RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1720 of 2368

A drug in the bloodstream is 95% protein-bound. Which portion of the drug can move into tissues and act at receptor sites?

  1. The protein-bound portion
  2. Both portions at the same rate
  3. Only the portion that is metabolized
  4. The free, unbound portion
Show answer

Correct answer: The free, unbound portion

Only free, unbound drug passes from the bloodstream to tissues where drug-receptor interactions occur. Bound drug is inactive while bound.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: Protein-Binding. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026