Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

Which term describes the action of a medication that affects the body as a whole?

1. Local action

2. Systemic action

3. Topical action

4. Specific action

The correct answer is: Systemic action

The term that describes the action of a medication affecting the body as a whole is systemic action. This refers to the way certain medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the entire body, resulting in widespread effects on multiple systems or organs. For instance, systemic medications might be delivered through routes such as oral tablets, injections, or intravenous infusions. When a medication has a systemic action, it is designed to produce effects that are not localized but rather influence the body broadly, addressing conditions that may require comprehensive treatment rather than just targeting a specific area. In contrast, local action refers to medications that exert their effects in a confined area or region of the body without affecting the entire system. Topical action is similar, as it involves medications applied directly to a specific site on the skin or mucous membranes, affecting only those tissues. Specific action is a term that generally characterizes how a medication targets a particular biological pathway or receptor but does not inherently imply a systemic reach.