
is the expected outcome of this process?
A. The concentration of the drug is greatly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation.
B. The drug will be absorbed faster in the stomach.
C. The drug will have 100% bioavailability.
D. The drug will bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream directly.
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a medication is metabolized by the liver
immediately after being absorbed from the GI tract. This results in a significantly lower
concentration of the active drug reaching the rest of the body. Consequently, many oral
drugs require higher doses than their intravenous counterparts to be effective.
3. The nurse identifies which name as the official nonproprietary name of a drug?
A. Trade name
B. Brand name
C. Chemical name
D. Generic name
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The generic name is the official name given to a drug regardless of the
manufacturer. It is usually more complex than the trade name but simpler than the
chemical name. Nurses are encouraged to use generic names to minimize confusion and
enhance patient safety during medication administration.
4. When assessing a patient’s renal function prior to drug administration, which laboratory
value is the most reliable indicator?
A. Serum sodium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
, C. Creatinine clearance
D. Liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creatinine clearance is a more accurate measure of glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) and kidney function than BUN alone. Since the kidneys are the primary organs
responsible for drug excretion, impaired function can lead to drug toxicity. Monitoring
these levels is a critical step in the nursing process for pharmacological safety.
5. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient receives 200 mg of the drug at 0800, how much
of the drug will remain in the body at 1600?
A. 100 mg
B. 25 mg
C. 50 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to
decrease by 50%. From 0800 to 1600 is 8 hours, which equals two half-lives (4 hours
each). After the first half-life, 100 mg remains; after the second, 50 mg remains.
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacognosy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of a drug through the body. It
specifically examines the four phases of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion. Understanding this concept allows nurses to predict the onset, peak, and
duration of drug action.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication that has a high first-pass effect. What
is the expected outcome of this process?
A. The concentration of the drug is greatly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation.
B. The drug will be absorbed faster in the stomach.
C. The drug will have 100% bioavailability.
D. The drug will bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream directly.
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when a medication is metabolized by the liver
immediately after being absorbed from the GI tract. This results in a significantly lower
concentration of the active drug reaching the rest of the body. Consequently, many oral
drugs require higher doses than their intravenous counterparts to be effective.
3. The nurse identifies which name as the official nonproprietary name of a drug?
A. Trade name
B. Brand name
C. Chemical name
D. Generic name
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The generic name is the official name given to a drug regardless of the
manufacturer. It is usually more complex than the trade name but simpler than the
chemical name. Nurses are encouraged to use generic names to minimize confusion and
enhance patient safety during medication administration.
4. When assessing a patient’s renal function prior to drug administration, which laboratory
value is the most reliable indicator?
A. Serum sodium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
, C. Creatinine clearance
D. Liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creatinine clearance is a more accurate measure of glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) and kidney function than BUN alone. Since the kidneys are the primary organs
responsible for drug excretion, impaired function can lead to drug toxicity. Monitoring
these levels is a critical step in the nursing process for pharmacological safety.
5. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient receives 200 mg of the drug at 0800, how much
of the drug will remain in the body at 1600?
A. 100 mg
B. 25 mg
C. 50 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to
decrease by 50%. From 0800 to 1600 is 8 hours, which equals two half-lives (4 hours
each). After the first half-life, 100 mg remains; after the second, 50 mg remains.
