Drug Classifications and Actions Flashcards

Which classification of drugs is used to dissolve existing blood clots in emergencies such as stroke?

Answer: Thrombolytics

Thrombolytics like alteplase dissolve existing clots and are used in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

A resident taking a calcium channel blocker most likely has which condition?

Answer: Hypertension or angina

Calcium channel blockers reduce heart rate and dilate vessels, making them effective for hypertension and angina.

What is the therapeutic effect of a laxative?

Answer: Promote bowel movements

Laxatives stimulate or facilitate bowel movements and are used to treat constipation.

Which drug classification includes medications that mimic or enhance the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine?

Answer: Dopaminergics

Dopaminergic agents like levodopa increase dopamine activity and are used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Aspirin at low doses (81 mg) is commonly classified as which type of agent?

Answer: Antiplatelet

At low doses, aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation, making it an antiplatelet agent for cardiovascular prevention.

Which classification of drugs reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump?

Answer: Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole irreversibly block the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme (proton pump) in parietal cells.

A medication aide is giving levothyroxine. What is the therapeutic classification of this drug?

Answer: Thyroid hormone replacement

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism.