BIO290 Pharmacology Exam 1 – 35 Questions and Correct Answers with Detailed
Rationales | Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2026 Update.
Course: BIO290 Pharmacology
Total Questions: 35
Total Marks: 100
SECTION 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE
20 Questions – 40 Marks
Question 1
A patient with severe malnutrition has a low serum albumin level. How does this condition most
likely affect the distribution of a drug that is normally highly protein-bound?
A. There will be an increase in the amount of free (active) drug, increasing the risk of toxicity.
B. The rate of drug absorption from the GI tract will double.
C. There will be a decrease in the amount of free (active) drug in the bloodstream.
D. The drug will be unable to cross cell membranes to reach its target tissue.
Correct Answer: A. There will be an increase in the amount of free (active) drug,
increasing the risk of toxicity.
Rationale:
Albumin is an important plasma protein that binds many medications. Only the unbound or free
portion of a drug is pharmacologically active and able to leave the bloodstream to reach tissues.
When albumin levels decrease, fewer binding sites are available, resulting in a greater proportion
of free drug. For highly protein-bound medications, this can substantially increase drug activity
and the risk of adverse effects or toxicity.
Question 2
An oral medication undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism immediately after absorption from
the GI tract and before it reaches the systemic circulation. This process is known as:
A. The first-pass effect
B. Bioavailability enhancement
C. Therapeutic index monitoring
D. Renal clearance
,Correct Answer: A. The first-pass effect
Rationale:
The first-pass effect occurs when an orally administered drug is absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract and transported through the portal circulation to the liver, where a portion of
the drug is metabolized before reaching systemic circulation. Extensive first-pass metabolism
can significantly reduce a drug's bioavailability.
Question 3
In a professional clinical setting, which drug naming system is most commonly used to ensure
clear communication and avoid confusion between different manufacturer brands?
A. Brand (proprietary) name
B. Preclinical identifier
C. Generic (nonproprietary) name
D. Chemical name
Correct Answer: C. Generic (nonproprietary) name
Rationale:
The generic name is the standardized nonproprietary name assigned to a medication. Because the
same medication can be sold under multiple brand names, healthcare professionals commonly
use generic names to reduce confusion and improve medication safety.
Question 4
One characteristic of an "ideal" drug is selectivity. Which statement best describes a selective
drug?
A. It produces only the specific response for which it is administered.
B. It cannot be reversed once it has entered the bloodstream.
C. It is very inexpensive and easily accessible to all patients.
D. It requires high doses to produce a minimal therapeutic response.
Correct Answer: A. It produces only the specific response for which it is administered.
Rationale:
Selectivity refers to a medication's ability to act primarily on its intended target and produce the
desired therapeutic response while producing minimal effects on other tissues or receptors.
Absolute selectivity is uncommon, particularly as doses increase.
, Question 5
Under the U.S. Controlled Drug Schedules, which classification is given to drugs like morphine
and oxycodone, which have an accepted medical use but also a high potential for severe physical
or psychological dependence?
A. Schedule V
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule II
D. Schedule I
Correct Answer: C. Schedule II
Rationale:
Schedule II controlled substances have accepted medical uses but have a high potential for
misuse and may cause severe physical or psychological dependence. Morphine and oxycodone
are examples of Schedule II opioid medications.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which of the following is NOT one of the
primary "rights" of medication administration as listed in the core safety principles?
A. Right Documentation
B. Right Patient
C. Right Route
D. Right Cost
Correct Answer: D. Right Cost
Rationale:
Medication-administration safety principles include such concepts as the right patient, drug,
dose, route, time, documentation, reason, response, education, and right to refuse. "Right cost" is
not generally included as one of the medication-administration rights.
Question 7
Which of the following is considered a significant disadvantage of using the enteral route (oral)
compared with parenteral routes such as IV administration?
Rationales | Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2026 Update.
Course: BIO290 Pharmacology
Total Questions: 35
Total Marks: 100
SECTION 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE
20 Questions – 40 Marks
Question 1
A patient with severe malnutrition has a low serum albumin level. How does this condition most
likely affect the distribution of a drug that is normally highly protein-bound?
A. There will be an increase in the amount of free (active) drug, increasing the risk of toxicity.
B. The rate of drug absorption from the GI tract will double.
C. There will be a decrease in the amount of free (active) drug in the bloodstream.
D. The drug will be unable to cross cell membranes to reach its target tissue.
Correct Answer: A. There will be an increase in the amount of free (active) drug,
increasing the risk of toxicity.
Rationale:
Albumin is an important plasma protein that binds many medications. Only the unbound or free
portion of a drug is pharmacologically active and able to leave the bloodstream to reach tissues.
When albumin levels decrease, fewer binding sites are available, resulting in a greater proportion
of free drug. For highly protein-bound medications, this can substantially increase drug activity
and the risk of adverse effects or toxicity.
Question 2
An oral medication undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism immediately after absorption from
the GI tract and before it reaches the systemic circulation. This process is known as:
A. The first-pass effect
B. Bioavailability enhancement
C. Therapeutic index monitoring
D. Renal clearance
,Correct Answer: A. The first-pass effect
Rationale:
The first-pass effect occurs when an orally administered drug is absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract and transported through the portal circulation to the liver, where a portion of
the drug is metabolized before reaching systemic circulation. Extensive first-pass metabolism
can significantly reduce a drug's bioavailability.
Question 3
In a professional clinical setting, which drug naming system is most commonly used to ensure
clear communication and avoid confusion between different manufacturer brands?
A. Brand (proprietary) name
B. Preclinical identifier
C. Generic (nonproprietary) name
D. Chemical name
Correct Answer: C. Generic (nonproprietary) name
Rationale:
The generic name is the standardized nonproprietary name assigned to a medication. Because the
same medication can be sold under multiple brand names, healthcare professionals commonly
use generic names to reduce confusion and improve medication safety.
Question 4
One characteristic of an "ideal" drug is selectivity. Which statement best describes a selective
drug?
A. It produces only the specific response for which it is administered.
B. It cannot be reversed once it has entered the bloodstream.
C. It is very inexpensive and easily accessible to all patients.
D. It requires high doses to produce a minimal therapeutic response.
Correct Answer: A. It produces only the specific response for which it is administered.
Rationale:
Selectivity refers to a medication's ability to act primarily on its intended target and produce the
desired therapeutic response while producing minimal effects on other tissues or receptors.
Absolute selectivity is uncommon, particularly as doses increase.
, Question 5
Under the U.S. Controlled Drug Schedules, which classification is given to drugs like morphine
and oxycodone, which have an accepted medical use but also a high potential for severe physical
or psychological dependence?
A. Schedule V
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule II
D. Schedule I
Correct Answer: C. Schedule II
Rationale:
Schedule II controlled substances have accepted medical uses but have a high potential for
misuse and may cause severe physical or psychological dependence. Morphine and oxycodone
are examples of Schedule II opioid medications.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which of the following is NOT one of the
primary "rights" of medication administration as listed in the core safety principles?
A. Right Documentation
B. Right Patient
C. Right Route
D. Right Cost
Correct Answer: D. Right Cost
Rationale:
Medication-administration safety principles include such concepts as the right patient, drug,
dose, route, time, documentation, reason, response, education, and right to refuse. "Right cost" is
not generally included as one of the medication-administration rights.
Question 7
Which of the following is considered a significant disadvantage of using the enteral route (oral)
compared with parenteral routes such as IV administration?
