Pharmacology Therapeutic Applications and Clinical Use 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following drugs is most commonly used to manage Type 2 Diabetes?
- Insulin
- Metformin (Correct answer)
- Glucagon
- Prednisone
Correct answer: Metformin
Metformin is typically the first-line medication prescribed for the management of Type 2 Diabetes. It works primarily by decreasing glucose production by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. This leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemia.
Question 2: A patient with a history of gastric ulcers should avoid prolonged use of:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen (Correct answer)
- Omeprazole
- Antacids
Correct answer: Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which is crucial for protecting the stomach lining. For patients with a history of gastric ulcers, prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen significantly increases the risk of ulcer recurrence and gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
Question 3: Which of the following is a critical consideration when administering warfarin?
- Monitoring blood glucose levels
- Monitoring prothrombin time (PT) and INR (Correct answer)
- Avoiding high-potassium foods
- Assessing for bradycardia
Correct answer: Monitoring prothrombin time (PT) and INR
Warfarin is an anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the effective dose is close to the toxic dose. Therefore, regular monitoring of prothrombin time (PT) and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is critical to ensure the drug's effectiveness and safety. This monitoring helps prevent both excessive bleeding and inadequate anticoagulation.
Which of the following drugs is most commonly used to manage Type 2 Diabetes?