CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law requires veterinary practices to maintain records of Schedule II controlled substance usage for a minimum of 2 years?
- Animal Welfare Act
- Controlled Substances Act (Correct answer)
- Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- Veterinary Feed Directive
Correct answer: Controlled Substances Act
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) mandates that all registrants keep accurate records of Schedule II controlled drugs for at least 2 years.
Question 2: What is the primary risk of using aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin) in veterinary patients?
- Hepatotoxicity
- Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (Correct answer)
- Cardiotoxicity
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
Aminoglycosides accumulate in the kidneys and inner ear, causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, especially with prolonged use or in dehydrated patients.
Question 3: A dog is prescribed phenobarbital for seizure control. Which organ function should be monitored regularly due to long-term use?
- Kidney function
- Thyroid function
- Liver function (Correct answer)
- Bone marrow function
Correct answer: Liver function
Phenobarbital is metabolized by the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity with chronic use, so liver enzyme levels should be monitored regularly.
Question 4: Which route of administration is used when a drug must bypass the digestive system and liver to avoid first-pass metabolism?
- Oral (PO)
- Rectal
- Parenteral (IV/IM/SQ) (Correct answer)
- Buccal
Correct answer: Parenteral (IV/IM/SQ)
Parenteral routes such as IV, IM, and SQ bypass the GI tract and liver, preventing first-pass metabolism and ensuring greater bioavailability.
Question 5: What is the correct action if a controlled substance is accidentally wasted or spilled in a veterinary clinic?
- Discard it and note it in the appointment records
- Document the waste with a witness signature in the controlled substance log (Correct answer)
- Report it to the DEA immediately and suspend drug use
- Replace the wasted amount from the next vial without documentation
Correct answer: Document the waste with a witness signature in the controlled substance log
Accidental wastage of controlled substances must be documented in the controlled substance log with the amount wasted and co-signed by a witness.
Question 6: Which drug is commonly used as a preanesthetic to reduce salivation and prevent bradycardia during surgery in dogs and cats?
- Morphine
- Atropine (Correct answer)
- Diazepam
- Ketamine
Correct answer: Atropine
Atropine is an anticholinergic preanesthetic that reduces secretions and counteracts vagally induced bradycardia during anesthesia.
Question 7: What term describes the ability of a drug to produce a harmful or toxic effect on a developing fetus?
- Mutagenic
- Teratogenic (Correct answer)
- Carcinogenic
- Nephrotoxic
Correct answer: Teratogenic
Teratogenicity refers to a drug's potential to cause structural or functional abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus.
CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 5
Which federal law requires veterinary practices to maintain records of Schedule II controlled substance usage for a minimum of 2 years?