COMPLETE WGU D116
PHARMACOLOGY OA EXAM STUDY
GUIDE – EXPERT-VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH COMPREHENSIVE
RATIONALES FOR ADVANCED
NURSING
Contents
1 Introduction 2
2 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 2
3 Autonomic Nervous System Drugs 4
4 Central Nervous System Drugs 5
5 Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs 6
6 Endocrine Drugs 7
7 Gastrointestinal Drugs 7
8 Antimicrobial Drugs 8
9 Pain and Inflammation Drugs 8
10 Additional Relevant Questions 9
1
, 1 Introduction
This study guide provides a focused review for the WGU D116 Pharmacology
OA Exam, featuring clear, concise questions and answers with practical ratio-
nales. It minimizes complex terminology and includes 100 additional relevant
questions to ensure thorough preparation. The content is organized by major
pharmacological topics for easy study and reference. Save this document as a
PDF for a downloadable format suitable for exam preparation.
2 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
1. What is drug absorption?
Answer: The process where a medication enters the bloodstream from its
administration site, such as the stomach or skin.
Rationale: Absorption determines how quickly a drug begins to work; fac-
tors like food or pH can influence its rate and extent.
2. What factors affect how fast a drug is absorbed?
Answer: Lipid solubility, pH, drug concentration, contact time, age, food
intake, and inhalation depth for inhaled drugs.
Rationale: These factors impact the amount and speed of drug entry into
the bloodstream, affecting efficacy.
3. What is drug distribution?
Answer: The movement of a drug through the bloodstream to its target tis-
sues or organs.
Rationale: Effective distribution ensures the drug reaches its intended site
of action, such as muscles or organs.
4. What is drug metabolism?
Answer: The body’s breakdown of a drug, primarily in the liver, to facilitate
its elimination.
Rationale: Metabolism transforms drugs into forms that can be excreted,
preventing accumulation.
5. What is drug excretion?
Answer: The removal of a drug from the body, typically via urine or feces,
to prevent buildup.
Rationale: Efficient excretion maintains safe drug levels and reduces toxi-
city risks.
6. How does the blood-brain barrier function?
Answer: It restricts certain substances from entering the brain while allow-
ing lipid-soluble drugs or those with specific transporters to pass.
Rationale: This barrier protects the brain but can complicate treatment of
neurological conditions.
7. What happens when two drugs compete for the same protein binding
sites?
Answer: One or both drugs may have reduced binding, increasing free drug
2
PHARMACOLOGY OA EXAM STUDY
GUIDE – EXPERT-VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH COMPREHENSIVE
RATIONALES FOR ADVANCED
NURSING
Contents
1 Introduction 2
2 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 2
3 Autonomic Nervous System Drugs 4
4 Central Nervous System Drugs 5
5 Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs 6
6 Endocrine Drugs 7
7 Gastrointestinal Drugs 7
8 Antimicrobial Drugs 8
9 Pain and Inflammation Drugs 8
10 Additional Relevant Questions 9
1
, 1 Introduction
This study guide provides a focused review for the WGU D116 Pharmacology
OA Exam, featuring clear, concise questions and answers with practical ratio-
nales. It minimizes complex terminology and includes 100 additional relevant
questions to ensure thorough preparation. The content is organized by major
pharmacological topics for easy study and reference. Save this document as a
PDF for a downloadable format suitable for exam preparation.
2 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
1. What is drug absorption?
Answer: The process where a medication enters the bloodstream from its
administration site, such as the stomach or skin.
Rationale: Absorption determines how quickly a drug begins to work; fac-
tors like food or pH can influence its rate and extent.
2. What factors affect how fast a drug is absorbed?
Answer: Lipid solubility, pH, drug concentration, contact time, age, food
intake, and inhalation depth for inhaled drugs.
Rationale: These factors impact the amount and speed of drug entry into
the bloodstream, affecting efficacy.
3. What is drug distribution?
Answer: The movement of a drug through the bloodstream to its target tis-
sues or organs.
Rationale: Effective distribution ensures the drug reaches its intended site
of action, such as muscles or organs.
4. What is drug metabolism?
Answer: The body’s breakdown of a drug, primarily in the liver, to facilitate
its elimination.
Rationale: Metabolism transforms drugs into forms that can be excreted,
preventing accumulation.
5. What is drug excretion?
Answer: The removal of a drug from the body, typically via urine or feces,
to prevent buildup.
Rationale: Efficient excretion maintains safe drug levels and reduces toxi-
city risks.
6. How does the blood-brain barrier function?
Answer: It restricts certain substances from entering the brain while allow-
ing lipid-soluble drugs or those with specific transporters to pass.
Rationale: This barrier protects the brain but can complicate treatment of
neurological conditions.
7. What happens when two drugs compete for the same protein binding
sites?
Answer: One or both drugs may have reduced binding, increasing free drug
2
