Chapter 02: Pharmacological Principles
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient is receiving two different drugs, which, at their current dose forms and dosages, are both
absorbed into the circulation in identical amounts. Which term best denotes that the drugs have the
same absorption rates?
a. Equivalent b. Synergistic c. Compatible
d. Bioequivalent
ANS: D
Two drugs absorbed into the circulation at the same amount (in specific dosage forms) have the same
bioavailability; thus, they are bioequivalent. “Equivalent” is incorrect because the term “bioavailability”
is used to express the extent of drug absorption. “Synergistic” is incorrect because this term refers to
two drugs given together whose resulting effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each drug given
alone. “Compatible” is incorrect because this term is a general term used to indicate that two
substances do not have a chemical reaction when mixed (or given, in the case of drugs) together.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. A patient is receiving medication via intravenous injection. Which information should the nurse
provide for patient education?
a. The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously.
b. The medication will be absorbed slowly into the tissues over time.
c. The medication’s action will begin faster when given intravenously.
d. Most of the drug is inactivated by the liver before it reaches the target area.
ANS: C
Intravenous injections are the fastest route of absorption. The intravenous route does not affect the
number of adverse effects, the intravenous route is not a slow route of absorption, and the intravenous
route does not cause inactivation of the drug by the liver before it reaches the target area.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
3. Which is true regarding parenteral drugs?
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient is receiving two different drugs, which, at their current dose forms and dosages, are both
absorbed into the circulation in identical amounts. Which term best denotes that the drugs have the
same absorption rates?
a. Equivalent b. Synergistic c. Compatible
d. Bioequivalent
ANS: D
Two drugs absorbed into the circulation at the same amount (in specific dosage forms) have the same
bioavailability; thus, they are bioequivalent. “Equivalent” is incorrect because the term “bioavailability”
is used to express the extent of drug absorption. “Synergistic” is incorrect because this term refers to
two drugs given together whose resulting effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each drug given
alone. “Compatible” is incorrect because this term is a general term used to indicate that two
substances do not have a chemical reaction when mixed (or given, in the case of drugs) together.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. A patient is receiving medication via intravenous injection. Which information should the nurse
provide for patient education?
a. The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously.
b. The medication will be absorbed slowly into the tissues over time.
c. The medication’s action will begin faster when given intravenously.
d. Most of the drug is inactivated by the liver before it reaches the target area.
ANS: C
Intravenous injections are the fastest route of absorption. The intravenous route does not affect the
number of adverse effects, the intravenous route is not a slow route of absorption, and the intravenous
route does not cause inactivation of the drug by the liver before it reaches the target area.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
3. Which is true regarding parenteral drugs?
