NBDE Pharmacology and Therapeutics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with a known true allergy to procaine requires local anesthesia for a restorative procedure. Which of the following local anesthetics would be the safest to administer?

Accepted Answer

Lidocaine

Answer

Tetracaine

Answer

Benzocaine

Answer

Propoxycaine

Question 2

A 45-year-old patient is taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation and requires an analgesic for post-extraction pain. Which of the following medications should be avoided due to a significant drug interaction that increases the risk of bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Oxycodone

Answer

Tramadol

Question 3

According to the most recent American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, which of the following cardiac conditions is considered a high-risk factor that requires antibiotic prophylaxis before an invasive dental procedure?

Accepted Answer

A prosthetic cardiac valve

Answer

Mitral valve prolapse

Answer

Previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Answer

A cardiac pacemaker

Question 4

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for nystatin when used to treat oral candidiasis?

Accepted Answer

Binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, causing leakage

Answer

Inhibiting fungal DNA gyrase

Answer

Disrupting fungal cell wall synthesis

Answer

Inhibiting fungal protein synthesis at the 30S ribosomal subunit

Question 5

A dentist prescribes triazolam for an adult patient with severe dental anxiety to be taken prior to the appointment. Which of the following is the most critical post-operative instruction for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Arrange for a responsible adult to provide transportation home.

Answer

Avoid eating grapefruit for 24 hours after the appointment.

Answer

Take the medication on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

Answer

Remain in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after the procedure.

Question 6

Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with the use of codeine for post-operative dental pain that often limits its use?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Xerostomia

Answer

Bruxism