CMT Pharmacology and Medication Actions 2

Question 1

A medication's 'half-life' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The time required for half the drug to be eliminated from the body

Answer

Half-life is the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50% through metabolism and elimination.

Question 2

Which class of medications is commonly used to lower blood pressure by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the effects of epinephrine on beta-adrenergic receptors.

Question 3

An adverse effect of opioid analgesics that requires monitoring is:

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Respiratory depression is the most dangerous adverse effect of opioid medications and requires ongoing monitoring of respiratory rate and depth.

Question 4

Antibiotics should ideally be administered:

Accepted Answer

At evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent blood levels

Answer

Antibiotics should be given at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 6 hours for QID) to maintain consistent therapeutic blood levels.

Question 5

The term 'drug interaction' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The effect one drug has on the action of another drug when taken concurrently

Answer

Drug interactions occur when one medication alters the effect of another, potentially increasing toxicity or decreasing efficacy.

(CMT) Certified Medical Technician Practice Test