MACE Drug Classifications and Actions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which classification of drugs is used to dissolve existing blood clots in emergencies such as stroke?
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Thrombolytics (Correct answer)
- Hemostatics
Correct answer: Thrombolytics
Thrombolytics like alteplase dissolve existing clots and are used in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
Question 2: A resident taking a calcium channel blocker most likely has which condition?
- Depression
- Hypertension or angina (Correct answer)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
Correct answer: Hypertension or angina
Calcium channel blockers reduce heart rate and dilate vessels, making them effective for hypertension and angina.
Question 3: What is the therapeutic effect of a laxative?
- Reduce stomach acid production
- Promote bowel movements (Correct answer)
- Slow intestinal motility
- Absorb excess fluid in the colon
Correct answer: Promote bowel movements
Laxatives stimulate or facilitate bowel movements and are used to treat constipation.
Question 4: Which drug classification includes medications that mimic or enhance the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine?
- Anticholinergics
- Dopaminergics (Correct answer)
- Serotonin antagonists
- GABA agonists
Correct answer: Dopaminergics
Dopaminergic agents like levodopa increase dopamine activity and are used to treat Parkinson's disease.
Question 5: Aspirin at low doses (81 mg) is commonly classified as which type of agent?
- Analgesic
- Antiplatelet (Correct answer)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antipyretic
Correct answer: Antiplatelet
At low doses, aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation, making it an antiplatelet agent for cardiovascular prevention.
Question 6: Which classification of drugs reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump?
- H2 blockers
- Antacids
- Proton pump inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Anticholinergics
Correct answer: Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole irreversibly block the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme (proton pump) in parietal cells.
Question 7: A medication aide is giving levothyroxine. What is the therapeutic classification of this drug?
- Antithyroid agent
- Thyroid hormone replacement (Correct answer)
- Adrenal corticosteroid
- Parathyroid hormone
Correct answer: Thyroid hormone replacement
Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism.
MACE Drug Classifications and Actions 3
Which classification of drugs is used to dissolve existing blood clots in emergencies such as stroke?