Pharmacology Exam: Dosage & Administration
Study Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students and
Healthcare Professionals | Medication Calculation,
Safe Administration, Pediatric and Adult Dosing,
High-Alert Medications, Patient Safety, and Clinical
Nursing Skills | Comprehensive Exam Preparation
to Strengthen Accuracy, Clinical Judgment, and
Test Performance
, Question 1: What is the primary route of drug administration for achieving rapid
effects?
A) Oral
B) Intravenous
C) Intramuscular
D) Subcutaneous
Correct Option: B) Intravenous
Rationale:
The intravenous (IV) route allows for the direct delivery of medication into the
bloodstream, providing immediate therapeutic effects. This route is essential in
emergency situations where quick action is required, such as administering analgesics
during acute pain or resuscitation drugs in emergencies. Other routes, such as oral or
intramuscular, may take longer to reach therapeutic levels.
Question 2: Which of the following factors can influence the dosage of a drug
administered to a patient?
A) Age
B) Weight
C) Gender
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale:
Dosage adjustments often depend on several factors, including age (metabolism can
vary between pediatric and geriatric patients), weight (dosing typically considers body
weight, especially in pediatric dosing), and gender (differences in body composition and
hormonal factors can influence drug absorption and metabolism). Understanding these
variables helps in prescribing the correct dosage to maximize efficacy while minimizing
potential adverse effects.
Question 3: The term 'loading dose' refers to:
A) The initial high dose of a drug given to quickly achieve a desired therapeutic level
B) The regular maintenance dose of the drug
C) The dose administered in case of overdose
D) A dose given only during surgical procedures
Correct Option: A) The initial high dose of a drug given to quickly achieve a desired
therapeutic level
Study Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Students and
Healthcare Professionals | Medication Calculation,
Safe Administration, Pediatric and Adult Dosing,
High-Alert Medications, Patient Safety, and Clinical
Nursing Skills | Comprehensive Exam Preparation
to Strengthen Accuracy, Clinical Judgment, and
Test Performance
, Question 1: What is the primary route of drug administration for achieving rapid
effects?
A) Oral
B) Intravenous
C) Intramuscular
D) Subcutaneous
Correct Option: B) Intravenous
Rationale:
The intravenous (IV) route allows for the direct delivery of medication into the
bloodstream, providing immediate therapeutic effects. This route is essential in
emergency situations where quick action is required, such as administering analgesics
during acute pain or resuscitation drugs in emergencies. Other routes, such as oral or
intramuscular, may take longer to reach therapeutic levels.
Question 2: Which of the following factors can influence the dosage of a drug
administered to a patient?
A) Age
B) Weight
C) Gender
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale:
Dosage adjustments often depend on several factors, including age (metabolism can
vary between pediatric and geriatric patients), weight (dosing typically considers body
weight, especially in pediatric dosing), and gender (differences in body composition and
hormonal factors can influence drug absorption and metabolism). Understanding these
variables helps in prescribing the correct dosage to maximize efficacy while minimizing
potential adverse effects.
Question 3: The term 'loading dose' refers to:
A) The initial high dose of a drug given to quickly achieve a desired therapeutic level
B) The regular maintenance dose of the drug
C) The dose administered in case of overdose
D) A dose given only during surgical procedures
Correct Option: A) The initial high dose of a drug given to quickly achieve a desired
therapeutic level
