Medical Reactions or Conditions Flashcards
7 cards from real MACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Reactions or Conditions flashcards as text
Which medication reaction involves the immune system producing IgE antibodies upon first exposure and triggering symptoms upon re-exposure?
Answer: Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reaction
Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, with sensitization on first exposure and rapid symptom onset (urticaria, anaphylaxis) on re-exposure.
A resident on lithium for bipolar disorder shows coarse hand tremors, confusion, and vomiting. The medication aide should suspect:
Answer: Lithium toxicity
Coarse tremor, confusion, and GI symptoms in a lithium-treated patient indicate toxicity, which is a medical emergency due to lithium's narrow therapeutic index.
A resident taking a calcium channel blocker develops ankle swelling without signs of infection. This is MOST likely:
Answer: Peripheral edema, a common side effect of calcium channel blockers
Peripheral edema, particularly ankle swelling, is a well-known and common side effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers due to vasodilation.
Which sign best distinguishes hypoglycemia from hyperglycemia in a diabetic resident?
Answer: Diaphoresis and shakiness suggest hypoglycemia; increased thirst suggests hyperglycemia
Diaphoresis (sweating) and shakiness are adrenergic signs of hypoglycemia; hyperglycemia produces polydipsia and polyuria with gradual onset.
A resident who recently started an antipsychotic medication is holding his neck in an awkward twisted position and appears distressed. This most likely indicates:
Answer: Acute dystonia, an extrapyramidal side effect
Acute dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal posturing) is a well-known extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications.
When a resident's skin turns yellow (jaundiced) while taking acetaminophen regularly, the medication aide should recognize this as a possible sign of:
Answer: Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
Jaundice indicates elevated bilirubin from liver damage (hepatotoxicity), a serious adverse effect of acetaminophen overdose or chronic overuse.
A resident on a statin for high cholesterol reports severe muscle pain and dark brown urine. The medication aide should recognize this as a sign of:
Answer: Rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect requiring immediate reporting
Severe myalgia with dark urine (myoglobinuria) in a statin user indicates rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure.