Pharmaceutical Knowledge Flashcards

What would the pharmaceutical assistant say if a resident inquired about how drugs function within the body?

Answer: Medications enhance or block some functions of the body.

Medications primarily work by interacting with specific receptors or pathways in the body to either enhance (stimulate) or block (inhibit) existing physiological functions. They do not typically create new cells or cause abnormal cell growth as their therapeutic mechanism. This interaction helps to restore balance or treat specific conditions within the body's natural systems.

How would a medicine assistant decide whether a drug should be applied transdermally?

Answer: Follow the directions on the MAR

A medicine assistant must always follow the directions on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to determine the correct route of administration, including transdermal application. The MAR is the official legal document containing all medication orders from the prescriber. Adhering to the MAR ensures safe, accurate, and compliant medication delivery, preventing errors and ensuring patient safety.

What are the Five Rights of the Administration of Medicine?

Answer: The right patient, the right dosage, the right time, the right drug and the right route

The Five Rights of Medication Administration are fundamental safety principles designed to prevent medication errors. They ensure that the medication is given to the right patient, with the right drug, in the right dosage, at the right time, and via the right route. Adhering to these rights is crucial for patient safety and effective medication management.

How many grains are there in one gram?

Answer: 1 gram = 15.43 grains

The conversion factor between grams and grains is a standard measurement used in pharmacology and medicine. One gram is approximately equal to 15.43 grains. Knowing these precise conversions is essential for accurate dosage calculations, especially when medications are prescribed in one unit but available in another, ensuring patient safety.

How many liters does a quart equal?

Answer: 0.946

The conversion factor between liters and quarts is a standard measurement used in healthcare for fluid management and medication preparation. One quart is approximately equal to 0.946 liters. Accurate conversion between different measurement systems (e.g., imperial and metric) is crucial for precise dosing and patient safety.

Foam stability is assessed through:

Answer: Rotational Viscometers

Rotational viscometers are used to assess foam stability by measuring the rheological properties and viscosity of the foam. These instruments quantify how a foam resists flow and deformation, providing insights into its structural integrity and how long it can maintain its form. This is important in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations where foam consistency is critical.

What is lanolin?

Answer: An adsorption base

Lanolin is classified as an adsorption base because it can absorb a significant amount of water or aqueous solutions without losing its greasy consistency or separating. This property makes it highly valuable in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for incorporating water-soluble ingredients into oil-based ointments and creams. It forms a stable emulsion that can hold moisture.

To prevent capping, one of the following punches is utilized:

Answer: Flat

Capping is a tablet defect where the top or bottom layer of a tablet separates horizontally during or after compression. Using a flat punch helps to distribute the compression force evenly across the tablet surface, reducing localized stress points that can lead to lamination or capping. This ensures a more robust and intact tablet structure.

Particle size is assessed by

Answer: Both A and B

Both cascade impactors and light scatter decay methods are widely used techniques for assessing particle size. Cascade impactors separate particles based on their aerodynamic diameter, particularly useful for aerosols. Light scatter decay, such as dynamic light scattering, measures particle size based on their Brownian motion, providing accurate data for various suspensions and powders.

Carr's index is utilized for the assessment of

Answer: Flowability

Carr's index, also known as Carr's compressibility index, is a widely used parameter in pharmaceutical manufacturing to assess the flowability of powders. It is calculated from the bulk and tapped densities of a powder and provides a quantitative measure of how easily a powder will flow. Good flowability is crucial for consistent filling of capsules and tablets.

The chewable tablet comprises the following base ingredients.

Answer: Mannitol

Mannitol is a common excipient used as a diluent and sweetener in chewable tablets. It is favored for its pleasant, cool taste, non-cariogenic properties, and good compressibility. Its solubility and mouthfeel make it an ideal base ingredient for formulations designed to be chewed and dissolved in the mouth.