NURS 251 Module 1 Exam V3 | NURS 251
Module 1 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 1 Exam)
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacogenomics
Answer: C
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs through the body and
specifically involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. This differs from
pharmacodynamics, which focuses on what the drug does to the body. Understanding these
processes is essential for nurses to predict drug onset, peak, and duration of action.
2. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high ‘first-pass effect.’ Which route of
administration would be least effective for achieving therapeutic blood levels?
A. Intravenous
B. Oral
,C. Sublingual
D. Transdermal
Answer: B
Rationale: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver before it
reaches systemic circulation, which primarily happens with oral administration. Drugs
given intravenously or sublingually bypass the liver initially, maintaining higher
bioavailability. Nurses must recognize that higher oral doses are often required compared
to parenteral doses for the same medication.
3. A nurse is reviewing a medication order and notes the drug name is ‘Acetaminophen.’ This
is an example of which type of drug name?
A. Chemical name
B. Generic name
C. Brand name
D. Trade name
Answer: B
Rationale: The generic name is the official, non-proprietary name assigned by the United
States Adopted Names Council and is used consistently regardless of the manufacturer.
Trade or brand names, such as Tylenol, are registered trademarks owned by specific
companies. Nurses are encouraged to use generic names to reduce the risk of medication
errors.
, 4. Which schedule of controlled substances includes drugs with a high potential for abuse but
have currently accepted medical uses in the United States, such as Morphine?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule IV
C. Schedule III
D. Schedule II
Answer: D
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe
psychological or physical dependence, yet they are used medically. Schedule I drugs have
no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Understanding these classifications
helps nurses follow strict legal protocols for storage and documentation.
5. A drug that binds to a receptor and prevents a biological response from occurring is known
as a(n):
A. Agonist
B. Synergist
C. Potentiator
D. Antagonist
Answer: D
Module 1 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 1 Exam)
1. Which term describes the study of what the body does to a drug, including absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Pharmacogenomics
Answer: C
Rationale: Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs through the body and
specifically involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. This differs from
pharmacodynamics, which focuses on what the drug does to the body. Understanding these
processes is essential for nurses to predict drug onset, peak, and duration of action.
2. A patient is prescribed a medication that has a high ‘first-pass effect.’ Which route of
administration would be least effective for achieving therapeutic blood levels?
A. Intravenous
B. Oral
,C. Sublingual
D. Transdermal
Answer: B
Rationale: The first-pass effect occurs when a drug is metabolized by the liver before it
reaches systemic circulation, which primarily happens with oral administration. Drugs
given intravenously or sublingually bypass the liver initially, maintaining higher
bioavailability. Nurses must recognize that higher oral doses are often required compared
to parenteral doses for the same medication.
3. A nurse is reviewing a medication order and notes the drug name is ‘Acetaminophen.’ This
is an example of which type of drug name?
A. Chemical name
B. Generic name
C. Brand name
D. Trade name
Answer: B
Rationale: The generic name is the official, non-proprietary name assigned by the United
States Adopted Names Council and is used consistently regardless of the manufacturer.
Trade or brand names, such as Tylenol, are registered trademarks owned by specific
companies. Nurses are encouraged to use generic names to reduce the risk of medication
errors.
, 4. Which schedule of controlled substances includes drugs with a high potential for abuse but
have currently accepted medical uses in the United States, such as Morphine?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule IV
C. Schedule III
D. Schedule II
Answer: D
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe
psychological or physical dependence, yet they are used medically. Schedule I drugs have
no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Understanding these classifications
helps nurses follow strict legal protocols for storage and documentation.
5. A drug that binds to a receptor and prevents a biological response from occurring is known
as a(n):
A. Agonist
B. Synergist
C. Potentiator
D. Antagonist
Answer: D
