HOSA Pharmacology Master Exam Review | 2025/2026
Updated Edition | 300+ High-Yield Questions & Verified Correct
Answers | Complete Preparation Guide | Grade A+
Absorption Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug enters the circulatory system
(blood).
Intravenous (IV) & Intra-Arterial Correct Ans:- Administration/Dosage routs that do
not require absorption.
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, & Elimination... The Pharmacokinetic Process
Correct Ans:- ADME
Addiction Correct Ans:- Dependence characterized by a perceived need to take a drug to
attain the psychological & physical effects of mood altering substances.
Affinity Correct Ans:- Natural attraction - the strength by which a particular chemical
messenger binds to its receptor site on a cell
Agonist Correct Ans:- Drug that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter when it binds
to a particular receptor site - i.e. & triggers the cell's response in a manner similar to the
action of the body's own chemical messenger.
Allergen Correct Ans:- Substance of a usually harmless nature that produces an
abnormal hypersensitive reaction.
Allergic Response Correct Ans:- A hypersensitive reaction to any usually harmless
substance that does not normally cause a reaction.
Anaphylactic Reaction Correct Ans:- Severe allergic response resulting in immediate
life-threatening respiratory distress, usually followed by vascular collapse & shock
accompanied w/ hives.
Angioedema Correct Ans:- Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue.
Antagonist Correct Ans:- Drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of a
neurotransmitter or another drug when it binds to a particular receptor site.
Antigen Correct Ans:- Foreign substance that is recognized by the immune system &
induces the immune system to produce antibodies to defend against the foreign substance.
Bioavailability Correct Ans:- Degree to which a drug or other substance becomes
available to the target tissue after administration.
,Blood-Brain Barrier Correct Ans:- Fortified area that prevents many substances from
entering the cerebro-spinal fluid from the blood. This area is formed by glial cells that
envelope capillaries in the fcentral nervous system. This creates a shield that blocks many
water-soluble compounds, but is permeable to lipid-soluble substances.
Ceiling Effect Correct Ans:- Point @ which no clinical response occurs w/ increased
dosage of a drug.
Clearance Correct Ans:- Rate @ which a drug is eliminated from a specific volume of
blood per unit of time.
Contraindication Correct Ans:- Any disease, condition, or symptom for which a drug will
not be beneficial & may be harmful.
Dependence Correct Ans:- State in which a person's body has adapted physiologically &
psychologically to a drug & cannot function w/o it.
Distribution Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug moves from the blood into other
body fluids & tissues & ultimately to its site(s) of action.
Dose Correct Ans:- Quantity of a drug administered at one time.
Drug Abuse Correct Ans:- Use of a drug for purposes other than those prescribed &/or
in amounts that were not directed. This is often linked to addiction.
Drug Interaction Correct Ans:- When a drug is affected in some way by another drug,
foods, or other substances, such as when enzymes that metabolize the drug are induced or
inhibited.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Addition Correct Ans:- The combined effect of 2 drugs is
equal to the sum of the effects of each drug taken alone.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Antagonism Correct Ans:- The action of 1 drug negates
the action of a 2nd drug.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Potentiation Correct Ans:- 1 drug increases or prolongs
the action of another drug, & the total effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each
drug used alone - drug potency is increased.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Synergism Correct Ans:- The combined effect of 2 drugs
is more intense or longer in duration than the sum of their individual effects. Drugs that
work in combination like this are usually prescribed together.
Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Receptors, & Transport Proteins Correct Ans:- Types of specific
body molecules that drugs can combine w/.
,Duration Of Action Correct Ans:- Length of time a drug gives the desired
response/remains at the therapeutic level.
Elimination Correct Ans:- Removal of a drug or the drugs metabolites from the body by
excretion.
First-Order Correct Ans:- Drugs for which the rate of elimination is concentration
dependent (as opposed to ____ _ _____).
First-Pass Effect Correct Ans:- Extent to which a drug is metabolized by the liver before
reaching full body circulation. This can substantially decrease bioavailability of certain
drugs when administered orally, in which case administration by injection is required.
Half-Life Correct Ans:- Time necessary for the body to eliminate half of the drug in the
body @ any 1 time (written as T 1/2).
Homeostasis Correct Ans:- Maintenance of stability in the internal environment of the
body.
Induction Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug increases the concentration of certain
enzymes that affect the pharmacologic response to other drugs.
Inhibition Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug blocks enzyme activity & impairs the
metabolism of another drug.
Interaction Correct Ans:- Change in the action of a drug caused by another drug, food, or
another substance, such as alcohol or nicotine.
Lipid Correct Ans:- Fatty molecule - An important constituent of cell membranes; they
generally repel water.
Local Effect Correct Ans:- Action of a drug that is confined to a specific part of the body.
Loading Dose Correct Ans:- Amt of a drug that will bring the blood concentration
rapidly to a therapeutic level.
Maintenance Dose Correct Ans:- Amt of a drug administered at regular intervals to keep
the blood concentration @ a therapeutic level. An important factor in determining this, is a
drug's clearance rate.
Metabolic Pathway Correct Ans:- Sequence of chemical steps that convert a drug tinto a
metabolite.
Metabolism Correct Ans:- Process by which drugs are chemically converted to other
compounds.
, Metabolite Correct Ans:- Substance into which a drug is chemically converted in the
body.
Peak Correct Ans:- Top or upper limit of a drug's concentration in the blood.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling Correct Ans:- Method of describing the process of
absorption, distribution, metabolism, & elimination (ADME) of drug w/i the body
mathematically.
Pharmacokinetics Correct Ans:- Activity of a drug w/i the body over a period of time;
includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, & elimination (ADME).
Prophylaxis Correct Ans:- Effect of a drug in preventing infection or disease.
Pruritus Correct Ans:- Itching Sensation.
Receptor Correct Ans:- Protein molecule on the surface of or w/i a cell that recognizes
& binds w/ specific molecules, thereby producing some effect w/i the cell.
Side Effect Correct Ans:- Secondary response to a drug other than the primary
therapeutic effect for which the drug was inteneded.
Solubility Correct Ans:- Ability of a drug to dissolve in body fluids.
Specificity Correct Ans:- Property of a cell receptor that enables it to bind only w/ a
specific chemical messenger complementary to the structure of the receptor.
Systemic Effect Correct Ans:- Action of a drug that has generalized - the all-inclusive
effect of the drug on the body.
Therapeutic Effect Correct Ans:- Desired action of a drug in the treatment of a particular
disease , state, or symptom.
Therapeutic Level Correct Ans:- Amount of a drug in the blood @ which beneficial
effects occur. The amt. of time required to achieve this can be shortened by administering a
loading dose.
Therapeutic Range Correct Ans:- Optimum Dosage, providing the best chance for
achieving the most effective & desired action... Dosing below this range has little effect,
while dosing above this level (overdosing) can lead to toxicity & death.
Tolerance Correct Ans:- Decrease in response to the effects of a drug as it continues to
be administered.
Trough Correct Ans:- Lowest level of a drug in the blood.
Updated Edition | 300+ High-Yield Questions & Verified Correct
Answers | Complete Preparation Guide | Grade A+
Absorption Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug enters the circulatory system
(blood).
Intravenous (IV) & Intra-Arterial Correct Ans:- Administration/Dosage routs that do
not require absorption.
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, & Elimination... The Pharmacokinetic Process
Correct Ans:- ADME
Addiction Correct Ans:- Dependence characterized by a perceived need to take a drug to
attain the psychological & physical effects of mood altering substances.
Affinity Correct Ans:- Natural attraction - the strength by which a particular chemical
messenger binds to its receptor site on a cell
Agonist Correct Ans:- Drug that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter when it binds
to a particular receptor site - i.e. & triggers the cell's response in a manner similar to the
action of the body's own chemical messenger.
Allergen Correct Ans:- Substance of a usually harmless nature that produces an
abnormal hypersensitive reaction.
Allergic Response Correct Ans:- A hypersensitive reaction to any usually harmless
substance that does not normally cause a reaction.
Anaphylactic Reaction Correct Ans:- Severe allergic response resulting in immediate
life-threatening respiratory distress, usually followed by vascular collapse & shock
accompanied w/ hives.
Angioedema Correct Ans:- Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue.
Antagonist Correct Ans:- Drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of a
neurotransmitter or another drug when it binds to a particular receptor site.
Antigen Correct Ans:- Foreign substance that is recognized by the immune system &
induces the immune system to produce antibodies to defend against the foreign substance.
Bioavailability Correct Ans:- Degree to which a drug or other substance becomes
available to the target tissue after administration.
,Blood-Brain Barrier Correct Ans:- Fortified area that prevents many substances from
entering the cerebro-spinal fluid from the blood. This area is formed by glial cells that
envelope capillaries in the fcentral nervous system. This creates a shield that blocks many
water-soluble compounds, but is permeable to lipid-soluble substances.
Ceiling Effect Correct Ans:- Point @ which no clinical response occurs w/ increased
dosage of a drug.
Clearance Correct Ans:- Rate @ which a drug is eliminated from a specific volume of
blood per unit of time.
Contraindication Correct Ans:- Any disease, condition, or symptom for which a drug will
not be beneficial & may be harmful.
Dependence Correct Ans:- State in which a person's body has adapted physiologically &
psychologically to a drug & cannot function w/o it.
Distribution Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug moves from the blood into other
body fluids & tissues & ultimately to its site(s) of action.
Dose Correct Ans:- Quantity of a drug administered at one time.
Drug Abuse Correct Ans:- Use of a drug for purposes other than those prescribed &/or
in amounts that were not directed. This is often linked to addiction.
Drug Interaction Correct Ans:- When a drug is affected in some way by another drug,
foods, or other substances, such as when enzymes that metabolize the drug are induced or
inhibited.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Addition Correct Ans:- The combined effect of 2 drugs is
equal to the sum of the effects of each drug taken alone.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Antagonism Correct Ans:- The action of 1 drug negates
the action of a 2nd drug.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Potentiation Correct Ans:- 1 drug increases or prolongs
the action of another drug, & the total effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each
drug used alone - drug potency is increased.
Drug Interaction Relationship: Synergism Correct Ans:- The combined effect of 2 drugs
is more intense or longer in duration than the sum of their individual effects. Drugs that
work in combination like this are usually prescribed together.
Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Receptors, & Transport Proteins Correct Ans:- Types of specific
body molecules that drugs can combine w/.
,Duration Of Action Correct Ans:- Length of time a drug gives the desired
response/remains at the therapeutic level.
Elimination Correct Ans:- Removal of a drug or the drugs metabolites from the body by
excretion.
First-Order Correct Ans:- Drugs for which the rate of elimination is concentration
dependent (as opposed to ____ _ _____).
First-Pass Effect Correct Ans:- Extent to which a drug is metabolized by the liver before
reaching full body circulation. This can substantially decrease bioavailability of certain
drugs when administered orally, in which case administration by injection is required.
Half-Life Correct Ans:- Time necessary for the body to eliminate half of the drug in the
body @ any 1 time (written as T 1/2).
Homeostasis Correct Ans:- Maintenance of stability in the internal environment of the
body.
Induction Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug increases the concentration of certain
enzymes that affect the pharmacologic response to other drugs.
Inhibition Correct Ans:- Process by which a drug blocks enzyme activity & impairs the
metabolism of another drug.
Interaction Correct Ans:- Change in the action of a drug caused by another drug, food, or
another substance, such as alcohol or nicotine.
Lipid Correct Ans:- Fatty molecule - An important constituent of cell membranes; they
generally repel water.
Local Effect Correct Ans:- Action of a drug that is confined to a specific part of the body.
Loading Dose Correct Ans:- Amt of a drug that will bring the blood concentration
rapidly to a therapeutic level.
Maintenance Dose Correct Ans:- Amt of a drug administered at regular intervals to keep
the blood concentration @ a therapeutic level. An important factor in determining this, is a
drug's clearance rate.
Metabolic Pathway Correct Ans:- Sequence of chemical steps that convert a drug tinto a
metabolite.
Metabolism Correct Ans:- Process by which drugs are chemically converted to other
compounds.
, Metabolite Correct Ans:- Substance into which a drug is chemically converted in the
body.
Peak Correct Ans:- Top or upper limit of a drug's concentration in the blood.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling Correct Ans:- Method of describing the process of
absorption, distribution, metabolism, & elimination (ADME) of drug w/i the body
mathematically.
Pharmacokinetics Correct Ans:- Activity of a drug w/i the body over a period of time;
includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, & elimination (ADME).
Prophylaxis Correct Ans:- Effect of a drug in preventing infection or disease.
Pruritus Correct Ans:- Itching Sensation.
Receptor Correct Ans:- Protein molecule on the surface of or w/i a cell that recognizes
& binds w/ specific molecules, thereby producing some effect w/i the cell.
Side Effect Correct Ans:- Secondary response to a drug other than the primary
therapeutic effect for which the drug was inteneded.
Solubility Correct Ans:- Ability of a drug to dissolve in body fluids.
Specificity Correct Ans:- Property of a cell receptor that enables it to bind only w/ a
specific chemical messenger complementary to the structure of the receptor.
Systemic Effect Correct Ans:- Action of a drug that has generalized - the all-inclusive
effect of the drug on the body.
Therapeutic Effect Correct Ans:- Desired action of a drug in the treatment of a particular
disease , state, or symptom.
Therapeutic Level Correct Ans:- Amount of a drug in the blood @ which beneficial
effects occur. The amt. of time required to achieve this can be shortened by administering a
loading dose.
Therapeutic Range Correct Ans:- Optimum Dosage, providing the best chance for
achieving the most effective & desired action... Dosing below this range has little effect,
while dosing above this level (overdosing) can lead to toxicity & death.
Tolerance Correct Ans:- Decrease in response to the effects of a drug as it continues to
be administered.
Trough Correct Ans:- Lowest level of a drug in the blood.
