CCHI Pharmacology Fundamentals 4

Question 1

A patient is prescribed warfarin and asks the interpreter what 'INR monitoring' means. Which pharmacology concept is most relevant to interpreting this accurately?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic drug monitoring

Answer

Therapeutic drug monitoring involves measuring drug levels or effects (like INR for warfarin) to ensure the drug remains in the therapeutic range.

Question 2

When a physician says a medication has a 'narrow therapeutic index,' what does this mean for the interpreter to convey accurately?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small

Answer

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

Question 3

A patient mentions they take an OTC antacid. The pharmacist warns about 'chelation' reducing absorption of their antibiotic. Which drug interaction type is this?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacokinetic absorption interaction

Answer

Antacids containing calcium or magnesium can chelate (bind) certain antibiotics like tetracyclines in the gut, reducing their absorption — a pharmacokinetic interaction.

Question 4

An interpreter hears 'PRN' on a medication order. How should this be interpreted for a Spanish-speaking patient?

Accepted Answer

Take as needed when symptoms occur

Answer

PRN (pro re nata) means 'as needed,' so the patient should take the medication only when they have the symptom it treats.

Question 5

Which term describes when two drugs taken together produce a combined effect greater than the sum of each drug's individual effect?

Accepted Answer

Synergism

Answer

Synergism (or potentiation) occurs when two drugs together produce an effect greater than the additive sum of their individual effects.

(CCHI) Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters Practice Test

(CCHI) Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters Practice Test

CCHI Pharmacology Fundamentals 4