🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient is undergoing treatment for a severe bacterial infection. The physician notes that the drug's elimination follows zero-order kinetics. Which of the following best describes this characteristic?

A A constant proportion of the drug is eliminated per unit time.
B The half-life of the drug is constant regardless of concentration.
C A constant amount of the drug is eliminated per unit time.
D Drug elimination is directly proportional to its plasma concentration.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Zero-order kinetics means a constant amount of drug is eliminated per unit time, regardless of the plasma concentration. The elimination pathways become saturated. This contrasts with first-order kinetics, where a constant proportion is eliminated.

Related USMLE Exam Prep Questions