Free Principles of Pharmacology MCQs with Answers
50 Principles of Pharmacology MCQs from Nursing Pharmacology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Pharmacology examines drug sources, names, dosage forms, mechanisms of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Questions cover pharmacokinetics versus pharmacodynamics, therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, drug interactions, tolerance, dependence and the safety responsibilities of the nurse.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Reaches the systemic circulation unchanged
- B. Binds to plasma proteins in the blood
- C. Is removed from the body by the kidneys
- D. Produces the maximum therapeutic response
Explanation: Bioavailability is the fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in an active form.
Correct answer: Reaches the systemic circulation unchanged- A. To reach the therapeutic concentration quickly
- B. To prevent all adverse drug reactions
- C. To replace a missed dose from yesterday
- D. To maintain the concentration for several weeks
Explanation: A loading dose is larger than the usual maintenance dose and helps achieve a therapeutic blood concentration rapidly.
Correct answer: To reach the therapeutic concentration quickly- A. The drug enters the blood for the first time
- B. The average drug input equals the average drug elimination
- C. The drug is completely removed after every dose
- D. The patient develops an immediate allergic reaction
Explanation: Steady state occurs when the average rate of drug administration equals the average rate of elimination.
Correct answer: The average drug input equals the average drug elimination- A. A lower blood level of the first medicine
- B. A higher blood level of the first medicine
- C. A faster renal excretion of the first medicine
- D. A complete loss of absorption of the first medicine
Explanation: Enzyme inhibition slows the metabolism of the affected medicine, so its blood concentration may rise and toxicity may occur.
Correct answer: A higher blood level of the first medicine- A. Administer the tablet kept in the patient's drawer
- B. Ask the patient which tablet is usually taken
- C. Withhold the dose and clarify the order
- D. Give half a tablet to reduce possible harm
Explanation: An incomplete medication order must be clarified before administration because the drug and strength cannot be verified safely.
Correct answer: Withhold the dose and clarify the order- A. Prepare both medicines beside the patients
- B. Verify the medicine against the order and patient identifiers
- C. Choose the medicine with the shorter name
- D. Ask another patient to identify the package
Explanation: The nurse should compare the medicine with the prescription and verify the correct patient using approved identifiers before…
Correct answer: Verify the medicine against the order and patient identifiers- A. Repeat the dose immediately
- B. Record the dose as fully absorbed
- C. Assess the vomit and notify the prescriber or pharmacist
- D. Skip every dose scheduled for the next day
Explanation: The nurse should assess whether the medicine is visible in the vomit and seek guidance before repeating the dose.
Correct answer: Assess the vomit and notify the prescriber or pharmacist- A. Take every dose together at bedtime
- B. Take doses at evenly spaced times as prescribed
- C. Take the medicine only when symptoms become severe
- D. Double the next dose whenever one dose is late
Explanation: Evenly spaced doses help maintain the medicine within its intended therapeutic range.
Correct answer: Take doses at evenly spaced times as prescribed- A. All patients absorb and eliminate medicines identically
- B. Age, organ function and genetics can alter drug response
- C. Drug effects depend only on the colour of the tablet
- D. A medicine always has the same effect at every dose
Explanation: Age, liver and kidney function, genetics, nutrition and other medicines can change drug absorption, metabolism, elimination and response.
Correct answer: Age, organ function and genetics can alter drug response- A. Peak concentration
- B. Trough concentration
- C. Loading concentration
- D. Therapeutic response
Explanation: A trough concentration is the lowest drug level in the blood and is measured just before the next dose.
Correct answer: Trough concentration