PENN FOSTER VETERINARY
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
Distinguish between hormonal, endocrine, and reproductive drugs - ans
Describe how drugs affect the nervous system - ansDrugs affect the nervous system by acting
at the synaptic junctions to promote neurotransmitter's activity, mimic their actions, or block
them from acting.
Identify examples of respiratory drugs - ansExpectorants, mucolytics, antitussives,
bronchodilators, decongestants
List which drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation - ansNSAIDs, Opioids,
Antihistamines, muscle relaxers, steroids, nerve blocks
Summarize the difference between ophthalmic and otic drugs - ans
Compare and contrast cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs - ans
Describe how antiparasitic drugs work - ansAntiparasitic drugs work by destroying parasites
or inhibiting their growth. Most work by interfering with the parasite's nervous system to
prevent them from moving.
Discuss why replacement drugs are often necessary for animal health - ans
Explain the veterinary technician's role in inventory control - anskeeping the staff informed
regarding discontinued items, knowing the dates on which backordered items will be released
from the vendor, packing up goods awaiting return to the vendor (e.g., expired items),
rotating stock correctly, maintaining current prices on all products, organizing inventory for
ease of location and counting, receiving and inspecting orders on arrival at the veterinary
facility, and learning about new products.
Define: Agonist - ansDrug that has affinity for a receptor/stimulates receptor into action
Define: Contraindication - ansA reason not to use a drug in a particular situation
Define: Efficacy - ansthe degree to which a drug produces its desired response.
Define: Over-the-counter drug - ansOne that may be purchased without prescription from a
veterinarian
Define: Prescription Drug - ansOne that must be used under the supervision of a veterinarina
Define: Receptor - ansa group of specialized molecules on or in a cell that bind with a drug to
produce an effect
Define: Therapeutic Index - ansexpresses the relationship between a drug's therapeutic and
harmful effects
Define: Withdrawl Time - ansAmount of time that must elapse between the end of drug
therapy and elimination of that drug from patients tissues or products
Define: Veterinarian-client-patient relationship - ansRelationship that must exist between the
vet, the patient, and the owner before prescription drugs can be dispensed.
List 4 sources of drugs used in Vet Med - ansAnimal product, plant material, minerals,
synthetic products
What are 4 components of a drug regimen? - ansDose, route, frequency, and duration of
administration.
Discuss the conditions that must be met before a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship
can be shown to exist - ans1.vet must assume responsibility for making clinical judgments in
relation to health of the animal.
2. Vet must have recently seen the animal and be acquainted with it's care.
,PENN FOSTER VETERINARY
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
3.Vet must be available for follow-up care of the animal
Discuss the responsibilities of a vet tech in the administration of drug orders - ansTo carry out
the vet's orders correctly. should read the drug label three times to ensure proper drug is being
administered and should take care to administer correct dose by correct route. Should be
aware of the expected affects and potential adverse side effects and be able to monitor the
patient.
Describe the sequence of events that a drug undergoes from administration to excretion -
ansDrug is absorbed (or placed directly) into the bloodstream, the drug may bind with plasma
in the blood or may exist in free state, circulating blood distributes drug to capillary level
where it leaves circulation and enters interstitial fluid. it bathes the cell and allows drug to
bind to cell surface receptors or enter the cell. It then exits the cell and moves back into
interstitial fluid, reenters circulation, and is transported to liver for metabolism. The
metabolite is then transported to kidneys for excretion.
List 11 possible routes for administering a drug to a patient. - ansOral, subcutaneous,
intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intracardiac, intramedullary,
inhalation, topical, intradermal
List some of the factors that influence drug absorption - ansMethod of absorption, pH of the
drug and ionization status, absorptive surface area, blood supply to area, solubility of drug,
dosage form, status of GI tract, and interactions with other drugs
Most biotransformation occurs in the_____ - ansLiver
Most drug excretion occurs via the ______ - ansKidneys
Drugs usually produce their effects by combining with specific cellular_____ - ansReceptors
The drug name chosen by the manufacturer and is exclusive property of that company is
called - ansTrade/Proprietary Name
What are the 6 items that must be included on drug label? - ansnames (generic and trade)
concentration, quantity, name and address of manufacturer, control or lot number, expiration
date
What are three government agencies that regulate the development, approval, and use of
animal health products? - ansFDA, EPA, USDA
Why do many vet clinics dispense rather than prescribe most of the drugs that they use? -
ansProfit earned from selling products
Describe the marketing of animal health products - ansPurchased from manufacturers,
distributors, or generic mail order companies. May be sold only one label to graduate
veterinarians and under another as over-the-counter
all FDA-approved veterinary drugs are listed in the publication entitled_____ - ansThe Green
Book
What is the purpose of FARAD? - ansProvides resources concerning the avoidance of drug
residues in animals
Extralabel veterinary drug use was made legal (under prescribed circumstances) by what act
of congress? - ansAnimal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA)
Define Compounding - ansDiluting or combingin existing drugs
, PENN FOSTER VETERINARY
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
What are potential dangers of residues in animal products - ansMay cause allergic reaction or
neoplasia in people, may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria
List 3 classes of drug interactions - ansPharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and
pharmaceutic
Drug interaction can be anticipated when two drugs are given that are both metabolized by
the_____ - ansLiver
Define: Ethical Product - ansone sold only through veterinarians as a policy of the
manufacturer rather than by FDA requirement
Once a drug has been biotransformed, it is called a_____ - ansMetabolite
A reason to use a drug is a(n)_____ - ansIndication
Diagnostic method of choosing a drug is based on all of the following except
a. Practical experience
b. Assesment of the patient
c. Obtaining a history
d. Performing lab tests - ansA. Practical experience.
Define: extralabel - ansUsing a drug in a way not specified by the label
Complex sequence of events that occurs after a drug is administered is called____ -
ansPharmacokinetics
Parenteral drugs are administered________ - ansby injections.
The body's ability to change a drug chemically from the form in which it was administered
into a form that can be eliminated from the body is called_____ - ansMetabolism
(biotransformation)
Degree to which a drug produces its desired response in a patient is called________ -
ansefficacy
An adverse drug reaction is always life-threatening. T/F? - ansFalse
List the six practices recommended by the AVMA for the safe disposal of unwanted drugs. -
ans1.Incinerate when possible
2.Send to landfill when incinerated
3.Never flush down drain or toilet
4.Maintain close inventory control
5.Follow state and federal guidelines
6.Educate clients on proper disposal techniques.
Name 4 common Drug Preparations - ansDrugs for oral administration, drugs for parenteral
administration, drugs for inhalation, and drugs for topical inhalations.
Boluses are used in the treatment of - ansLarge animals with a balling gun
name two types of parenteral injection forms - ansinjections, implants.
Vials may be either ___ dose or ___ dose - anssingle-, multi-
All needles should be discarded in a _____ - anssharps container
Name the 6 rights of drug administration - ansRight patient, right drug, right dose, right
route, right time and frequency, right
documentation
Oral drugs should never be adminsitered in animals that are - ansVomiting
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
Distinguish between hormonal, endocrine, and reproductive drugs - ans
Describe how drugs affect the nervous system - ansDrugs affect the nervous system by acting
at the synaptic junctions to promote neurotransmitter's activity, mimic their actions, or block
them from acting.
Identify examples of respiratory drugs - ansExpectorants, mucolytics, antitussives,
bronchodilators, decongestants
List which drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation - ansNSAIDs, Opioids,
Antihistamines, muscle relaxers, steroids, nerve blocks
Summarize the difference between ophthalmic and otic drugs - ans
Compare and contrast cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs - ans
Describe how antiparasitic drugs work - ansAntiparasitic drugs work by destroying parasites
or inhibiting their growth. Most work by interfering with the parasite's nervous system to
prevent them from moving.
Discuss why replacement drugs are often necessary for animal health - ans
Explain the veterinary technician's role in inventory control - anskeeping the staff informed
regarding discontinued items, knowing the dates on which backordered items will be released
from the vendor, packing up goods awaiting return to the vendor (e.g., expired items),
rotating stock correctly, maintaining current prices on all products, organizing inventory for
ease of location and counting, receiving and inspecting orders on arrival at the veterinary
facility, and learning about new products.
Define: Agonist - ansDrug that has affinity for a receptor/stimulates receptor into action
Define: Contraindication - ansA reason not to use a drug in a particular situation
Define: Efficacy - ansthe degree to which a drug produces its desired response.
Define: Over-the-counter drug - ansOne that may be purchased without prescription from a
veterinarian
Define: Prescription Drug - ansOne that must be used under the supervision of a veterinarina
Define: Receptor - ansa group of specialized molecules on or in a cell that bind with a drug to
produce an effect
Define: Therapeutic Index - ansexpresses the relationship between a drug's therapeutic and
harmful effects
Define: Withdrawl Time - ansAmount of time that must elapse between the end of drug
therapy and elimination of that drug from patients tissues or products
Define: Veterinarian-client-patient relationship - ansRelationship that must exist between the
vet, the patient, and the owner before prescription drugs can be dispensed.
List 4 sources of drugs used in Vet Med - ansAnimal product, plant material, minerals,
synthetic products
What are 4 components of a drug regimen? - ansDose, route, frequency, and duration of
administration.
Discuss the conditions that must be met before a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship
can be shown to exist - ans1.vet must assume responsibility for making clinical judgments in
relation to health of the animal.
2. Vet must have recently seen the animal and be acquainted with it's care.
,PENN FOSTER VETERINARY
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
3.Vet must be available for follow-up care of the animal
Discuss the responsibilities of a vet tech in the administration of drug orders - ansTo carry out
the vet's orders correctly. should read the drug label three times to ensure proper drug is being
administered and should take care to administer correct dose by correct route. Should be
aware of the expected affects and potential adverse side effects and be able to monitor the
patient.
Describe the sequence of events that a drug undergoes from administration to excretion -
ansDrug is absorbed (or placed directly) into the bloodstream, the drug may bind with plasma
in the blood or may exist in free state, circulating blood distributes drug to capillary level
where it leaves circulation and enters interstitial fluid. it bathes the cell and allows drug to
bind to cell surface receptors or enter the cell. It then exits the cell and moves back into
interstitial fluid, reenters circulation, and is transported to liver for metabolism. The
metabolite is then transported to kidneys for excretion.
List 11 possible routes for administering a drug to a patient. - ansOral, subcutaneous,
intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intracardiac, intramedullary,
inhalation, topical, intradermal
List some of the factors that influence drug absorption - ansMethod of absorption, pH of the
drug and ionization status, absorptive surface area, blood supply to area, solubility of drug,
dosage form, status of GI tract, and interactions with other drugs
Most biotransformation occurs in the_____ - ansLiver
Most drug excretion occurs via the ______ - ansKidneys
Drugs usually produce their effects by combining with specific cellular_____ - ansReceptors
The drug name chosen by the manufacturer and is exclusive property of that company is
called - ansTrade/Proprietary Name
What are the 6 items that must be included on drug label? - ansnames (generic and trade)
concentration, quantity, name and address of manufacturer, control or lot number, expiration
date
What are three government agencies that regulate the development, approval, and use of
animal health products? - ansFDA, EPA, USDA
Why do many vet clinics dispense rather than prescribe most of the drugs that they use? -
ansProfit earned from selling products
Describe the marketing of animal health products - ansPurchased from manufacturers,
distributors, or generic mail order companies. May be sold only one label to graduate
veterinarians and under another as over-the-counter
all FDA-approved veterinary drugs are listed in the publication entitled_____ - ansThe Green
Book
What is the purpose of FARAD? - ansProvides resources concerning the avoidance of drug
residues in animals
Extralabel veterinary drug use was made legal (under prescribed circumstances) by what act
of congress? - ansAnimal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA)
Define Compounding - ansDiluting or combingin existing drugs
, PENN FOSTER VETERINARY
PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL FINAL EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS RATED
A GRADE
What are potential dangers of residues in animal products - ansMay cause allergic reaction or
neoplasia in people, may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria
List 3 classes of drug interactions - ansPharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and
pharmaceutic
Drug interaction can be anticipated when two drugs are given that are both metabolized by
the_____ - ansLiver
Define: Ethical Product - ansone sold only through veterinarians as a policy of the
manufacturer rather than by FDA requirement
Once a drug has been biotransformed, it is called a_____ - ansMetabolite
A reason to use a drug is a(n)_____ - ansIndication
Diagnostic method of choosing a drug is based on all of the following except
a. Practical experience
b. Assesment of the patient
c. Obtaining a history
d. Performing lab tests - ansA. Practical experience.
Define: extralabel - ansUsing a drug in a way not specified by the label
Complex sequence of events that occurs after a drug is administered is called____ -
ansPharmacokinetics
Parenteral drugs are administered________ - ansby injections.
The body's ability to change a drug chemically from the form in which it was administered
into a form that can be eliminated from the body is called_____ - ansMetabolism
(biotransformation)
Degree to which a drug produces its desired response in a patient is called________ -
ansefficacy
An adverse drug reaction is always life-threatening. T/F? - ansFalse
List the six practices recommended by the AVMA for the safe disposal of unwanted drugs. -
ans1.Incinerate when possible
2.Send to landfill when incinerated
3.Never flush down drain or toilet
4.Maintain close inventory control
5.Follow state and federal guidelines
6.Educate clients on proper disposal techniques.
Name 4 common Drug Preparations - ansDrugs for oral administration, drugs for parenteral
administration, drugs for inhalation, and drugs for topical inhalations.
Boluses are used in the treatment of - ansLarge animals with a balling gun
name two types of parenteral injection forms - ansinjections, implants.
Vials may be either ___ dose or ___ dose - anssingle-, multi-
All needles should be discarded in a _____ - anssharps container
Name the 6 rights of drug administration - ansRight patient, right drug, right dose, right
route, right time and frequency, right
documentation
Oral drugs should never be adminsitered in animals that are - ansVomiting
