NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology -
Galen College of Nursing
Comprehensive Exam Review:
Questions 1-150 with Answers &
Rationales
EXAM 1: PHARMACOKINETICS, PHARMACODYNAMICS &
FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS
1. What is the primary purpose of pharmacokinetics in pharmacology?
A. Study how the body processes drugs
B. Determine drug side effects
C. Identify drug interactions
D. Develop new medications
Answer: A. Study how the body processes drugs
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics studies drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion (ADME) in the body. It describes "what the body does to the drug."
Pharmacodynamics, by contrast, describes "what the drug does to the body."
2. Which route of administration results in the fastest drug absorption?
, A. Intravenous
B. Oral
C. Intramuscular
D. Subcutaneous
Answer: A. Intravenous
Rationale: Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream,
bypassing absorption barriers and providing 100% bioavailability. This route has the
fastest onset of action because the drug enters systemic circulation immediately.
3. A patient reports an allergic reaction to penicillin. Which medication should the
nurse avoid administering?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Azithromycin
C. Doxycycline
D. Ciprofloxacin
Answer: A. Amoxicillin
Rationale: Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative and may cause a cross-allergic reaction in
patients with penicillin allergy. The risk of cross-sensitivity is approximately 10%. Other
antibiotic classes (macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) are generally safe
alternatives.
4. What is the primary indication for administering acetaminophen?
, A. Pain and fever reduction
B. Inflammation reduction
C. Blood pressure control
D. Blood glucose management
Answer: A. Pain and fever reduction
Rationale: Acetaminophen is used for analgesia and antipyresis. Unlike NSAIDs, it has
minimal anti-inflammatory effects because it does not significantly inhibit peripheral
prostaglandin synthesis. It is the preferred antipyretic and analgesic for patients with
contraindications to NSAIDs.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication with a narrow therapeutic
index. What action is most important?
A. Monitor therapeutic drug levels
B. Administer with food
C. Increase the dose if ineffective
D. Discontinue if side effects occur
Answer: A. Monitor therapeutic drug levels
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, lithium, warfarin,
aminoglycosides) have a small margin of safety where the therapeutic dose is very close to
the toxic dose. Routine monitoring of serum drug levels (peak and trough) is essential to
ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity.
6. Which adverse effect is most associated with aspirin use?
, A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Nephrotoxicity
D. Ototoxicity
Answer: A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin synthesis that
normally protects the gastric mucosa. This increases the risk of GI irritation, ulceration,
and bleeding. This effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced with chronic use.
7. A patient is prescribed a medication to be taken "PRN." What does this mean?
A. As needed
B. Once daily
C. Every 4 hours
D. Before meals
Answer: A. As needed
Rationale: PRN (pro re nata) indicates the medication is taken only when needed based on
specific conditions or symptoms. This is distinguished from scheduled (routine)
medications which are given at fixed times regardless of symptoms.
8. What is the primary action of antihistamines like diphenhydramine?
A. Block histamine H1 receptors
B. Inhibit leukotriene production
Galen College of Nursing
Comprehensive Exam Review:
Questions 1-150 with Answers &
Rationales
EXAM 1: PHARMACOKINETICS, PHARMACODYNAMICS &
FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS
1. What is the primary purpose of pharmacokinetics in pharmacology?
A. Study how the body processes drugs
B. Determine drug side effects
C. Identify drug interactions
D. Develop new medications
Answer: A. Study how the body processes drugs
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics studies drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion (ADME) in the body. It describes "what the body does to the drug."
Pharmacodynamics, by contrast, describes "what the drug does to the body."
2. Which route of administration results in the fastest drug absorption?
, A. Intravenous
B. Oral
C. Intramuscular
D. Subcutaneous
Answer: A. Intravenous
Rationale: Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream,
bypassing absorption barriers and providing 100% bioavailability. This route has the
fastest onset of action because the drug enters systemic circulation immediately.
3. A patient reports an allergic reaction to penicillin. Which medication should the
nurse avoid administering?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Azithromycin
C. Doxycycline
D. Ciprofloxacin
Answer: A. Amoxicillin
Rationale: Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative and may cause a cross-allergic reaction in
patients with penicillin allergy. The risk of cross-sensitivity is approximately 10%. Other
antibiotic classes (macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) are generally safe
alternatives.
4. What is the primary indication for administering acetaminophen?
, A. Pain and fever reduction
B. Inflammation reduction
C. Blood pressure control
D. Blood glucose management
Answer: A. Pain and fever reduction
Rationale: Acetaminophen is used for analgesia and antipyresis. Unlike NSAIDs, it has
minimal anti-inflammatory effects because it does not significantly inhibit peripheral
prostaglandin synthesis. It is the preferred antipyretic and analgesic for patients with
contraindications to NSAIDs.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication with a narrow therapeutic
index. What action is most important?
A. Monitor therapeutic drug levels
B. Administer with food
C. Increase the dose if ineffective
D. Discontinue if side effects occur
Answer: A. Monitor therapeutic drug levels
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, lithium, warfarin,
aminoglycosides) have a small margin of safety where the therapeutic dose is very close to
the toxic dose. Routine monitoring of serum drug levels (peak and trough) is essential to
ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity.
6. Which adverse effect is most associated with aspirin use?
, A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Nephrotoxicity
D. Ototoxicity
Answer: A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin synthesis that
normally protects the gastric mucosa. This increases the risk of GI irritation, ulceration,
and bleeding. This effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced with chronic use.
7. A patient is prescribed a medication to be taken "PRN." What does this mean?
A. As needed
B. Once daily
C. Every 4 hours
D. Before meals
Answer: A. As needed
Rationale: PRN (pro re nata) indicates the medication is taken only when needed based on
specific conditions or symptoms. This is distinguished from scheduled (routine)
medications which are given at fixed times regardless of symptoms.
8. What is the primary action of antihistamines like diphenhydramine?
A. Block histamine H1 receptors
B. Inhibit leukotriene production
