BHS Pharmacology and Medication Management 2

Question 1

Which enzyme system in the liver is primarily responsible for the metabolism of most pharmaceutical drugs?

Accepted Answer

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450)

Answer

The cytochrome P450 enzyme family metabolizes approximately 70–80% of drugs, and drug interactions often occur when two drugs compete for the same CYP enzyme.

Question 2

What is the difference between a drug's brand name and its generic name?

Accepted Answer

The generic name is the standardized chemical name; the brand name is the proprietary trade name assigned by the manufacturer

Answer

The generic (nonproprietary) name identifies the active ingredient; the brand name is the trademark given by the manufacturer to their specific formulation.

Question 3

Which Schedule classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) includes drugs with high abuse potential and no currently accepted medical use in the US?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

Schedule I substances (e.g., heroin, LSD) have the highest abuse potential and no accepted medical use, making them illegal to prescribe.

Question 4

A patient develops a sudden drop in blood pressure when combining two antihypertensive medications. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A synergistic drug-drug interaction causing additive hypotension

Answer

Synergistic drug interactions occur when two drugs with similar effects combine to produce a response greater than expected from either drug alone.

Question 5

What does 'bioavailability' mean in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in unchanged form

Answer

Bioavailability indicates what proportion of a drug dose actually reaches the bloodstream; intravenous administration has 100% bioavailability.

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS Pharmacology and Medication Management 2