AMCA AMCA Pharmacology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug classification is most commonly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
- Sulfonamide antibiotics (Correct answer)
- Penicillin antibiotics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
Correct answer: Sulfonamide antibiotics
Sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfa drugs) are among the most common causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin reaction.
Question 2: A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which vitamin directly antagonizes warfarin's mechanism of action?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Vitamin K
Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of clotting factors that warfarin inhibits, so it directly antagonizes warfarin's anticoagulant effect.
Question 3: Which of the following is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
- Naloxone
- Flumazenil
- N-acetylcysteine (Correct answer)
- Activated charcoal only
Correct answer: N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenishes glutathione stores and prevents liver damage from toxic acetaminophen metabolites.
Question 4: A medication labeled 'PRN' should be administered:
- At regular scheduled intervals
- Only as needed by the patient (Correct answer)
- Once daily at bedtime
- Before each meal
Correct answer: Only as needed by the patient
PRN (pro re nata) is a Latin term meaning 'as needed,' so the medication is given only when the patient requires it.
Question 5: Which electrolyte imbalance is a major concern when administering loop diuretics such as furosemide?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics increase urinary excretion of potassium, placing patients at risk for hypokalemia.
Question 6: Which medication is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce gastric acid secretion?
- Ranitidine
- Omeprazole (Correct answer)
- Metoclopramide
- Sucralfate
Correct answer: Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly blocks the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the stomach lining.
Question 7: A Schedule II controlled substance differs from a Schedule III substance primarily because Schedule II drugs:
- Have no accepted medical use
- Have a higher potential for abuse and dependence (Correct answer)
- Are available over the counter
- Cannot be prescribed by any provider
Correct answer: Have a higher potential for abuse and dependence
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, while Schedule III drugs have a lower abuse potential.
AMCA AMCA Pharmacology 4
Which drug classification is most commonly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?