MS Pharmacology & Drug Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication class is commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production by blocking the proton pump?
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (Correct answer)
- H2 blockers
- Antacids
- Anticholinergics
Correct answer: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole block the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, reducing gastric acid secretion.
Question 2: A physician writes 'ondansetron 4 mg IV PRN nausea q6h.' What does PRN mean?
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Before noon
- Per rectum now
- Prescribed regularly nightly
Correct answer: As needed
PRN is from Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed' — the drug is given only when the condition arises.
Question 3: Which suffix most commonly identifies a medication as a beta-blocker?
- -olol (Correct answer)
- -pril
- -sartan
- -statin
Correct answer: -olol
Beta-blockers typically end in '-olol,' as seen in metoprolol, atenolol, and carvedilol.
Question 4: In a medication order, what does the abbreviation 'SL' indicate about the route of administration?
- Sublingual (Correct answer)
- Subcutaneous large
- Slow-release
- Saline lock
Correct answer: Sublingual
SL stands for sublingual, meaning the medication is placed under the tongue for rapid mucosal absorption.
Question 5: Which controlled substance schedule has the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in the US?
- Schedule I (Correct answer)
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
Correct answer: Schedule I
Schedule I substances (e.g., heroin, LSD) have no accepted medical use and the highest abuse potential.
Question 6: A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value does the medical team monitor to assess anticoagulation effectiveness?
- INR (International Normalized Ratio) (Correct answer)
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Correct answer: INR (International Normalized Ratio)
INR measures prothrombin time and is used to monitor warfarin therapy and adjust dosing.
Question 7: Which term describes an unexpected and severe immune-mediated drug reaction that can be life-threatening?
- Anaphylaxis (Correct answer)
- Tolerance
- Synergism
- Tachyphylaxis
Correct answer: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction involving IgE-mediated immune response.
MS Pharmacology & Drug Administration 3
Which medication class is commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production by blocking the proton pump?