FREE COA Ophthalmic Pharmacology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is prescribed a prostaglandin analog for glaucoma. Which of the following is a common, and often permanent, side effect the ophthalmic assistant should mention?

Accepted Answer

Increased iris pigmentation

Answer

Corneal thinning

Answer

Decreased night vision

Answer

Frequent headaches

Question 2

An ophthalmologist asks you to instill a cycloplegic drop for a pediatric refraction. Which of the following drops would be the MOST appropriate choice?

Accepted Answer

Cyclopentolate 1%

Answer

Phenylephrine 2.5%

Answer

Proparacaine 0.5%

Answer

Ketorolac 0.5%

Question 3

A patient with a history of severe asthma and bradycardia is being evaluated for glaucoma. Which class of topical medication is generally contraindicated for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Prostaglandin analogs

Answer

Alpha-adrenergic agonists

Answer

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Question 4

The primary purpose of using lissamine green dye during an ocular surface evaluation is to stain what?

Accepted Answer

Dead and devitalized cells on the conjunctiva and cornea

Answer

Areas of epithelial defects on the cornea

Answer

The tear film to measure breakup time

Answer

The endothelial cell layer of the cornea

Question 5

A patient is being treated for postoperative inflammation following cataract surgery. The surgeon has prescribed both prednisolone acetate and ketorolac. What is the primary functional difference between these two drops?

Accepted Answer

Prednisolone is a steroid, while ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Answer

Prednisolone is an antibiotic, while ketorolac is an anti-inflammatory.

Answer

Both are steroids, but prednisolone is stronger.

Answer

Prednisolone treats pain, while ketorolac treats inflammation.

Question 6

Which of the following drops works primarily as a mydriatic by stimulating the iris dilator muscle, resulting in pupil dilation without significant cycloplegia?

Accepted Answer

Phenylephrine

Answer

Tropicamide

Answer

Atropine

Answer

Homatropine