BHS Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2

Question 1

What is 'polypharmacy' and why is it a concern in elderly US patients?

Accepted Answer

The concurrent use of multiple medications, increasing risks of interactions and adverse effects

Answer

Polypharmacy refers to the use of five or more medications simultaneously; in elderly patients, altered drug metabolism increases the risk of adverse reactions and interactions.

Question 2

Which drug class is commonly used as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes in the US?

Accepted Answer

Metformin (biguanides)

Answer

Metformin is the preferred first-line pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes per American Diabetes Association guidelines due to its efficacy, safety, and low cost.

Question 3

What does 'agonist' mean in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a response

Answer

An agonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and triggers a biological response by mimicking the action of the natural ligand.

Question 4

Which vitamin K antagonist is widely used as an anticoagulant in the US and requires INR monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and requires regular INR monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic index and numerous drug-food interactions.

Question 5

What is 'drug tolerance' in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

A reduced response to a drug after repeated exposure, requiring higher doses for the same effect

Answer

Drug tolerance occurs when repeated drug exposure leads to diminished therapeutic effect, often requiring dose escalation to maintain efficacy.

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2