Pharmacology for Medical Assistants Flashcards

A patient is prescribed warfarin and asks if they can take ibuprofen for a headache. What is the primary concern?

Answer: Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk when combined with warfarin

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

Which schedule of controlled substances has the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in the US?

Answer: Schedule I

Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin, LSD) have the highest abuse potential and no currently accepted medical use in the United States.

A medication order reads 'metformin 500 mg BID.' How many milligrams does the patient receive daily?

Answer: 1000 mg

BID means twice daily, so 500 mg × 2 = 1000 mg per day.

Which route of administration provides the fastest drug absorption into the bloodstream?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

IV administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption barriers entirely for immediate effect.

A patient on ACE inhibitors develops a persistent dry cough. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Document and report the symptom to the physician

A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors that should be documented and reported to the physician, who may switch to an ARB.

Which of the following is an example of a teratogenic drug that must be avoided in pregnancy?

Answer: Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Isotretinoin is a well-known teratogen that causes severe birth defects and is subject to the iPLEDGE risk management program.

What does the term 'half-life' of a drug mean?

Answer: The time required for half the drug dose to be metabolized or eliminated

Half-life is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%, which determines dosing frequency.