FANZCA Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 2

Question 1

Which pharmacokinetic parameter best describes the relationship between drug dose and plasma concentration at steady state?

Accepted Answer

Clearance

Answer

Clearance determines steady-state plasma concentration because Css = dose rate / clearance, making it the primary determinant of drug exposure at steady state.

Question 2

A patient receives propofol via a target-controlled infusion (TCI). The Marsh model uses which variable as its primary input for volume of distribution calculations?

Accepted Answer

Total body weight

Answer

The Marsh model uses total body weight as its primary input, which can lead to overdosing in obese patients compared to models like Schnider that use age and lean body weight.

Question 3

What is the mechanism by which neostigmine reverses non-depolarising neuromuscular blockade?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase

Answer

Neostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing synaptic acetylcholine concentration to competitively overcome the neuromuscular block.

Question 4

Which opioid receptor subtype is primarily responsible for analgesia at the spinal cord level?

Accepted Answer

Mu (μ)

Answer

Mu (μ) receptors mediate the predominant analgesic effects of opioids at both spinal and supraspinal levels, as well as respiratory depression and euphoria.

Question 5

Context-sensitive half-time differs from elimination half-life because it accounts for:

Accepted Answer

Redistribution from peripheral compartments after infusion cessation

Answer

Context-sensitive half-time reflects the time for plasma concentration to fall 50% after stopping an infusion, incorporating redistribution from peripheral tissue compartments which increases with infusion duration.

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

FANZCA Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 2