Pharmacology and Injections Flashcards

A patient on warfarin asks if they can take ibuprofen for pain. What should the medical assistant advise?

Answer: Check with the provider first, as NSAIDs can increase bleeding risk with warfarin

NSAIDs like ibuprofen inhibit platelet function and can displace warfarin from protein binding, significantly increasing bleeding risk.

What gauge needle is most appropriate for an intramuscular injection in an average adult?

Answer: 21–23 gauge

A 21–23 gauge needle provides the appropriate bore size for IM injections, balancing patient comfort with adequate drug delivery.

Which of the following medications is classified as a beta-2 agonist bronchodilator used for acute asthma relief?

Answer: Albuterol

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that rapidly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for acute asthma attacks.

A provider orders 500 mg of amoxicillin. The stock solution is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the medical assistant prepare?

Answer: 10 mL

Using the formula: (Desired dose / Stock dose) × Stock volume = (500/250) × 5 = 10 mL.

Which of the following is a sign of anaphylaxis that requires immediate epinephrine administration?

Answer: Widespread urticaria, throat tightness, and hypotension

Anaphylaxis presents with systemic reactions including urticaria, airway compromise, and cardiovascular collapse requiring immediate epinephrine.

When disposing of a used needle and syringe after an injection, which is the correct procedure?

Answer: Discard the uncapped needle and syringe directly into a sharps container

Used needles must be discarded immediately without recapping into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

A patient is taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Which supplement should the medical assistant flag for potential drug interaction?

Answer: St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort combined with SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.