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Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

7 cards from real LPCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pharmacology Fundamentals flashcards as text

  1. A client prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD asks why they feel it wears off in the afternoon. Which pharmacokinetic property best explains this?

    Answer: Short half-life of immediate-release formulations (2-4 hours)

    Immediate-release methylphenidate has a short half-life of approximately 2–4 hours, resulting in diminishing effects by afternoon after a morning dose.

  2. Which pharmacodynamic concept describes two drugs producing a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects?

    Answer: Synergism (potentiation)

    Synergism or potentiation occurs when the combined effect of two drugs exceeds what would be predicted by adding each drug's individual effects.

  3. What baseline lab test should be obtained before initiating clozapine therapy, and why?

    Answer: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) due to risk of agranulocytosis

    Clozapine carries a black-box warning for agranulocytosis, requiring a baseline ANC and enrollment in the REMS monitoring program before initiation.

  4. A client is started on fluoxetine and tramadol simultaneously. What serious drug interaction should the counselor be aware of and discuss with the treatment team?

    Answer: Risk of serotonin syndrome

    Fluoxetine (an SSRI) combined with tramadol (a serotonergic opioid) significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome through additive serotonergic effects.

  5. Which mood stabilizer requires monitoring of serum levels, thyroid function, and renal function due to its narrow therapeutic index and mechanism of action?

    Answer: Lithium

    Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L), is excreted entirely by the kidneys, and can cause hypothyroidism, requiring regular monitoring of all three parameters.

  6. A client taking sertraline develops agitation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and muscle twitching shortly after starting tramadol. What is the most likely diagnosis?

    Answer: Serotonin syndrome

    The combination of an SSRI with a serotonergic opioid like tramadol can precipitate serotonin syndrome, characterized by the clinical triad of altered mentation, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities.

  7. What is the primary clinical concern with rapid titration of lamotrigine (Lamictal) without following the recommended slow dose escalation schedule?

    Answer: Risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

    Rapid dose escalation of lamotrigine significantly increases the risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening skin reaction, which is why slow titration protocols are mandatory.