Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
Chapter 01: Drug Regulation, Actions, and Responses
Workman & LaCharity: Understanding Pharmacology: Essentials for Medication
Safety, 2nd Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
BASIC CONCEPTS
1. Which health care professional has the major responsibility for
dispensing prescribed drugs under the direction of a pharmacist?
a. Physician
b. Nurse practitioner
c. Licensed nurse
d. Pharmacy technician
ANS: D
The physician and nurse practitioner have the major responsibility for prescribing drugs, not
dispensing them. The licensed nurse has the primary responsibility for administering drugs,
although under some circumstances a licensed nurse may dispense prescribed drugs but this is
not his or her major responsibility in drug therapy. The pharmacy technician has the major
responsibility of dispensing prescribed drugs under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 3
2. Which term describes the effect of a drug that improves body function?
a. Side effect
b. Intended action
c. Adverse reaction
d. Idiosyncratic response
ANS: B
The purpose of drug therapy is to take a drug to prevent, reduce, or correct a health problem.
This response is any drug’s intended action also known as a therapeutic response.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 3
3. Which type of drug name is “owned” by the company that manufactures it?
a. Generic name
b. Chemical name
c. Category name
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
d. Trade name
ANS: D
The chemical name is a drug’s exact chemical composition. The generic name is the name
assigned to the drug by the U.S. Adopted Names Council and is not owned by anyone. The
category name refers to the type of drug (what it does or what it is used for) and is not an
actual drug name. The trade name (brand name) is the name provided and owned by a specific
drug’s manufacturer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 4
4. Which drug or drug class is a “high alert” drug?
a. Penicillin
b. Insulin
c. NSAIDs
d. Calcium
ANS: B
A high alert drug is one in which harm is likely to result if given at the wrong dose, to the
wrong patient, or not given to the correct patient. Drugs classified as high alert drugs include
potassium, narcotics (opioids), insulin, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and heparin (or any drug
that strongly affects blood clotting). Penicillin, NSAIDs, and calcium are not considered high
alert drugs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 4
5. What is the term for a drug that has the same action as a naturally occurring body hormone or
enzyme?
a. Agonist
b. Blocking agent
c. Chemical
d. Duplicator
ANS: A
A drug agonist is an extrinsic drug that activates the receptor sites of a cell and mimics the
actions of naturally occurring body substances (intrinsic drugs). A blocking agent is a drug
antagonist. A chemical would not necessarily be a drug at all. A duplicator is not a
pharmacologic term.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: pp. 6-7
6. Which term describes how the body affects drug activity?
a. Drug potency
b. Pharmacodynamics
c. Therapeutic effect
d. Pharmacokinetics
ANS: D
The term pharmacokinetics refers to drug metabolism and how the body changes a drug.
Pharmacodynamics refers to how a drug works to change body function. Drug potency refers
to how strongly or to what degree a drug exerts its effects. The therapeutic effect is closer to
pharmacodynamics, meaning how a drug works to change body function.
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 10
7. In the United States, which group is responsible for enforcing established standards for drug
manufacturing?
a. U.S. Pharmacopeia
b. National Institutes of Health
c. Food and Drug Administration
d. Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
ANS: C
The standards for drug manufacture are established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. These
standards are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither the National Institutes
of Health nor the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers has any authority to enforce
drug standards.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 5
8. Which factor is a major disadvantage of the transdermal drug delivery route?
a. Only a prescriber can administer drugs by the transdermal route.
b. Transdermal drugs must be sterile rather than clean.
c. First pass drug loss by this route is the most extensive.
d. Drug absorption is dependent on adequate circulation.
ANS: D
Once a transdermal drug moves through the skin, it must enter the bloodstream to reach its
target tissue. If circulation is poor to the area where the transdermal drug is applied, very
little, if any, of the drug will reach its target tissue.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 12
9. How are intrinsic drugs different from extrinsic drugs?
a. Intrinsic drugs are made by the body, whereas extrinsic drugs are made outside the
body.
b. Intrinsic drugs are administered by the parenteral route, whereas extrinsic drugs
are administered by the oral route.
c. Extrinsic drugs can only be applied to the skin or mucous membranes, whereas
intrinsic drugs are taken internally.
d. Extrinsic drugs require a prescription for administration, whereas intrinsic drugs
are available over-the-counter.
ANS: A
Intrinsic drugs are the hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals made by the body that change
cell activity. Extrinsic drugs are manufactured from chemical, animal, or plant sources and
must have a means of entering the body in order to change cell activity.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 3
10. A patient asks why his drug to control high blood pressure has only one generic name and two
different trade names. What is your best response?
a. “Most drugs have different trade names that indicate different dosages.”
b. “The two different trade names indicate that one is a more pure and safer drug than
the other.”
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
c. “The generic name is the actual official drug name and the trade name is a brand
owned by a specific manufacturer.”
d. “If you have insurance, you can get the trade name drug, which is usually more
expensive than the generic named drug.”
ANS: C
The generic name is the name assigned to the drug by the U.S. Adopted Names Council and is
not owned by anyone. The trade name (brand name) is the name provided and owned by a
specific drug’s manufacturer. More than one manufacturer can make and sell the same drug at
the same time under a different trade name. Regardless of trade name, all drugs that have the
same generic name must be alike in their chemical composition and strength.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying or Higher REF: pp. 3-4
11. How are the terms drug and medication different in the health care environment?
a. Medications must be prescribed, whereas drugs are available over-the-counter.
b. Medications are used to treat health problems, whereas drugs can be misused.
c. Drugs are always illegal, whereas medications are legal.
d. There is no difference between these two terms.
ANS: D
Although the lay public may think there is a distinction between these two terms, in health
care they mean the same thing. Both are used to treat health problems and both can be
misused.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 2
12. The prescriber tells a patient with allergies to use oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl) over-the-
counter (OTC) to help manage her symptoms. She tells you that she would rather have a
prescription for the “real” Benadryl because she knows it is stronger and will work better than
the nonprescription form. What is your best response?
a. “If you receive a prescription for this drug your name will be added to a controlled
substances list.”
b. “It is better to use the OTC Benadryl rather than the prescribed form because it has
fewer side effects.”
c. “The OTC form of Benadryl is the same strength as the one that was available by
prescription only.”
d. “You are correct. I will ask the health care provider to write a prescription so that
you can get the most effective drug.”
ANS: C
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is no longer available by prescription only. The OTC form has
the same strength, action, and side effects that the prescription only drug had.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying or Higher REF: p. 4
13. Why is it important to always ask a patient about his or her use of any herbal supplements or
botanicals?
a. Many states do not have regulations about herbal supplements or botanicals.
b. These substances are illegal and their use by patients must be reported.
c. Patients who use botanicals seldom take their prescribed drugs.
d. These substances can interact with a prescribed drug.
Chapter 01: Drug Regulation, Actions, and Responses
Workman & LaCharity: Understanding Pharmacology: Essentials for Medication
Safety, 2nd Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
BASIC CONCEPTS
1. Which health care professional has the major responsibility for
dispensing prescribed drugs under the direction of a pharmacist?
a. Physician
b. Nurse practitioner
c. Licensed nurse
d. Pharmacy technician
ANS: D
The physician and nurse practitioner have the major responsibility for prescribing drugs, not
dispensing them. The licensed nurse has the primary responsibility for administering drugs,
although under some circumstances a licensed nurse may dispense prescribed drugs but this is
not his or her major responsibility in drug therapy. The pharmacy technician has the major
responsibility of dispensing prescribed drugs under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 3
2. Which term describes the effect of a drug that improves body function?
a. Side effect
b. Intended action
c. Adverse reaction
d. Idiosyncratic response
ANS: B
The purpose of drug therapy is to take a drug to prevent, reduce, or correct a health problem.
This response is any drug’s intended action also known as a therapeutic response.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 3
3. Which type of drug name is “owned” by the company that manufactures it?
a. Generic name
b. Chemical name
c. Category name
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
d. Trade name
ANS: D
The chemical name is a drug’s exact chemical composition. The generic name is the name
assigned to the drug by the U.S. Adopted Names Council and is not owned by anyone. The
category name refers to the type of drug (what it does or what it is used for) and is not an
actual drug name. The trade name (brand name) is the name provided and owned by a specific
drug’s manufacturer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 4
4. Which drug or drug class is a “high alert” drug?
a. Penicillin
b. Insulin
c. NSAIDs
d. Calcium
ANS: B
A high alert drug is one in which harm is likely to result if given at the wrong dose, to the
wrong patient, or not given to the correct patient. Drugs classified as high alert drugs include
potassium, narcotics (opioids), insulin, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and heparin (or any drug
that strongly affects blood clotting). Penicillin, NSAIDs, and calcium are not considered high
alert drugs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 4
5. What is the term for a drug that has the same action as a naturally occurring body hormone or
enzyme?
a. Agonist
b. Blocking agent
c. Chemical
d. Duplicator
ANS: A
A drug agonist is an extrinsic drug that activates the receptor sites of a cell and mimics the
actions of naturally occurring body substances (intrinsic drugs). A blocking agent is a drug
antagonist. A chemical would not necessarily be a drug at all. A duplicator is not a
pharmacologic term.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: pp. 6-7
6. Which term describes how the body affects drug activity?
a. Drug potency
b. Pharmacodynamics
c. Therapeutic effect
d. Pharmacokinetics
ANS: D
The term pharmacokinetics refers to drug metabolism and how the body changes a drug.
Pharmacodynamics refers to how a drug works to change body function. Drug potency refers
to how strongly or to what degree a drug exerts its effects. The therapeutic effect is closer to
pharmacodynamics, meaning how a drug works to change body function.
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 10
7. In the United States, which group is responsible for enforcing established standards for drug
manufacturing?
a. U.S. Pharmacopeia
b. National Institutes of Health
c. Food and Drug Administration
d. Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
ANS: C
The standards for drug manufacture are established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. These
standards are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither the National Institutes
of Health nor the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers has any authority to enforce
drug standards.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 5
8. Which factor is a major disadvantage of the transdermal drug delivery route?
a. Only a prescriber can administer drugs by the transdermal route.
b. Transdermal drugs must be sterile rather than clean.
c. First pass drug loss by this route is the most extensive.
d. Drug absorption is dependent on adequate circulation.
ANS: D
Once a transdermal drug moves through the skin, it must enter the bloodstream to reach its
target tissue. If circulation is poor to the area where the transdermal drug is applied, very
little, if any, of the drug will reach its target tissue.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 12
9. How are intrinsic drugs different from extrinsic drugs?
a. Intrinsic drugs are made by the body, whereas extrinsic drugs are made outside the
body.
b. Intrinsic drugs are administered by the parenteral route, whereas extrinsic drugs
are administered by the oral route.
c. Extrinsic drugs can only be applied to the skin or mucous membranes, whereas
intrinsic drugs are taken internally.
d. Extrinsic drugs require a prescription for administration, whereas intrinsic drugs
are available over-the-counter.
ANS: A
Intrinsic drugs are the hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals made by the body that change
cell activity. Extrinsic drugs are manufactured from chemical, animal, or plant sources and
must have a means of entering the body in order to change cell activity.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 3
10. A patient asks why his drug to control high blood pressure has only one generic name and two
different trade names. What is your best response?
a. “Most drugs have different trade names that indicate different dosages.”
b. “The two different trade names indicate that one is a more pure and safer drug than
the other.”
, Understanding Pharmacology 2nd Edition Test Bank
c. “The generic name is the actual official drug name and the trade name is a brand
owned by a specific manufacturer.”
d. “If you have insurance, you can get the trade name drug, which is usually more
expensive than the generic named drug.”
ANS: C
The generic name is the name assigned to the drug by the U.S. Adopted Names Council and is
not owned by anyone. The trade name (brand name) is the name provided and owned by a
specific drug’s manufacturer. More than one manufacturer can make and sell the same drug at
the same time under a different trade name. Regardless of trade name, all drugs that have the
same generic name must be alike in their chemical composition and strength.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying or Higher REF: pp. 3-4
11. How are the terms drug and medication different in the health care environment?
a. Medications must be prescribed, whereas drugs are available over-the-counter.
b. Medications are used to treat health problems, whereas drugs can be misused.
c. Drugs are always illegal, whereas medications are legal.
d. There is no difference between these two terms.
ANS: D
Although the lay public may think there is a distinction between these two terms, in health
care they mean the same thing. Both are used to treat health problems and both can be
misused.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 2
12. The prescriber tells a patient with allergies to use oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl) over-the-
counter (OTC) to help manage her symptoms. She tells you that she would rather have a
prescription for the “real” Benadryl because she knows it is stronger and will work better than
the nonprescription form. What is your best response?
a. “If you receive a prescription for this drug your name will be added to a controlled
substances list.”
b. “It is better to use the OTC Benadryl rather than the prescribed form because it has
fewer side effects.”
c. “The OTC form of Benadryl is the same strength as the one that was available by
prescription only.”
d. “You are correct. I will ask the health care provider to write a prescription so that
you can get the most effective drug.”
ANS: C
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is no longer available by prescription only. The OTC form has
the same strength, action, and side effects that the prescription only drug had.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying or Higher REF: p. 4
13. Why is it important to always ask a patient about his or her use of any herbal supplements or
botanicals?
a. Many states do not have regulations about herbal supplements or botanicals.
b. These substances are illegal and their use by patients must be reported.
c. Patients who use botanicals seldom take their prescribed drugs.
d. These substances can interact with a prescribed drug.
