Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

Which organ aids in the absorption of drugs?

1. Lungs

2. Bloodstream

3. Liver

4. Kidneys

The correct answer is: Bloodstream

The bloodstream plays a crucial role in the absorption of drugs. When a medication is administered, it enters the body and is absorbed into the circulation through various routes, such as oral, intravenous, or topical administration. The bloodstream then carries the absorbed medication to various tissues and organs, where it exerts its therapeutic effects. While other organs mentioned here can be involved in drug metabolism and excretion, they do not primarily function in the initial absorption of drugs. The lungs are involved in gas exchange and can absorb specific inhaled medications but are not the main pathway for most drug absorption. The liver metabolizes drugs after they have entered the bloodstream, influencing their effectiveness and clearance from the body. The kidneys are primarily responsible for excreting drugs and their metabolites from the bloodstream, rather than absorbing them. Thus, the bloodstream is the primary organ facilitating the absorption of drugs.