AMCA AMCA Pharmacology 2

Question 1

What term describes a patient's decreased response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance

Answer

Drug tolerance occurs when the body adapts to a medication over time, reducing its effectiveness at the original dose.

Question 2

Which class of antibiotics works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Penicillins

Answer

Penicillins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by blocking enzymes needed to cross-link peptidoglycan chains.

Question 3

A patient is prescribed a medication with a narrow therapeutic index. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The difference between therapeutic and toxic doses is small

Answer

A narrow therapeutic index means the effective dose is very close to the toxic dose, requiring careful monitoring.

Question 4

Which medication is the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?

Accepted Answer

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Answer

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores in the liver, preventing hepatotoxicity from acetaminophen overdose.

Question 5

What is the primary action of beta-blocker medications?

Accepted Answer

Block beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Beta-blockers bind to beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing the effects of epinephrine and lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

(AMCA) American Medical Certification Association Practice Test