FPGEE Exam Flashcards
7 cards from real FPGEE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 FPGEE Exam flashcards as text
A patient on lithium therapy presents with tremor, polyuria, and serum lithium of 1.8 mEq/L. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Reduce lithium dose and ensure adequate sodium and fluid intake
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and causes mild-moderate toxicity; dose reduction combined with adequate sodium and fluid intake to avoid dehydration-induced lithium retention is appropriate.
Which dosage form provides the most consistent and prolonged drug absorption via the transdermal route?
Answer: Reservoir-type transdermal patch
Reservoir-type transdermal patches contain a drug reservoir and a rate-controlling membrane that delivers the drug at a consistent, zero-order rate over the dosing interval.
Under HIPAA, which of the following is a permissible disclosure of protected health information (PHI) WITHOUT patient authorization?
Answer: Reporting a communicable disease to the state health department
HIPAA permits disclosure of PHI without authorization for public health activities, including mandatory reporting of communicable diseases to authorized public health authorities.
A patient asks about switching from brand-name Synthroid to generic levothyroxine. Which counseling point is MOST accurate?
Answer: Even FDA-approved generics may have minor bioavailability differences; TSH should be rechecked 6–8 weeks after switching
Levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index; even minor bioavailability differences between formulations can affect TSH levels, so thyroid function should be monitored 6–8 weeks after any brand change.
Which pharmacodynamic interaction describes the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome management?
Answer: Synergism — they inhibit platelet aggregation via complementary mechanisms
Aspirin inhibits platelet COX-1 (blocking thromboxane A2) while clopidogrel blocks P2Y12 ADP receptors; their complementary mechanisms produce synergistic antiplatelet effects.
A prescription is written for amoxicillin 500 mg capsules #30, sig: 1 cap PO TID × 10 days. How many capsules are needed for the complete course?
Answer: 30 capsules
Three times daily for 10 days = 3 × 10 = 30 capsules, which matches the dispensing quantity (#30) on the prescription.
Which type of medication error involves a patient receiving a correct drug but via the wrong route of administration?
Answer: Administration error
Administration errors include giving the right drug but by the wrong route (e.g., IV magnesium given IM), which occur during the administration phase of medication use.