NCCPA Pharmacology 3

Question 1

Which antiepileptic drug inhibits sodium channels AND is a first-line agent for trigeminal neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Carbamazepine

Answer

Carbamazepine is the drug of choice for trigeminal neuralgia and works by stabilizing inactivated sodium channels.

Question 2

A patient receiving aminoglycoside therapy should be monitored for which two major adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity

Answer

Aminoglycosides are directly toxic to renal proximal tubule cells and cochlear/vestibular hair cells, causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Question 3

A patient with type 2 diabetes develops lactic acidosis while on metformin. Which condition most likely precipitated this complication?

Accepted Answer

Acute kidney injury

Answer

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis occurs when renal failure allows metformin to accumulate, inhibiting hepatic lactate clearance.

Question 4

Which anticoagulant's effect can be reversed by protamine sulfate?

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes heparin through ionic interactions, reversing its anticoagulant effect.

Question 5

Which immunosuppressant inhibits calcineurin, thereby blocking IL-2 transcription and T-cell activation?

Accepted Answer

Cyclosporine

Answer

Cyclosporine binds cyclophilin to inhibit calcineurin, preventing NFAT dephosphorylation and IL-2 gene transcription.

(NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Practice Test