WGU D232 – Pharmacology Exam
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales|
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed a
medication with a narrow therapeutic index. Which action is most
important?
A. Administer the medication with meals
B. Monitor the patient for therapeutic drug levels
C. Encourage increased fluid intake
D. Administer the medication at bedtime
Answer: B. Monitor the patient for therapeutic drug levels
Rationale: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a small
difference between therapeutic and toxic concentrations. Drugs such as
lithium, digoxin, and certain anticonvulsants may require therapeutic
drug monitoring to ensure effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.
Monitoring serum levels, along with clinical assessment, helps maintain
the medication within the therapeutic range.
, 2. Which pharmacokinetic process describes the movement of a
medication from the site of administration into the bloodstream?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Excretion
Answer: C. Absorption
Rationale: Absorption is the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into systemic circulation. The route of administration
affects absorption. Intravenous medications bypass the absorption
process because they are introduced directly into the bloodstream,
whereas oral medications must be absorbed through the
gastrointestinal tract.
3. A patient is prescribed a medication that is highly protein bound.
Which condition could increase the risk of toxicity?
A. Increased albumin concentration
B. Decreased albumin concentration
C. Increased renal filtration
D. Increased gastrointestinal motility
Answer: B. Decreased albumin concentration
Rationale: Many medications bind to plasma proteins, particularly
albumin. Only the unbound portion of a medication is generally
pharmacologically active and available for distribution. When albumin
,levels are low, a greater proportion of a highly protein-bound drug
remains unbound, potentially increasing its effects and risk of toxicity.
4. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most
medications?
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Spleen
D. Pancreas
Answer: B. Liver
Rationale: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism. Hepatic
enzymes, particularly those in the cytochrome P450 system, chemically
modify many medications so they can be more readily eliminated. Liver
dysfunction can therefore alter drug metabolism and increase the risk of
accumulation and toxicity.
5. A nurse is reviewing the medication profile of a patient with
significant renal impairment. Why may medication dosages need
to be adjusted?
A. Renal impairment always increases medication absorption
B. Impaired kidneys may decrease medication elimination
C. Renal impairment prevents medications from binding to proteins
D. Impaired kidneys always increase hepatic metabolism
Answer: B. Impaired kidneys may decrease medication elimination
, Rationale: The kidneys are an important route of elimination for many
medications and their metabolites. Reduced renal function can cause
medications to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of adverse
effects and toxicity. Dosage reductions or longer dosing intervals may be
necessary depending on the medication and degree of renal
impairment.
6. Which medication is classified as an opioid analgesic?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Ibuprofen
C. Morphine
D. Naproxen
Answer: C. Morphine
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to
severe pain. Opioids act primarily on opioid receptors in the central
nervous system and can produce analgesia, sedation, respiratory
depression, constipation, and physical dependence. Respiratory status is
particularly important when monitoring patients receiving opioid
medications.
7. A patient receiving morphine becomes difficult to arouse and has
a respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales|
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed a
medication with a narrow therapeutic index. Which action is most
important?
A. Administer the medication with meals
B. Monitor the patient for therapeutic drug levels
C. Encourage increased fluid intake
D. Administer the medication at bedtime
Answer: B. Monitor the patient for therapeutic drug levels
Rationale: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a small
difference between therapeutic and toxic concentrations. Drugs such as
lithium, digoxin, and certain anticonvulsants may require therapeutic
drug monitoring to ensure effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.
Monitoring serum levels, along with clinical assessment, helps maintain
the medication within the therapeutic range.
, 2. Which pharmacokinetic process describes the movement of a
medication from the site of administration into the bloodstream?
A. Distribution
B. Metabolism
C. Absorption
D. Excretion
Answer: C. Absorption
Rationale: Absorption is the movement of a drug from its site of
administration into systemic circulation. The route of administration
affects absorption. Intravenous medications bypass the absorption
process because they are introduced directly into the bloodstream,
whereas oral medications must be absorbed through the
gastrointestinal tract.
3. A patient is prescribed a medication that is highly protein bound.
Which condition could increase the risk of toxicity?
A. Increased albumin concentration
B. Decreased albumin concentration
C. Increased renal filtration
D. Increased gastrointestinal motility
Answer: B. Decreased albumin concentration
Rationale: Many medications bind to plasma proteins, particularly
albumin. Only the unbound portion of a medication is generally
pharmacologically active and available for distribution. When albumin
,levels are low, a greater proportion of a highly protein-bound drug
remains unbound, potentially increasing its effects and risk of toxicity.
4. Which organ is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most
medications?
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Spleen
D. Pancreas
Answer: B. Liver
Rationale: The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism. Hepatic
enzymes, particularly those in the cytochrome P450 system, chemically
modify many medications so they can be more readily eliminated. Liver
dysfunction can therefore alter drug metabolism and increase the risk of
accumulation and toxicity.
5. A nurse is reviewing the medication profile of a patient with
significant renal impairment. Why may medication dosages need
to be adjusted?
A. Renal impairment always increases medication absorption
B. Impaired kidneys may decrease medication elimination
C. Renal impairment prevents medications from binding to proteins
D. Impaired kidneys always increase hepatic metabolism
Answer: B. Impaired kidneys may decrease medication elimination
, Rationale: The kidneys are an important route of elimination for many
medications and their metabolites. Reduced renal function can cause
medications to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of adverse
effects and toxicity. Dosage reductions or longer dosing intervals may be
necessary depending on the medication and degree of renal
impairment.
6. Which medication is classified as an opioid analgesic?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Ibuprofen
C. Morphine
D. Naproxen
Answer: C. Morphine
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to
severe pain. Opioids act primarily on opioid receptors in the central
nervous system and can produce analgesia, sedation, respiratory
depression, constipation, and physical dependence. Respiratory status is
particularly important when monitoring patients receiving opioid
medications.
7. A patient receiving morphine becomes difficult to arouse and has
a respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
