CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes an unexpected or unusual adverse drug reaction not related to the drug's pharmacological action?
- Tolerance
- Idiosyncratic reaction (Correct answer)
- Synergism
- Tachyphylaxis
Correct answer: Idiosyncratic reaction
An idiosyncratic reaction is an unpredictable, abnormal response to a drug that is not dose-dependent and not related to its primary mechanism.
Question 2: Metronidazole is most commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat which type of infection?
- Fungal infections
- Anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections (Correct answer)
- Viral infections
- Ectoparasite infestations
Correct answer: Anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections
Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa such as Giardia and Trichomonas.
Question 3: What is the primary concern when administering acepromazine to a brachycephalic breed?
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Respiratory depression (Correct answer)
- Renal failure
- Hyperthermia
Correct answer: Respiratory depression
Brachycephalic breeds have compromised airways, and acepromazine's sedative and respiratory-depressant effects increase the risk of respiratory compromise.
Question 4: Which drug is used as a reversal agent for benzodiazepine sedation in veterinary patients?
- Naloxone
- Atipamezole
- Flumazenil (Correct answer)
- Yohimbine
Correct answer: Flumazenil
Flumazenil competitively antagonizes benzodiazepine receptors and is used to reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation.
Question 5: When a drug label states 'SID,' how often should the medication be administered?
- Twice daily
- Three times daily
- Once daily (Correct answer)
- Every other day
Correct answer: Once daily
SID stands for 'semel in die,' Latin for 'once a day,' indicating once-daily dosing.
Question 6: Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern when a patient is receiving furosemide (a diuretic)?
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypernatremia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Furosemide promotes potassium excretion in the urine, leading to hypokalemia (low blood potassium).
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of using a loading dose when starting a drug therapy?
- To reduce side effects
- To quickly achieve therapeutic drug levels (Correct answer)
- To test for allergic reactions
- To extend the drug's half-life
Correct answer: To quickly achieve therapeutic drug levels
A loading dose is a larger initial dose given to rapidly achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations before maintenance dosing begins.
CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 3
Which term describes an unexpected or unusual adverse drug reaction not related to the drug's pharmacological action?