Galen College of Nursing NUR 210 Exam 1 (Modules 1–3)
2026 | Practice Questions & Verified Answers | Principles of
Pharmacology Review
1. Describe how the route of administration can influence drug absorption.
The route of administration affects drug absorption by
determining how quickly and efficiently the drug enters the
bloodstream.
The route of administration is irrelevant to the drug's
effectiveness.
The route of administration has no effect on drug absorption.
The route of administration only affects drug distribution, not
absorption.
2. What is the definition of drug distribution in pharmacokinetics?
Distribution is the elimination of drugs from the body.
Distribution refers to how a drug spreads throughout the
body's tissues and fluids.
Distribution is the process of drug absorption into the
bloodstream.
Distribution involves the chemical alteration of a drug in the liver.
3. Regarding pharmacokinetics, the definition of peak level is described as:
lowest blood level of a drug
the level of the drug with which the drug causes serious
complication leading to death
blood level of the drug is too high
highest blood level of a drug
,4. One of the most common side effects of morphine is:
diarrhea
increased urination
hypertension
constipation
5. A 75-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a new
medication. What should the healthcare provider consider regarding
this special population?
The dosage may need to be adjusted due to altered drug
metabolism and excretion.
The patient should avoid all medications to prevent
complications.
The patient will likely have a faster response to the medication
than younger adults.
The medication can be given at the standard dosage without
adjustments.
6. Describe the role of the kidneys in the drug excretion process.
The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products,
including drugs, which are then eliminated in urine.
The kidneys store drugs until they are needed by the body.
The kidneys metabolize drugs into active forms for therapeutic
effects.
The kidneys absorb drugs back into the bloodstream after
filtration.
7. What is the primary use of naloxone in clinical settings?
, To enhance opioid analgesia
To treat chronic pain
To induce sedation
To reverse the effects of opioid overdose
8. The route of a drug's administration directly affects the drug's
bioavailability. Which route of drug administration has no absorption
phase?
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Oral
9. Describe the significance of understanding peak drug concentration in
relation to patient safety.
Peak concentration is irrelevant to patient safety.
Peak concentration is solely determined by the drug's half-life.
Understanding peak drug concentration helps prevent toxicity
and ensures effective dosing.
Peak concentration only affects drug absorption.
10. When would the loading dose be used?
After you have already had an initial dose
In general administration of a drug
If the person has overshot and entered toxicity range
It is used whenever convenient
When a therapeutic conc. must be achieved rapidly
,11. What happens when a drug has a high first pass effect
The patient should seek medical attention
The patient requires a smaller dose
The patient requires a larger dose
The patient should not be given the medication
12. If a patient has a condition that affects blood circulation, how might this
impact the distribution of a drug administered to them?
It will have no effect on the drug's distribution.
It will only affect the drug's metabolism.
It may hinder the drug's ability to reach target tissues
effectively.
It will enhance the drug's distribution throughout the body.
13. What organ is primarily responsible for the first pass effect in drug
metabolism?
Lungs
Kidney
Heart
Liver
14. Describe how food consumption can influence the absorption of a
drug.
Food consumption only affects drug metabolism, not
absorption.
Food consumption can alter the pH of the stomach and affect
the rate at which a drug is absorbed.
, Food consumption increases the effectiveness of all drugs.
Food consumption has no effect on drug absorption.
15. Which of the following is TRUE regarding plasma protein binding?
Only unbound drug is available for metabolism and excretion
Protein binding of drugs is usually permanent or irreversible
Protein-bound drug concentration is important for therapeutic
effect
Disease states do not change albumin concentrations in blood
16. What is the "first pass effect"?
Drugs are first metabolized in the kidneys
Drugs bypass the kidneys
Drugs bypass the liver
Drugs are first metabolized in the liver
17. Which of the following factors could affect the absorption of an oral
drug?
poor blood flow to gastrointestinal tract
changing the pH of the stomach (such as taking an antacid)
dissolving the drug in water before swallowing
all of the above
18. Describe the potential side effects of sumatriptan and their implications
for patient safety.
The side effects of sumatriptan are limited to gastrointestinal
disturbances.
, Sumatriptan has no significant side effects, making it safe for all
patients.
Sumatriptan primarily causes allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Side effects of sumatriptan include dizziness, drowsiness, and
potential cardiovascular issues, which can affect patient safety.
19. What are the four processes of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption, distribution, hydration, and synthesis
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
Distribution, metabolism, excretion, and hydration
Metabolism, excretion, synthesis, and absorption
20. Describe how age-related changes in pharmacokinetics can affect
drug dosing in elderly patients.
Pharmacokinetics remain unchanged in elderly patients.
Elderly patients metabolize drugs faster, necessitating higher
doses.
Age-related changes can lead to slower metabolism and
reduced excretion, requiring lower doses to avoid toxicity.
Elderly patients require higher doses due to increased drug
sensitivity.
21. Why do doctors monitor weight?
Weight loss is always a good sign.
High weight always equals poor health.
To find a cure for obesity.
It can indicate overall health.
2026 | Practice Questions & Verified Answers | Principles of
Pharmacology Review
1. Describe how the route of administration can influence drug absorption.
The route of administration affects drug absorption by
determining how quickly and efficiently the drug enters the
bloodstream.
The route of administration is irrelevant to the drug's
effectiveness.
The route of administration has no effect on drug absorption.
The route of administration only affects drug distribution, not
absorption.
2. What is the definition of drug distribution in pharmacokinetics?
Distribution is the elimination of drugs from the body.
Distribution refers to how a drug spreads throughout the
body's tissues and fluids.
Distribution is the process of drug absorption into the
bloodstream.
Distribution involves the chemical alteration of a drug in the liver.
3. Regarding pharmacokinetics, the definition of peak level is described as:
lowest blood level of a drug
the level of the drug with which the drug causes serious
complication leading to death
blood level of the drug is too high
highest blood level of a drug
,4. One of the most common side effects of morphine is:
diarrhea
increased urination
hypertension
constipation
5. A 75-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a new
medication. What should the healthcare provider consider regarding
this special population?
The dosage may need to be adjusted due to altered drug
metabolism and excretion.
The patient should avoid all medications to prevent
complications.
The patient will likely have a faster response to the medication
than younger adults.
The medication can be given at the standard dosage without
adjustments.
6. Describe the role of the kidneys in the drug excretion process.
The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products,
including drugs, which are then eliminated in urine.
The kidneys store drugs until they are needed by the body.
The kidneys metabolize drugs into active forms for therapeutic
effects.
The kidneys absorb drugs back into the bloodstream after
filtration.
7. What is the primary use of naloxone in clinical settings?
, To enhance opioid analgesia
To treat chronic pain
To induce sedation
To reverse the effects of opioid overdose
8. The route of a drug's administration directly affects the drug's
bioavailability. Which route of drug administration has no absorption
phase?
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Oral
9. Describe the significance of understanding peak drug concentration in
relation to patient safety.
Peak concentration is irrelevant to patient safety.
Peak concentration is solely determined by the drug's half-life.
Understanding peak drug concentration helps prevent toxicity
and ensures effective dosing.
Peak concentration only affects drug absorption.
10. When would the loading dose be used?
After you have already had an initial dose
In general administration of a drug
If the person has overshot and entered toxicity range
It is used whenever convenient
When a therapeutic conc. must be achieved rapidly
,11. What happens when a drug has a high first pass effect
The patient should seek medical attention
The patient requires a smaller dose
The patient requires a larger dose
The patient should not be given the medication
12. If a patient has a condition that affects blood circulation, how might this
impact the distribution of a drug administered to them?
It will have no effect on the drug's distribution.
It will only affect the drug's metabolism.
It may hinder the drug's ability to reach target tissues
effectively.
It will enhance the drug's distribution throughout the body.
13. What organ is primarily responsible for the first pass effect in drug
metabolism?
Lungs
Kidney
Heart
Liver
14. Describe how food consumption can influence the absorption of a
drug.
Food consumption only affects drug metabolism, not
absorption.
Food consumption can alter the pH of the stomach and affect
the rate at which a drug is absorbed.
, Food consumption increases the effectiveness of all drugs.
Food consumption has no effect on drug absorption.
15. Which of the following is TRUE regarding plasma protein binding?
Only unbound drug is available for metabolism and excretion
Protein binding of drugs is usually permanent or irreversible
Protein-bound drug concentration is important for therapeutic
effect
Disease states do not change albumin concentrations in blood
16. What is the "first pass effect"?
Drugs are first metabolized in the kidneys
Drugs bypass the kidneys
Drugs bypass the liver
Drugs are first metabolized in the liver
17. Which of the following factors could affect the absorption of an oral
drug?
poor blood flow to gastrointestinal tract
changing the pH of the stomach (such as taking an antacid)
dissolving the drug in water before swallowing
all of the above
18. Describe the potential side effects of sumatriptan and their implications
for patient safety.
The side effects of sumatriptan are limited to gastrointestinal
disturbances.
, Sumatriptan has no significant side effects, making it safe for all
patients.
Sumatriptan primarily causes allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Side effects of sumatriptan include dizziness, drowsiness, and
potential cardiovascular issues, which can affect patient safety.
19. What are the four processes of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption, distribution, hydration, and synthesis
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
Distribution, metabolism, excretion, and hydration
Metabolism, excretion, synthesis, and absorption
20. Describe how age-related changes in pharmacokinetics can affect
drug dosing in elderly patients.
Pharmacokinetics remain unchanged in elderly patients.
Elderly patients metabolize drugs faster, necessitating higher
doses.
Age-related changes can lead to slower metabolism and
reduced excretion, requiring lower doses to avoid toxicity.
Elderly patients require higher doses due to increased drug
sensitivity.
21. Why do doctors monitor weight?
Weight loss is always a good sign.
High weight always equals poor health.
To find a cure for obesity.
It can indicate overall health.
