FPGEE FPGEE Exam 4

Question 1

A patient on lithium therapy presents with tremor, polyuria, and serum lithium of 1.8 mEq/L. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Reduce lithium dose and ensure adequate sodium and fluid intake

Answer

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.

Question 2

Which dosage form provides the most consistent and prolonged drug absorption via the transdermal route?

Accepted Answer

Reservoir-type transdermal patch

Answer

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.

Question 3

Under HIPAA, which of the following is a permissible disclosure of protected health information (PHI) WITHOUT patient authorization?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a communicable disease to the state health department

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure of PHI without authorization for public health activities, including mandatory reporting of communicable diseases to authorized public health authorities.

Question 4

A patient asks about switching from brand-name Synthroid to generic levothyroxine. Which counseling point is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Even FDA-approved generics may have minor bioavailability differences; TSH should be rechecked 6–8 weeks after switching

Answer

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.

Question 5

Which pharmacodynamic interaction describes the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome management?

Accepted Answer

Synergism — they inhibit platelet aggregation via complementary mechanisms

Answer

Aspirin inhibits platelet COX-1 (blocking thromboxane A2) while clopidogrel blocks P2Y12 ADP receptors; their complementary mechanisms produce synergistic antiplatelet effects.

FPGEE Exam Practice Test

FPGEE Exam Practice Test

FPGEE FPGEE Exam 4