NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

Which principles of pharmacokinetics guide a nurse's teaching about the importance of taking medication as prescribed?

1. A drug may be exposed to several physiological processes while en route to target cells

2. A medication taken by injection must cross the membranes of the GI tract to get to the bloodstream before it can be distributed

3. Excretion organs such as kidneys and intestines must be healthy enough to eliminate the drug

4. Liver enzymes may chemically change the drug

The correct answer is: A drug may be exposed to several physiological processes while en route to target cells

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body processes a medication, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It is important for a nurse to understand these principles in order to teach patients about the importance of taking their medication as prescribed. Option A is the correct answer because it highlights the importance of understanding that a drug may undergo several physiological processes in the body before reaching its target cells, which can affect its effectiveness. This emphasizes the importance of taking medication as prescribed to ensure it reaches the intended target and works as intended. Option B is incorrect because it only mentions the route of administration, not the principles of pharmacokinetics. Option C is incorrect because it only mentions the role of excretion organs, not the entire process of pharmacokinetics. Option D is incorrect because it only mentions the involvement of liver enzymes, not the other principles of pharmacokinetics. In summary, understanding the principles of pharmacokinetics allows nurses to educate patients on the importance of taking medication as prescribed for optimal effectiveness. This can help patients better understand and adhere to their medication regimen.