Introduction to Pharmacology - GCU
Actual Questions and Answers
NSG 318 EXAM 1
What are the 3 liver enzymes?
Correct Answer:
Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Expert Rationale:
AST, ALT, and ALP are primary biomarkers measured to assess
hepatic function. AST and ALT are intracellular enzymes released
into the circulation following hepatocellular injury and are crucial
,for evaluating hepatocellular damage. ALP, while found in the
liver, also exists in bone and other tissues and can be elevated in
conditions affecting bile flow (cholestasis). Comprehensive
assessment of liver dysfunction relies on evaluating all three in
conjunction with clinical presentation.
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What method of administration is putting a tablet under
the tongue?
Correct Answer:
Sublingual
Expert Rationale:
The sublingual route involves placing medication under the
tongue for absorption via the rich vascular supply. This bypasses
the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic first-pass metabolism, thus
facilitating more rapid and efficient systemic drug availability.
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What lab test reflects the function of the kidney?
Correct Answer:
Creatinine
,Expert Rationale:
Serum creatinine is a key marker of renal function, as its
concentration in blood increases with renal impairment. Because
creatinine is primarily filtered by the glomerulus and only
minimally secreted by renal tubules, changes in its concentration
are a sensitive indicator of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
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Decreased responsiveness of a drug over the course of
therapy is the definition of what?
Correct Answer:
Tolerance
Expert Rationale:
Tolerance refers to a pharmacological phenomenon where
sustained drug exposure results in decreased efficacy, requiring
higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect. It is distinct
from dependence or addiction, and can develop with various drug
classes, notably opioids and benzodiazepines.
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Tachyphylaxis
Correct Answer:
, Rapid tolerance
Expert Rationale:
Tachyphylaxis is characterized by a sudden, acute decrease in
response to a drug after initial doses. This is typically observed
with some medications such as decongestants or nitrates, and
differentiates from tolerance by its rapid onset, rendering
subsequent doses ineffective shortly after administration begins.
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Definition of Pharmacology
Correct Answer:
Study of drugs (study of medication therapy)
Expert Rationale:
Pharmacology encompasses the scientific discipline involved in
the research, discovery, and characterization of chemicals which
show biological effects and the elucidation of cellular and
organismal function in relation to these chemicals. In clinical
context, it includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and
therapeutics.
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What is not required on an OTC label?