CMA Pharmacology for Medical Assistants 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk when combined with warfarin

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

1000 mg

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Intravenous (IV)

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Document and report the symptom to the physician

Answer

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.

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