IHSA Pharmacology & Medication Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'enteral' administration mean in medication delivery?
- Delivered directly into a vein
- Delivered through the gastrointestinal tract (oral, rectal, sublingual) (Correct answer)
- Administered via skin patch
- Inhaled through the respiratory tract
Correct answer: Delivered through the gastrointestinal tract (oral, rectal, sublingual)
Enteral administration involves delivery through the GI tract, including oral, rectal, and sublingual routes.
Question 2: An athlete's anti-doping sample returns an adverse analytical finding for a stimulant found in a cold medicine. The 'strict liability' principle means:
- The athlete is automatically banned for life
- The athlete bears responsibility regardless of intent, but sanctions may be reduced with proof of no fault (Correct answer)
- The finding is dismissed if a prescription is provided
- The coach is primarily responsible for the violation
Correct answer: The athlete bears responsibility regardless of intent, but sanctions may be reduced with proof of no fault
Strict liability holds athletes responsible for substances in their bodies; however, demonstrating no significant fault can reduce the sanction.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes polypharmacy risk in athletic populations?
- Taking only one medication at a time
- Using multiple medications simultaneously, increasing interaction and adverse effect risk (Correct answer)
- Rotating medications weekly to prevent tolerance
- Taking medications from multiple countries
Correct answer: Using multiple medications simultaneously, increasing interaction and adverse effect risk
Polypharmacy increases the risk of drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, and inadvertent prohibited substance consumption.
Question 4: A coach is responsible for ensuring accurate medication records. Which detail is LEAST necessary to include in a medication log?
- Name and dose of medication
- Route of administration
- Date and time administered
- Athlete's personal home address (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Athlete's personal home address
Medication logs require drug name, dose, route, and time; personal home addresses are irrelevant to pharmacological tracking.
Question 5: Erythropoietin (EPO) is prohibited in sport primarily because it:
- Reduces inflammation and speeds recovery
- Increases red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles (Correct answer)
- Stimulates the central nervous system to reduce fatigue
- Promotes muscle protein synthesis
Correct answer: Increases red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles
EPO stimulates erythropoiesis, raising hematocrit and hemoglobin levels to increase aerobic capacity, providing a significant performance advantage.
Question 6: When storing medications for an athletic team, which temperature condition is most critical for many biologics such as insulin or vaccines?
- Room temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C)
- Refrigerated 36–46°F (2–8°C) (Correct answer)
- Frozen below 32°F (0°C)
- Warm storage above 98°F (37°C)
Correct answer: Refrigerated 36–46°F (2–8°C)
Most biologics require refrigeration at 2–8°C (36–46°F) to maintain potency and prevent degradation.
Question 7: A coach discovers an athlete is using a peptide hormone purchased online without a prescription. The most appropriate response is to:
- Allow it since it was self-purchased
- Confiscate the substance and say nothing
- Inform the athlete of the legal and anti-doping risks and refer to team medical staff (Correct answer)
- Report the athlete directly to the national anti-doping authority without discussion
Correct answer: Inform the athlete of the legal and anti-doping risks and refer to team medical staff
Coaches should educate athletes on prohibited substance risks, confiscation authority depends on jurisdiction, and referral to medical staff ensures proper handling.
IHSA Pharmacology & Medication Management 3
What does 'enteral' administration mean in medication delivery?