HOSA Clinical Nursing Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The liver is the primary organ responsible for the biotransformation of medications in the body. This process involves the chemical modification of pharmaceutical substances, which can increase solubility and facilitate excretion, thereby enhancing the drug's elimination from the body.

The liver contains a high concentration of enzymes, particularly those from the cytochrome P450 family, which play a crucial role in the metabolism of a wide range of medications. These enzymatic reactions can convert lipophilic substances into more hydrophilic compounds, allowing for easier elimination by the kidneys or through bile.

Other organs involved in drug metabolism, such as the kidneys, heart, and intestines, play supporting roles but are not the primary sites where biotransformation occurs to the extent seen in the liver. For instance, while kidneys filter and excrete drugs, they do not significantly alter their chemical structure. Thus, understanding the liver's central role in drug metabolism is fundamental in pharmacology and nursing practice.