Free Principles of Pharmacology MCQs with Answers

• A. It describes how a drug changes body functions
• B. It describes how the body absorbs and removes a drug
• C. It describes how drugs are named and classified
• D. It describes how patients respond emotionally to drugs

Explanation: Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to a drug through absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

• A. It describes the movement of drugs through the body
• B. It describes the breakdown of drugs in the liver
• C. It describes the effects and actions of drugs
• D. It describes the removal of drugs by the kidneys

Explanation: Pharmacodynamics explains how a drug produces its effects, including receptor actions and dose response.

• A. First-pass metabolism
• B. Renal tubular secretion
• C. Plasma protein binding
• D. Glomerular filtration

Explanation: First-pass metabolism occurs when an orally absorbed drug passes through the intestinal wall and liver before entering the general…

• A. Less free drug and reduced drug action
• B. More free drug and increased toxicity risk
• C. Slower absorption and delayed drug action
• D. Faster excretion and shorter drug action

Explanation: Albumin binds many drugs in the blood and limits the amount that is pharmacologically active.

• A. Reach its maximum therapeutic level
• B. Begin producing its first therapeutic effect
• C. Fall to one half of its original level
• D. Become completely removed from the body

Explanation: Half-life is the time needed for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 percent.

• A. The patient prefers tablets over capsules
• B. The patient missed breakfast before the dose
• C. The patient has a new prescription for another drug
• D. The patient reports mild thirst after walking

Explanation: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index have a small difference between effective and toxic concentrations, so interactions can cause harm.

• A. Administer the drug with extra water
• B. Hold the drug and verify the allergy history
• C. Give the drug after checking the blood pressure
• D. Ask the patient to report swelling after the dose

Explanation: Facial swelling may indicate a serious hypersensitivity reaction, so the nurse should withhold the medication and clarify the allergy with…

• A. Severe constipation and urinary retention
• B. Bleeding such as black stools or gum bleeding
• C. Increased appetite and rapid weight gain
• D. Dry skin and reduced body temperature

Explanation: Warfarin impairs clotting, while many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase gastrointestinal irritation and affect platelet…

• A. Tolerance
• B. Idiosyncratic reaction
• C. Drug allergy
• D. Therapeutic antagonism

Explanation: Tolerance is a reduced response to a drug after repeated exposure, causing a need for a larger dose to achieve the previous effect.

• A. Use the patient's room number as the identifier
• B. Compare the prescription with the medication label
• C. Ask a family member to confirm the medication
• D. Document administration before giving the medication

Explanation: The nurse should compare the medication label with the prescription and verify the patient, drug, dose, route and time before…

• A. Generic name
• B. Trade name
• C. Chemical name
• D. Official name

Explanation: The trade name is the manufacturer's chosen brand name for marketing a drug.

• A. Enteric-coated tablet
• B. Sublingual tablet
• C. Sustained-release capsule
• D. Scored oral tablet

Explanation: A sublingual tablet dissolves under the tongue and enters the bloodstream through the oral mucosa.

• A. Therapeutic effect
• B. Idiosyncratic reaction
• C. Toxic effect
• D. Withdrawal effect

Explanation: The therapeutic effect is the expected, beneficial response to a medication.

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Tolerance
• C. Therapeutic response
• D. Physical dependence

Explanation: Sudden wheezing and hypotension after a drug suggest anaphylaxis, a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction.

• A. Administer the drug with food
• B. Hold the drug and contact the prescriber
• C. Give half the prescribed dose
• D. Ask the patient to sign a refusal form

Explanation: A contraindication is a condition in which a medication may cause serious harm, so the drug should be withheld and the prescriber…

• A. The medicines may have additive effects
• B. The new drug has no systemic absorption
• C. The symptom proves drug dependence
• D. The medicines must have identical names

Explanation: Drug interactions may produce additive effects when medicines with similar actions, such as central nervous system depression, are…

• A. Physical dependence
• B. Drug antagonism
• C. Placebo response
• D. First-pass metabolism

Explanation: Physical dependence causes withdrawal symptoms when a drug is stopped after continued use.

• A. Crush it and mix it with water
• B. Chew it thoroughly before swallowing
• C. Swallow it whole with water
• D. Dissolve it in hot tea first

Explanation: An enteric coating protects the drug from stomach acid or protects the stomach from the drug, so the tablet should be swallowed whole.

• A. It bypasses gastrointestinal absorption
• B. It is always safer than oral therapy
• C. It cannot cause adverse reactions
• D. It is completely removed by the kidneys

Explanation: An intravenous drug enters the bloodstream directly and bypasses gastrointestinal absorption, so its onset is often rapid.

• A. Wait for symptoms before acting
• B. Assess the patient and notify the prescriber
• C. Document only after the next shift
• D. Ask the patient to walk to reduce anxiety

Explanation: The nurse should immediately assess the patient, maintain safety, and notify the prescriber and appropriate senior staff according to…