CST Surgical Pharmacology 3

Question 1

Which inhalation agent is known to sensitize the myocardium to catecholamine-induced arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Halothane

Answer

Halothane sensitizes the myocardium to epinephrine, making arrhythmias more likely when catecholamines are used.

Question 2

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces surgical bleeding primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting fibrinolysis by blocking plasminogen activation

Answer

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that blocks lysine binding sites on plasminogen, preventing fibrin clot breakdown.

Question 3

Which opioid is commonly delivered via epidural infusion for postoperative pain management and has high lipid solubility?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl's high lipid solubility allows rapid onset and segmental analgesia when delivered epidurally.

Question 4

A patient develops malignant hyperthermia intraoperatively. Which drug is the definitive treatment?

Accepted Answer

Dantrolene

Answer

Dantrolene inhibits calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, directly treating the hypermetabolic crisis of malignant hyperthermia.

Question 5

What class of drugs is ketorolac (Toradol), frequently used for postoperative pain?

Accepted Answer

Non-selective NSAID

Answer

Ketorolac is a parenteral NSAID that non-selectively inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain.

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test