CMA Pharmacology for Medical Assistants 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which abbreviation on a prescription means 'take as needed'?
- AC
- PRN (Correct answer)
- QID
- PC
Correct answer: PRN
PRN (pro re nata) is the Latin abbreviation meaning 'as needed,' indicating the medication is taken only when required.
Question 2: A patient is prescribed digoxin and their potassium level is low. What is the primary concern?
- Low potassium decreases digoxin absorption
- Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity (Correct answer)
- Low potassium causes digoxin to be eliminated faster
- Hypokalemia has no effect on digoxin therapy
Correct answer: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for the same receptor site on heart cells.
Question 3: Which class of drugs works by blocking histamine H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms?
- Beta-blockers
- Antihistamines (Correct answer)
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
Correct answer: Antihistamines
Antihistamines competitively block H1 receptors, preventing histamine from binding and causing allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching.
Question 4: What is the correct method for disposing of an unused controlled substance in a medical office?
- Flush it down the toilet
- Place it in the regular trash
- Return it to the pharmacy or use a DEA-approved disposal method (Correct answer)
- Give it back to the patient to take home
Correct answer: Return it to the pharmacy or use a DEA-approved disposal method
Federal regulations require controlled substances to be disposed of through DEA-authorized collectors or reverse distributors to prevent diversion.
Question 5: A physician orders 'amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL, give 500 mg.' How many milliliters should be administered?
- 5 mL
- 15 mL
- 10 mL (Correct answer)
- 20 mL
Correct answer: 10 mL
Using the ratio: 250 mg/5 mL = 500 mg/x mL; cross-multiplying gives x = 10 mL.
Question 6: Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics that the medical assistant should monitor?
- Diarrhea and increased bowel motility
- Constipation and respiratory depression (Correct answer)
- Hypertension and tachycardia
- Increased urinary output
Correct answer: Constipation and respiratory depression
Opioids bind to receptors in the GI tract causing constipation and can suppress the respiratory center in the brainstem causing respiratory depression.
Question 7: Which federal agency regulates the scheduling of controlled substances in the United States?
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
- DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) (Correct answer)
- CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid)
Correct answer: DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
The DEA enforces the Controlled Substances Act and maintains the scheduling system that classifies drugs by their potential for abuse.
CMA Pharmacology for Medical Assistants 3
Which abbreviation on a prescription means 'take as needed'?