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Pharmacology and Therapeutics Flashcards

7 cards from real NBDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pharmacology and Therapeutics flashcards as text

  1. Which drug used for conscious sedation in dentistry works by antagonizing histamine H1 receptors AND producing anticholinergic effects?

    Answer: Hydroxyzine

    Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative properties commonly used for preoperative anxiolysis in dental settings.

  2. Nitrous oxide produces analgesia primarily by which mechanism?

    Answer: Endogenous opioid peptide release and NMDA receptor antagonism

    Nitrous oxide activates endogenous opioid pathways and inhibits NMDA receptors, contributing to its analgesic and anxiolytic properties.

  3. A diabetic patient on metformin requires oral surgery under general anesthesia. What is the primary concern regarding metformin perioperatively?

    Answer: Risk of lactic acidosis if renal perfusion is compromised

    Metformin is associated with lactic acidosis when renal function is compromised, a risk that increases during surgery due to hemodynamic changes and contrast use.

  4. Which drug is the treatment of choice for acute anaphylaxis occurring in the dental office?

    Answer: Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM (1:1,000)

    Intramuscular epinephrine into the anterolateral thigh is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its rapid reversal of vasodilation and bronchoconstriction.

  5. Which antifungal drug used for oral candidiasis inhibits ergosterol synthesis by blocking lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase?

    Answer: Fluconazole

    Fluconazole inhibits fungal CYP450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity.

  6. Chlorhexidine gluconate used as an oral rinse works primarily by which mechanism?

    Answer: Disrupting bacterial cell membranes and precipitating cytoplasmic contents

    Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisguanide that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, causing leakage of cellular contents and bactericidal activity.

  7. A patient taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis requires a tooth extraction. The MOST significant concern is:

    Answer: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

    Bisphosphonates suppress osteoclast activity and reduce bone vascularity, predisposing patients to MRONJ following dentoalveolar surgery.