NUR 210 PRINCIPLES OF
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2026
1. A patient with chronic renal failure is prescribed a drug that is primarily excreted by the
kidneys. What adjustment does the nurse anticipate?
A. A decrease in the dosing interval
B. An increase in the dosage amount
C. A decrease in the dosage amount
D. No change is necessary for renal failure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In renal failure, drug excretion is impaired, leading to a risk of
toxicity. The dose must be decreased or the interval between doses increased to prevent
accumulation.
2. Which pharmacological process is significantly impacted by the ‘first-pass effect’ when a
drug is administered orally?
A. Excretion
B. Metabolism
C. Distribution
,D. Absorption
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the rapid hepatic metabolism of an
oral drug before it reaches the systemic circulation, primarily occurring in the liver.
3. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient receives a dose of 200 mg, how much of the
drug will remain in the body after 12 hours?
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 12.5 mg
D. 100 mg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: After one half-life (4 hrs), 100mg remains. After two (8 hrs),
50mg remains. After three (12 hrs), 25mg remains.
4. Which serum protein is most responsible for drug binding, and how does low levels affect
drug activity?
A. Globulin; decreases free drug levels
B. Hemoglobin; decreases free drug levels
C. Albumin; increases free drug levels
D. Albumin; decreases free drug levels
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the primary binding protein. Low albumin
(hypoalbuminemia) results in fewer binding sites, increasing the concentration of free,
active drug, which can lead to toxicity.
5. The nurse is administering a drug that is a known Agonist. The nurse understands this
means the drug will:
A. Block the receptor site to prevent activation
B. Inhibit enzymes that break down neurotransmitters
C. Bind to the receptor and mimic the natural response
D. Neutralize the effects of other drugs
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agonists are drugs that occupy receptors and activate them to
produce a biological response.
6. A patient is prescribed Rifampin for tuberculosis. What essential teaching should the nurse
provide regarding side effects?
A. The drug may cause permanent hearing loss
B. Severe muscle pain is a common and safe occurrence
C. Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication
D. Body fluids such as urine and tears may turn orange
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2026
1. A patient with chronic renal failure is prescribed a drug that is primarily excreted by the
kidneys. What adjustment does the nurse anticipate?
A. A decrease in the dosing interval
B. An increase in the dosage amount
C. A decrease in the dosage amount
D. No change is necessary for renal failure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In renal failure, drug excretion is impaired, leading to a risk of
toxicity. The dose must be decreased or the interval between doses increased to prevent
accumulation.
2. Which pharmacological process is significantly impacted by the ‘first-pass effect’ when a
drug is administered orally?
A. Excretion
B. Metabolism
C. Distribution
,D. Absorption
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect refers to the rapid hepatic metabolism of an
oral drug before it reaches the systemic circulation, primarily occurring in the liver.
3. A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. If a patient receives a dose of 200 mg, how much of the
drug will remain in the body after 12 hours?
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 12.5 mg
D. 100 mg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: After one half-life (4 hrs), 100mg remains. After two (8 hrs),
50mg remains. After three (12 hrs), 25mg remains.
4. Which serum protein is most responsible for drug binding, and how does low levels affect
drug activity?
A. Globulin; decreases free drug levels
B. Hemoglobin; decreases free drug levels
C. Albumin; increases free drug levels
D. Albumin; decreases free drug levels
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the primary binding protein. Low albumin
(hypoalbuminemia) results in fewer binding sites, increasing the concentration of free,
active drug, which can lead to toxicity.
5. The nurse is administering a drug that is a known Agonist. The nurse understands this
means the drug will:
A. Block the receptor site to prevent activation
B. Inhibit enzymes that break down neurotransmitters
C. Bind to the receptor and mimic the natural response
D. Neutralize the effects of other drugs
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agonists are drugs that occupy receptors and activate them to
produce a biological response.
6. A patient is prescribed Rifampin for tuberculosis. What essential teaching should the nurse
provide regarding side effects?
A. The drug may cause permanent hearing loss
B. Severe muscle pain is a common and safe occurrence
C. Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication
D. Body fluids such as urine and tears may turn orange
