Nursing Pharmacology Test Bank
Chapter 7: Introduction to Cell Physiology
Based on: Focus on Nursing Pharmacology
8th Edition by Amy M. Karch
✔ Verified NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Covers Core Pharmacology Concepts
✔ Ideal for Nursing Students, ATI, HESI, and NCLEX Prep
Disclaimer: This document is intended for educational purposes only. It is an original, student-created study aid based
on the listed textbook. This material is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sourced from the publisher or author. Use
this resource responsibly and in accordance with your institution’s academic policies.
, Chapter 7 Introduction to Cell Physiology – Karch Pharmacology (8th
Ed.) | NCLEX Test Bank + Rationales + Cheat Sheet
1. Which function is most associated with the cell membrane in drug action?
A. DNA replication
B. Energy production
C. Transport of substances in and out of the cell
D. Ribosome synthesis
Correct Answer: C. Transport of substances in and out of the cell
Rationale: The cell membrane regulates entry and exit of substances, including drugs, ions, and
nutrients — a key pharmacologic target.
2. A drug that moves across the cell membrane from high concentration to low concentration
is using which process?
A. Active transport
B. Osmosis
C. Diffusion
D. Endocytosis
Correct Answer: C. Diffusion
Rationale: Simple diffusion allows substances to move passively down their concentration
gradient — no energy is required.
3. What is the key difference between active and passive transport?
A. Active transport requires ATP energy
B. Passive transport moves substances against the gradient
C. Passive transport uses vesicles
D. Active transport only happens in the liver
Correct Answer: A. Active transport requires ATP energy
Rationale: Active transport requires cellular energy (usually ATP) to move substances against a
concentration gradient.
4. A nurse explains that certain drugs require a carrier protein and energy to enter a cell. This
refers to:
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Osmotic transport
C. Active transport
D. Filtration
2
, Chapter 7 Introduction to Cell Physiology – Karch Pharmacology (8th
Ed.) | NCLEX Test Bank + Rationales + Cheat Sheet
Correct Answer: C. Active transport
Rationale: Active transport involves carrier proteins and cellular energy to move substances
across membranes.
5. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of:
A. Passive diffusion
B. Endocytosis
C. Osmosis
D. Active transport
Correct Answer: D. Active transport
Rationale: The Na⁺/K⁺ pump moves sodium and potassium ions against their gradients, using
ATP — a classic example of active transport.
6. Which process allows large molecules like insulin to enter the cell through engulfment?
A. Exocytosis
B. Endocytosis
C. Active diffusion
D. Passive transport
Correct Answer: B. Endocytosis
Rationale: Endocytosis allows the cell to engulf large molecules into vesicles for internal
transport.
7. Which statement about receptor sites is true?
A. All drugs bind to DNA
B. Receptor binding always inhibits cellular activity
C. Drugs bind to specific receptor sites to trigger or block a response
D. Receptor sites only exist on immune cells
Correct Answer: C. Drugs bind to specific receptor sites to trigger or block a response
Rationale: Receptors are protein structures on or inside cells where drugs bind to initiate or
inhibit biological activity.
3
Chapter 7: Introduction to Cell Physiology
Based on: Focus on Nursing Pharmacology
8th Edition by Amy M. Karch
✔ Verified NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Covers Core Pharmacology Concepts
✔ Ideal for Nursing Students, ATI, HESI, and NCLEX Prep
Disclaimer: This document is intended for educational purposes only. It is an original, student-created study aid based
on the listed textbook. This material is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sourced from the publisher or author. Use
this resource responsibly and in accordance with your institution’s academic policies.
, Chapter 7 Introduction to Cell Physiology – Karch Pharmacology (8th
Ed.) | NCLEX Test Bank + Rationales + Cheat Sheet
1. Which function is most associated with the cell membrane in drug action?
A. DNA replication
B. Energy production
C. Transport of substances in and out of the cell
D. Ribosome synthesis
Correct Answer: C. Transport of substances in and out of the cell
Rationale: The cell membrane regulates entry and exit of substances, including drugs, ions, and
nutrients — a key pharmacologic target.
2. A drug that moves across the cell membrane from high concentration to low concentration
is using which process?
A. Active transport
B. Osmosis
C. Diffusion
D. Endocytosis
Correct Answer: C. Diffusion
Rationale: Simple diffusion allows substances to move passively down their concentration
gradient — no energy is required.
3. What is the key difference between active and passive transport?
A. Active transport requires ATP energy
B. Passive transport moves substances against the gradient
C. Passive transport uses vesicles
D. Active transport only happens in the liver
Correct Answer: A. Active transport requires ATP energy
Rationale: Active transport requires cellular energy (usually ATP) to move substances against a
concentration gradient.
4. A nurse explains that certain drugs require a carrier protein and energy to enter a cell. This
refers to:
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Osmotic transport
C. Active transport
D. Filtration
2
, Chapter 7 Introduction to Cell Physiology – Karch Pharmacology (8th
Ed.) | NCLEX Test Bank + Rationales + Cheat Sheet
Correct Answer: C. Active transport
Rationale: Active transport involves carrier proteins and cellular energy to move substances
across membranes.
5. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of:
A. Passive diffusion
B. Endocytosis
C. Osmosis
D. Active transport
Correct Answer: D. Active transport
Rationale: The Na⁺/K⁺ pump moves sodium and potassium ions against their gradients, using
ATP — a classic example of active transport.
6. Which process allows large molecules like insulin to enter the cell through engulfment?
A. Exocytosis
B. Endocytosis
C. Active diffusion
D. Passive transport
Correct Answer: B. Endocytosis
Rationale: Endocytosis allows the cell to engulf large molecules into vesicles for internal
transport.
7. Which statement about receptor sites is true?
A. All drugs bind to DNA
B. Receptor binding always inhibits cellular activity
C. Drugs bind to specific receptor sites to trigger or block a response
D. Receptor sites only exist on immune cells
Correct Answer: C. Drugs bind to specific receptor sites to trigger or block a response
Rationale: Receptors are protein structures on or inside cells where drugs bind to initiate or
inhibit biological activity.
3
