KAPS Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3

Question 1

Which antihypertensive class is first-line therapy for a hypertensive patient with diabetes and microalbuminuria?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors or ARBs

Answer

ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce intraglomerular pressure and have proven nephroprotective effects in diabetic nephropathy beyond blood pressure control.

Question 2

A patient presents with bradycardia, hypotension, and hyperkalemia after a calcium channel blocker overdose. Which treatment is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

High-dose insulin and dextrose to overcome calcium channel blockade

Answer

High-dose insulin (hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia therapy) improves myocardial glucose utilization and is a mainstay of severe calcium channel blocker toxicity management.

Question 3

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are thought to exert antidepressant effects through which primary mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Gradual desensitization of presynaptic autoreceptors following serotonin reuptake blockade

Answer

Although SSRIs immediately block the serotonin transporter, the therapeutic delay reflects time needed for desensitization of presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors, allowing sustained serotonin increases.

Question 4

Which pharmacokinetic parameter is most useful for calculating a loading dose?

Accepted Answer

Volume of distribution (Vd)

Answer

Loading dose = (target concentration × Vd) / F; the volume of distribution determines how much drug is needed to achieve the desired plasma level rapidly.

Question 5

A patient with gout is started on allopurinol. Which mechanism explains its urate-lowering effect?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase, blocking uric acid synthesis

Answer

Allopurinol and its active metabolite oxypurinol inhibit xanthine oxidase, preventing conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid.

(KAPS) Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Practice Test

(KAPS) Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Practice Test

KAPS Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3