NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

Which factor enhances the distribution of medications in the body?

1. Body organs with high levels of blood flow

2. Drug-protein complexes must form prior to crossing capillary membranes

3. Lipid-soluble medications

4. The blood-brain barrier inhibits rapid crossing of medications

The correct answer is: Body organs with high levels of blood flow

Body organs with high levels of blood flow enhance the distribution of medications in the body because these organs receive a greater supply of blood, allowing for faster and more efficient delivery of medications to different tissues and cells. The high blood flow in these organs helps to distribute the medications more quickly throughout the body, compared to organs with lower blood flow. This efficient distribution can lead to more rapid onset of action and improved therapeutic outcomes. Regarding the other options: - Drug-protein complexes forming prior to crossing capillary membranes may affect drug metabolism or elimination but do not directly enhance drug distribution. - Lipid-soluble medications can cross cell membranes easily but do not necessarily enhance distribution in the body compared to blood flow to organs. - The blood-brain barrier inhibits the rapid crossing of medications, which can limit drug distribution to the brain but is not related to enhancing distribution in the rest of the body.